BATTERS: Early deep-league targets

As we did with starting pitchers this week, let's help you target where to spend your speculative dollars on hitters if you play in a deep league.

Here are a bunch of bats in each league worth pursuing if you play in a deep league.
 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Alex Avila (C/1B, DET) has gotten off to a quick start in his return season back in DET (1.076 OPS in 52 AB), and he now qualifies at both C and 1B in most leagues. While a crazy 47% h% and 31% HR/F certainly has propped up his surface stats, his elite 240 xPX confirms his power is real, and he's still drawing walks at a high rate (17% bb%). He's also making more hard contact (148 HctX) than at any point in his career. He's a good second catcher stash while he's on a roll.

Robinson Chirinos...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Batters

Nick Castellanos isn't showing any underlying signs that he can rebound from his slow start to the season.
Apr 20 2026 3:05am
Tyler Stephenson's modest early surface results are overshadowing some electric batted ball quality.
Apr 13 2026 3:06am
Drake Baldwin has entrenched himself in the second spot in the lineup, plus other hitters seeing a rise or decline in value based on the batting order.
Apr 10 2026 3:06am
Jordan Walker has been the game's exit velocity leader in the very early going, supported by a steep reduction in his chase rate.
Apr 6 2026 3:06am
Angel Martinez's electric spring and ability to play multiple positions make him an intriguing early bench stash.
Mar 30 2026 3:06am

Tools