Rising Stars: Fantasy Baseball Standouts in the NL East
In the early stages of the 2024 fantasy baseball season, several under-the-radar NL East players have emerged as potential difference-makers. Among them are pitchers Zack Littell and Reed Garrett, as well as infielder Luis García Jr.
Zack Littell, SP/RP, Rays
Despite being a converted starter with a relatively obscure past, Littell has made a significant impact for fantasy managers as a reliever for the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite allowing a season-high six runs in his last outing, Littell recorded seven strikeouts for the second straight outing. He has a strong 3.33 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 29/5 K/BB ratio across 27 innings (five starts). Littell’s combination of strikeout ability and the pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field make him a valuable fantasy asset, especially with a favorable matchup against a struggling White Sox lineup.
Luis García Jr., 2B, Nationals
García, a former top prospect who debuted at just 20 years old in 2020, has shown positive signs of improvement this season. He boasts a robust .317/.348/.476 triple-slash line with one homer, 10 RBI, and five stolen bases. The uptick in hard contact and stolen base attempts are particularly encouraging, giving him the potential to contribute across multiple fantasy categories.
Reed Garrett, RP, Mets
Garrett has been one of the most impressive relief pitchers in baseball this season, allowing just two unearned runs on five hits with an eye-popping 21/3 K/BB ratio across 10 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old has emerged as a high-leverage option for the Mets, replacing Edwin Díaz in the closer role. His almost exclusive reliance on a slider, sweeper, and splitter mix has led to a surge in strikeouts. While his dominance may not be sustainable, Garrett’s strikeout ability makes him an attractive option for deeper mixed leagues.
These rising stars offer fantasy managers the opportunity to add valuable depth and boost their rosters in the NL East.
