7 Second-Half Bold Predictions (Fantasy Baseball)

Many things this season are as we expected, but we’ve also seen some crazy surprises too, like the emergence of Cedric Mullins II and Freddy Peralta. What other shocking performances could the second half of the season have in store? We’ve invited our featured experts to chime in with their thoughts on what improbable results may be more possible than you might think.

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Q1. What is your bold prediction for the second half of the season?

“J.D. Davis will return to the Mets’ lineup after the All-Star break, performing as a top-50 player through the remainder of the season (and he is only 37% rostered in Yahoo! Leagues). While he is far from sure-handed as a defender, the Mets desperately need offensive help as they lead only the Pittsburgh Pirates in runs per game, which means as long as Davis is hitting, he will be in the lineup, even if he is a defensive liability. Davis had a breakout 2019, followed by a letdown 2020, but as we have seen across the league, 2020 was a fluke season for many. He opened up the 2021 season blazing hot, resembling an even better version of his 2019 self, and I am a true believer that as long as he stays healthy, he will continue to mash baseballs.”
– Michael Petropoulos (BRoto Fantasy)

“Logan Gilbert is a top-20 starting pitcher. Gilbert’s overall numbers (3.51 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 27.2% strikeout rate) are really impressive. But after his first two starts, when his command was lacking a bit (probably due to nerves), he’s been even better, pitching to a 2.57 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP, and a 28.2% strikeout rate. Gilbert has largely relied on his outstanding 95 MPH fastball and his great slider. But he’s started to incorporate his changeup more of late, throwing it at least 11% of the time in three of his past four starts, and it’s been highly successful (0.99 xBA, 0.92 xwOBA). Gilbert has the stuff and the Mariners should continue to scratch out enough victories to keep his win potential high enough, especially with his innings potential.”
– Dan Harris (FantasyPros)

“Edwin Diaz finishes the season as the Major League leader in saves. Currently sitting at ninth in saves with 18, I predict that he will leap over all other closers en route to a Major League saves title. His fantastic 33% strikeout percentage this season is actually one of the worst marks of his career – and I predict it will rise in the second half. Diaz now has just a 2.43 ERA over the past two seasons with a 1.16 WHIP – which is rather on the unlucky side as it has come with a sky-high .345 BABIP. The Mets are poised to win a ton of close games, and Diaz should continue to get almost all of the save opportunities down the stretch.”
– Ariel Cohen (FanGraphs)

“Shohei Ohtani will hit no more than 15 home runs following the All-Star break. I’ll start off by saying that I don’t want this to happen. I’m a baseball fan who is in love with the entertainment value he has brought to the table. The numbers simply don’t support this incredible pace continuing, and that’s without factoring in the possibility that the two-way Ohtani might cede some at-bats to gain extra rest. Since 2000, there are 15 instances of a player hitting at least 30 home runs prior to the All-Star break. Eight times that player failed to eclipse 15 home runs in the ‘second half.’ The average? 15.8.”
– Mario Mergola (Sporfolio)

“The Minnesota Twins will have three top-30 fantasy outfielders from August until the season’s end. Injuries have derailed an outstanding start to the season for Byron Buxton, but we have finally seen him live up to his potential with a .369 average and 1.176 OPS over 103 at-bats. Alex Kirilloff and Max Kepler are both top-10 underachievers in SLG-xSLG and have also battled injuries they should be over now. If all three stay healthy, this could be an outstanding trio that provides a ton of power.”
– Pierre Camus (RotoBaller)

“Zack Wheeler competes with Jacob deGrom for the NL Cy Young Award and finishes as the best Phillies starting pitcher in 2021. Wheeler’s 2.26 ERA and 0.97 WHIP look sustainable with his .287 BABIP allowed and 78% LOB%. With a career-best 25.3% K-BB%, the increased velocity, and two breaking pitches with a 16% swinging-strike rate, Wheeler should keep dominating into the second half.”
– Corbin Young (FantasyData)

“Carlos Carrasco appears to finally be making progress on his way back to the Mets’ rotation. He brings a high K/9, and strong win equity to any fantasy rotation, but if he is truly 100%, Carrasco can finish as an SP1 for the remainder of the season upon his return with the way pitchers are dropping like flies. Pitching in the NL for a first-place team, ‘Cookie’ could be a potential league winner.”
– Joe Pisapia (FantasyPros)

Thank you to the experts for making their bold predictions. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter if you’re not already doing so and check out our latest podcast below for more great advice.