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Ron Rigney is here every week sharing his favorite bats and arms who are performing on a consistent basis yet flying under the radar in your weekly H2H points leagues!
Consistency Triple Play
The Triple Play here at Big Guy Fantasy Sports is geared toward the head-to-head players using the Consistency model. However, don’t go anywhere just yet you roto players! Each week I’ll highlight three bats and three arms that are consistently scoring points but may not be at the top of the total points category. No matter your league format, you need Consistency! Check out the Baseball Consistent Report by clicking here. Here we go!
Hitters
William Contreras, C – ATL
Catcher is usually a position that is anything but consistent, but there are a few guys who can provide solid production week in and week out. Contreras comes in at 13th in total fantasy points but ranks fifth in Clutch Rating (71%) at the position heading into Week 9. The younger brother of Cub Wilson, the Braves youngster is slashing .302/.386/.714 with seven homers, 14 RBI, and 13 runs scored. While I don’t expect this hot streak to keep up, especially the eye-popping slugging percentage, he’s got the chops to be a productive piece at a thin position. His K% of 26% is a bit concerning, but as long as he’s walking at a 13% clip, it minimizes the damage from the strikeouts. He’s most likely rostered in your league, but he’s definitely a trade target when he cools off a bit.
Christopher Morel, SS – CHC
This former international signing by the Cubbies has been my favorite waiver pickup thus far. The versatile 22-year-old has made a huge impact on the North Siders this season. Heading into 2022 Morel was ranked as the 21st prospect by MLB.com. I have him listed as a shortstop, and so do most sites, but he will play all over the diamond for the Cubs as long as he’s hitting. His batting eye has been impressive to this point, recording a .364 OBP, along with a 13% walk rate. His main contributions will be stolen bases and runs (6 and 13 respectively). He’s never been known for power but has the tools to contribute in almost every other category. Morel is 67% consistent on the season and is just inside the top 60 in fantasy points. My only concern is what they do with him when the offense is back to full health. It’s very possible he could fade back into obscurity, but there’s no reason to ride the hot hand until that happens.
Tommy Pham, OF – CIN
When Pham hasn’t been handing out fantasy football receipts, he’s actually been a steady fantasy contributor. In 2021, the veteran chipped in 15 homers and 14 steals and was more useful in OBP leagues with a slash of .229/.340/.383. His 2022 numbers are on pace for more of the same. He’s in a much worse lineup than he previously had been in as a member of the Padres, but Pham is a good enough player to produce those numbers again. Despite being ranked 47th in total fantasy points, he’s ranked sixth in Clutch Games at 71%. The one thing that could slow his production a bit is a trade to a contender where he loses at-bats. The Reds are a dumpster fire, and Pham is 34 years old and playing on a one-year deal. If he continues to be a productive piece that could bring some farm system depth, it only makes sense for Cincy to move him.
Pitchers
Tarik Skubal, SP – DET
If you’re a dynasty player, you’ve known about Skubal for a few years now. Even if you aren’t, you’ve learned who he is, and how good he is this season. After getting the tastes of the Majors the past couple of seasons, the former ninth-round pick has emerged as the ace of a young Tigers staff. Currently, he remains the only healthy starter that began the season in the rotation, as well as being the most consistent starter Detroit has. He currently sits at a 71% Clutch Rating, while ranking 28th in total points. His 2.12 ERA is currently 8th best in the Majors and he’s gotten to this point by being able to throw a whopping five pitches for consistent strikes. He’s not going to be available in your league, but he’s worth putting together a package for in dynasty leagues. He won’t be cheap, but he’s worth it. If you can’t get him, watch him every chance you can get as a fan. He’s something special.
Dane Dunning, SP – TEX
Let’s look at some targets that are a bit more attainable than Mr. Skubal. First up, is a post-hype guy who at age 27 might be finally figuring it out. Dunning currently sports a 71% Clutch Rating and is ranked just inside the top 40 starting pitchers in total points. His ERA is currently at 4.11, but his main damage has come in two starts in which he allowed 5 runs. Beyond those two, he’s allowed no more than three earned in any start. In five of his last six games, Dunning has recorded at least six punchouts as well. Right now could be the time to get him, as he still remains low-owned. I’m not expecting Corbin Burnes type numbers, but Dunning is shaping into a useful and consistent fantasy piece.
Corey Kluber, SP – TB
There aren’t too many fan bases in MLB that would be excited when their team’s big free-agent signing is a 36-year-old, past his prime, recently injured starter. If you’re a Rays fan, like me, here we are. Even if you aren’t you know the Rays have a knack when it comes to signing older starters and getting consistent production. Like our first two subjects, Kluber also sports a 71% Clutch Rating but falls all the way down to 74th in total fantasy points among fantasy starters. That said, his ERA currently sits at 3.73, and his K/9 of 8.17 is down from his career mark of 9.71 which is understandable. However, it’s reassuring to see his BB/9 is also down to 1.42 from 2.04 over his career. It’s likely he deals with injury at some point as he hasn’t started more than 16 games since 2018, but if he can give you 20 good ones, it’s worth it considering the cost.
