Fantasy411: Top 10 players to stash for now

July 27th, 2017

You tinker with your fantasy squad's starting lineup, looking to have the best possible player at every position.
But did you know that your bench could make the difference between ultimate fantasy success or defeat? For those who have the reserve space, stashing premium prospects or injured big leaguers -- guys who can make a difference tomorrow, if not today -- makes a ton of sense. Without further ado, let's review 10 players worth hoarding for the time being.
Rhys Hoskins, first baseman, Phillies
Having compiled 62 home runs since the outset of last season, Hoskins is arguably the most powerful player in the Minor Leagues. And the first baseman compliments his potent power stroke with solid contact skills, striking out just 66 times across 414 plate appearances this year. Owners who need a power source should stash Hoskins now, in hopes that the Phillies can find a trade partner for Tommy Joseph by July 31.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues

, shortstop, Mets
The Mets' top prospect, Rosario is hitting .328 with 17 steals across 402 plate appearances with Triple-A Las Vegas this season. The 21-year-old natural shortstop could soon find a home atop New York's lineup while also grabbing a permanent spot in an unsettled Mets infield. And although he recently missed multiple games due to illness, Rosario is back in the 51's lineup and collected four hits on July 26.
Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
Ozzie Albies, shortstop, Braves
With the Braves sitting 8.5 games out of a Wildcard spot, the club may open a spot for Albies by trading veteran second baseman Brandon Phillies to a contending team. Additionally, Atlanta may view the 20-year-old as an option to replace recently demoted shortstop Dansby Swanson. Once Albies (51 steals since the outset of 2015) arrives, he should immediately become a useful asset for owners who need a speed boost.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues

, outfielder, Cardinals
Although he was struggling in July (.224 average, .628 OPS) prior to landing on the disabled list, Fowler has the potential to help shallow-league teams when he returns from a left wrist strain. The switch-hitter logged a double-digit steals total in each season from 2009-16, and he should post career-best marks in homers and RBIs this year.
Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues
, outfielder, Angels
Despite ranking fourth in the Majors with 25 steals, Maybin is sitting on waivers in many leagues after going cold at the dish (.128 average in July) prior to landing on the disabled list with an MCL sprain. But with steals in short supply in most leagues, the speedster -- who has logged 191 of his 322 plate appearances out of the leadoff spot -- could be a difference-maker once he returns to the lineup in August.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues

, outfielder, Nationals
Taylor was emerging as an exciting five-category asset by hitting .278 with 12 homers and 10 steals across 260 plate appearances before landing on the disabled list in early July with an oblique strain. Although his return is not on the immediate horizon, the 26-year-old could reward patient owners by flashing power and speed later this season as part of a Washington lineup that ranks third in the Majors with 548 runs scored.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues
, starter, Angels
Shoemaker struggled badly with the long ball before landing on the disabled list with a right forearm strain, allowing 15 homers across 77 2/3 innings (1.7 HR/9 rate). However, owners with DL space could grab the right-hander and hope that he can return in August and rediscover the form that resulted in a 2.83 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP across his final 20 outings last year.
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues
, starter, Pirates
While Glasnow has struggled during his big league opportunities (6.49 ERA, 1.79 WHIP), he should not fall off the fantasy radar. After all, the right-hander owns impressive lifetime statistics (1.98 ERA, 11.8 K/9 rate) in the Minors and has logged a 1.46 ERA with an eye-popping 13.3 K/9 rate across eight starts in Triple-A since being demoted June 10. Glasnow could make a major impact in the whiffs category if the Bucs decide that he could better help their postseason push than current rotation members (4.92 ERA) or (4.53 ERA).
Consider in: 12-team mixed leagues

Chance Adams, starter, Yankees
The Yankees rank among the top contenders for an AL postseason spot, featuring arguably the deepest bullpen in baseball and a lineup that ranks fourth in the Majors with 530 runs scored. And with the club still needing an impact starter to replace , the New York brain trust may decide to promote Adams (1.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP in 2017) rather than giving up more assets on the trade market.
Consider in: 15-team mixed leagues
, starter, Dodgers
Although he is a well-known injury risk who is currently dealing with a blister on his pitching hand, McCarthy has the potential to impact shallow leagues upon returning from the disabled list. With a 3.84 ERA (3.38 FIP) this season, the right-hander has the skills to win plenty of games in front of a Dodgers squad that ranks fifth in baseball in runs scored (524) and second in bullpen ERA (2.86).
Consider in: 10-team mixed leagues