Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 25 Players Trending Up In Dynasty

Paul Skenes, RHP, Pirates (April Rank: 24 June Rank: 23 Movement: +71)

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft has been as advertised: A ready-made top of the rotation arm straight out of the draft. Over his first eight starts, Skenes owns a 2.14 ERA backed by a 2.25 xFIP while striking out 33.7% of batters he’s faced to a 4.4% walk rate. Since his promotion on May 11, Skenes ranks within the top 10 in MLB in ERA, xFIP, FIP, K% and Bb%. It’s been a truly dominant beginning to Skenes’ career, as he now ranks among the top five pitchers on the Dynasty Top 500.  

Jared Jones, RHP, Pirates (April Rank: 114 June Rank: 58 Movement: +56)

Before Skenes, it was Jones tantalizing Pirates fans with the promise of a potential ace. Over 15 starts spanning 86 innings, Jones has a 3.66 ERA supported by a 3.57 xFIP while striking out 26.5% of batters he’s faced to a 7.1% walk rate. Jones has ridden his high-90s fastball and plus-plus slider to tremendous results in his rookie season. 

Garrett Crochet, RHP, White Sox (April Rank: 245 June Rank: 67 Movement: +178) 

Crochet was a late-spring riser when it became obvious he would crack a spot in the White Sox rotation. Early returns were promising, and Crochett has blossomed into one of the most exciting starters in MLB. Over 17 starts spanning 94.1 innings, Crochet’s 3.05 ERA is underperforming his 2.39 xFIP, a number that ranks behind only Jack Flaherty and Tyler Glasnow. Crochet’s 34.9% strikeout rate in 2024 is second only to Glasnow, as well. Will the White Sox hold onto Crochet for the long term? Or could he be shipped out to a contender in the next month?

Dylan Cease, RHP, Padres (April Rank: 120 June Rank: 69 Movement: +51) 

After a down 2023 season where Cease’s command regressed, there’s been a noticeable improvement in execution in 2024. Over 16 starts with the Padres, Cease owns a 4.14 ERA, but his underlying ERA predictors are strong; his 7.4% walk rate is the lowest of his career. Cease’s average fastball velocity is up over a mph in 2024, and he’s leaned into his plus slider with improved strike throwing and results. 

Ezequiel Tovar, SS, Rockies (April Rank: 145 June Rank: 86 Movement: +59) 

Entering 2024, Baseball America’s fantasy department was high on Tovar and his potential to return value. Nearing the halfway point of 2024, it looks as if we might have actually been too low. Tovar has hit .285/.318/.483 with 12 home runs over 77 games. At just 22 years old, he is an everyday player with a glove that will tattoo his name onto the lineup card. He takes a slight hit in OBP formats, but Tovar looks to be just scratching the surface of his upside. Improvements to his over aggressive approach, however, are needed for the shortstop to take the next step into stardom. 

Jordan Westburg, 2B, Orioles (April Rank: 140 June Rank: 94 Movement: +46) 

It’s been a down year for offense league-wide, and that’s been reflected in the movement within our fantasy rankings. Westburg has been one of the biggest risers among position players near the top of the list. He’s hitting .273/.326/.505 with 13 home runs and six stolen bases across his first 72 games. Westburg ranks 48th overall on Razzball’s player rater system that rates overall fantasy value year-to-date in 5×5 roto leagues. Westburg is another talented young Orioles hitter cementing his place within the dynasty top 100 rankings. 

Spencer Steer, 1B/3B/OF, Reds (April Rank: 149 June Rank: 101 Movement: +48) 

After an excellent rookie campaign, Steer has slumped according to his slashline, but the underlying numbers point to a bounce back in the works. Despite a .239 average, Steer has ranked as the 72nd best player in 5×5 formats due to his combination of nine home runs and 12 stolen bases. Steer provides multi-position eligibility, as well, qualifying as a first baseman, third baseman and outfielder.

Jarren Duran, OF, Red Sox (April Rank: 201 June Rank: 109 Movement: +92) 

It’s no understatement to say that Duran has been Boston’s fantasy MVP. He currently ranks 14th overall on the Razzball player rater and is a top three scoring outfielder behind only Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. He’s hitting .293/.355/.486 with seven home runs and 20 stolen bases. His combination of contact, power and 40+ steal speed make him a valuable player for teams looking to compete in 2024. 

Ryan Pepiot, RHP, Rays (April Rank: 243 June Rank: 117 Movement: +126) 

The Rays acquired Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca in the Tyler Glasnow trade prior to the 2024 season. Pepiot hasn’t matched Glasnow’s value but has been a success with the Rays. While Pepiot has returned even value for fantasy managers in 2024, he’s showing swing and miss stuff with improved command. Pepiot’s strikeout ability is the selling point and main reason for his potential opportunity to further flourish in Tampa. We have a trade target tag on Pepiot in dynasty, as we expect the best is yet to come. 

Willy Adames, SS, Brewers (April Rank: 204 June Rank: 122 Movement: +82) 

After a down year in 2023, Adames has bounced back in a big way in 2024. His current strikeout and walk rates are the best of his career, while stealing a career high 10 bases. Adames is providing all-around value that makes him a top producer in all scoring formats. Adames currently ranks as the 39th-best player in 5×5 roto scoring formats per the Razzball player rater, and, at 28, Adames could be entering his prime production seasons. 

Marcell Ozuna, OF, Braves (April Rank: 244 June Rank: 127 Movement: +117) 

After a 40-home run campaign in 2023, many anticipated some regression from Ozuna. Instead he’s putting together one of the best seasons of his career in 2024. Ozuna ranks as the seventh-best player in fantasy, just behind Juan Soto, with a .314/.391/.594 line and 21 home runs. Ozuna is 33, but the aging curve on power-hitting DHs has been fairly strong over the years. 

Maikel Garcia, 3B, Royals (April Rank: 252 June Rank: 135 Movement: +117) 

It’s somewhat of a reflection on the current offensive environment that a hitter with a .236/.287/.345 slashline ranks 71st overall in the Razzball player rater. Garcia has flashed strong plate discipline skills and surprising raw power, while ranking top 10 in steals and top 25 in runs scored. At just 24 years old, Garcia looks like a player that could develop into a top talent in the coming years. 

Tanner Houck, RHP, Red Sox (April Rank: 429 June Rank: 141 Movement: +288) 

The Red Sox have been a surprise, as they’re well inside the playoff hunt heading into the halfway point of the season. At 27, the former first rounder is enjoying a true breakout season. Houck ranks 21st on the Razzball player rater and over 16 starts, his xFIP ranks seventh among qualified starters with the sixth-lowest walk rate. Houck’s 24.3% strikeout rate ranks 25th among starters and he’s showing a balance of command and stuff. 

Mackenzie Gore, LHP, Nationals (April Rank: 229 June Rank: +145) 

The Padres shipped Gore to the Nationals as a part of the Juan Soto trade, and while Soto is now with the Yankees, Gore is showing signs of a potential front of the rotation future. Over 15 starts this year, Gore owns a 3.49 ERA and a 3.27 xFIP while striking out 28.2% of batters he faced. He currently ranks inside the top 200 on the Razzball player rater and looks like a good buy in dynasty as he’s coming into his own at 25 years old. 

Teoscar Hernandez, OF, Dodgers (April Rank: 257 June Rank: 151 Movement: +106) 

The trade to the Dodgers rejuvenated Hernandez’s career, and his fantasy managers have reaped the rewards this season. Hitting .254/.321/.492 with 18 home runs and 54 RBIs, the Dodgers outfielder currently ranks 26th on the Razzball player rater, which is good for top five among the position. Only on a one-year deal, there’s some uncertainty to Hernandez’s future, but ride the wave while the times are good. 

Tyler O’Neill, OF, Red Sox (April Rank: 283 June Rank: 156 Movement: +127) 

Tyler O’Neill’s departure from the Cardinals was less than cordial, and I’m sure St. Louis fans don’t love watching O’Neill succeed in Boston. The power-hitting outfielder is putting together his first healthy season in two years and is hitting .261/.357/.538 with 15 home runs and the highest walk rate of his career. Despite a high strikeout rate, O’Neill has avoided the batting average drain and maintained strong on-base skills all season. At 29, O’Neill is blossoming in Boston. 

Andy Pages, OF, Dodgers (April Rank: 346 June Rank: 163 Movement: +183) 

Coming into the season, Pages was an intriguing offensive prospect with some spring buzz, but a cloudy playing time picture with the Dodgers. After some early season injuries and strong Triple-A production, Pages got the call to the Dodgers. He’s responded with solid production and some power. Pages is 23 for all of 2024 and has some runway to develop into a top 100 dynasty hitter within the next two seasons. 

Ranger Suarez, LHP, Phillies (April Rank: 384 June Rank: 191 Movement: +193) 

Perhaps the Phillies deserve more credit for their pitching development, as three of their five starters are home grown. The lefthanded Suarez has developed into a legitimate midrotation or better starter and is just 28 years old. At the moment, Suarez’s 1.75 ERA leads all of baseball, and his 2.77 xFIP ranks sixth. Suarez is showing improved command, more strikeouts and generates groundballs at a better than 50% rate. With a 90-92 mph sinker, Suarez is no stuff monster, but the quality of his arsenal and execution have him moving up the rankings.  

Luis Gil, RHP, Yankees (April Rank: Not Ranked June Rank: 199 Movement: +502)

Gil’s emergence as a dominant force in the Yankees rotation has to be among the biggest surprises on this list. After having Tommy John surgery in 2022, Gil is all the way back, sitting 96-97 mph with a plus slider. Over 15 starts spanning 81.1 innings, Gil has pitched to a 2.77 ERA backed by a 3.85 xFIP while striking out 29.3% of batters faced. How Gil will handle the significant innings jump as the second half wears on remains to be seen. There’s still some command woes, but it’s among the best starter stuff in baseball. 

Wilyer Abreu, OF, Red Sox (April Rank: 518 June Rank: 219 Movement: +299) 

Entering the season, the playing time situation seemed murky for Abreu in a crowded Red Sox outfield. He’s instead emerged as an everyday player and has shown a solid combination of power and speed. Abreu has slumped in June, but has still provided value for his managers in fantasy, hitting .264/.333/.472 with six home runs and seven stolen bases. 

Jack Flaherty, RHP, Tigers (April Rank: 478 June Rank: 225 Movement: +253)

Flaherty looked cooked after 2023. After three seasons struggling with health and effectiveness, the Cardinals shipped Flaherty to the Orioles where he made seven starts and pitched to a 6.75 ERA. Flaherty then signed a one year deal for $14 million with the Tigers and now looks ready to get paid on the open market in 2025. Over his first 14 starts, Flaherty is arguably one of the top three pitchers in baseball. He ranks first in xFIP with a 2.22 mark, he’s ninth in FIP, 15th in ERA and third in K/9 and second in K-BB%. Flaherty’s fastball velocity is up and he’s ditched his cutter and sinker while upping his slider usage.  

Joey Ortiz, 3B, Brewers (April Rank: 479 June Rank: 227 Movement: +252) 

The trade to the Brewers opened a clear path to playing time for Ortiz. Over his first 70 games, he is hitting .278/.383/.449 with six home runs and five stolen bases. Ortiz’s plate skills have been impressive as he’s struck out just 16% of the time while walking 13.9%. He’s shown some power, though it’s an area where a slight improvement could go a long way. Ortiz is a well-rounded player that provides strong defense in the infield while providing an above-average bat. At 25, Ortiz could be on the cusp of his prime years. 

Reynaldo Lopez, RHP, Braves (April Rank: Not Ranked June Rank: 243 Movement: +458)

Signing Lopez to a three-year, $30 million contract now looks like a stroke of genius by Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves. Among pitchers with 70+ innings pitched, Lopez’s 1.57 ERA ranks first. He is showing the best command of his career, as his called strike rate is at a career-high 16.6%. He’s working faster, throwing more strikes and his new look slider has been a major value boost year over year. Lopez falls into the category of unsexy, but reliable and productive starters. 

Jo Adell, OF, Angels (April Rank: Not Ranked June Rank: 247 Movement: +454) 

Even in an organization that was light on options entering the season, it was easy to write off Adell. While he’s still sporting a 30% strikeout rate with just a 6% walk rate, Adell has hit 12 home runs and stolen nine bases while hitting .181. It’s a difficult profile and you’ll need plenty of batting average cushion to roster and start Adell, but if you do, his power and speed combination is valuable. 

Brenton Doyle, OF, Rockies (April Rank: Not Ranked June Rank: 251 Movement: +450) 

A standout defensive center fielder Doyle was one of the worst statistical regulars in MLB last season. While he’s still a below-average hitter overall, a drastic drop in strikeout rate—down to 25.9% from 35% last year—has allowed Doyle to take a big step forward. He’s an outstanding athlete with average power and plus plus speed. So far this season, Doyle has six home runs and 18 stolen bases to go along with 43 runs. He’s a boom or bust option that can be unusable for long stretches. 

BONUS NAME TO WATCH

Ben Brown, RHP, Cubs (April Rank: 536. June Rank: 331. Movement: +205)

Brown had a 31% strikeout rate and some of the most impressive Triple-A Stuff+ in 2023. There were concerns, however, that his 16% walk rate hinted at a bullpen role. But Brown has managed a single-digit walk rate in the majors over his first 55 innings. He sits in the 89th percentile among pitchers for generating whiffs and strikeouts. Currently on the IL with a seemingly minor neck injury, Brown looks like he can stick in a rotation. His high-octane stuff could lead to a higher ceiling than we thought just two months ago.