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The American League West offers some good value in terms of Tersh players, the underappreciated lineup fillers that get us by. There is an intriguing mix of impressive Statcast pages from bats and arms, and some younger talent worthy of possible long term attention on your fantasy teams Let's take a closer look...

Houston Astros

Yanier Diaz (42% rostered) is worth a look in 2 catcher leagues. He frequently finds his way on fantasy teams because of his position and playing time when he is healthy. He had a breakout 2014 campaign in which he hit for average and power, struggled to start his 2025 season but still finished with 20 home runs. He hits lefties and righties equally well, and a second half surge could be in the cards again.  Cam Smith (11% rostered) is the definition of Tersh. He gets added and dropped frequently, in part because of his prospect pedigree, and in part because when he hits, he can fill up 5 categories in a week. The underlying metrics suggest that his fantasy numbers should be better. He hits the ball hard, has the ability to hit for average and power, and adds a bit of speed. For some reason, it just hasn’t happened in full just yet, but it could be coming. He homered twice last night and has 5 in the past 20 games to go along with a .514 SLG and a 50% Hard-Hit %.

You could do worse to fill a rotation hole than Peter Lambert  (37% rostered). He has 6 Ws already to go along with an ERA of 3.51 and WHIP of 1.18. He is steady and a definite matchup play. I had originally intended to put Tatsuya Imai on this list, but he graduated Tersh status, crawling over the 50% threshold. If he dips below again, it most likely means he got lit up again, so be careful. 

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have a bunch of hitters who can help fantasy teams but nobody stands out completely. Jorge Soler (15% rostered) is probably the standout name on this list, and he proved earlier in the season he could carry a fantasy lineup for a week or two. He has had strong seasons in the past in the power department but is extremely streaky. He has already basically matched last year’s production in counting stats in 46 fewer at bats so he is one of his “on” seasons I guess.  Nolan Schanuel (10% rostered) is typically a solid source of batting average, and after battling some injuries has put together a solid past two weeks, hitting .302 with 8 Runs and 6 RBIs. His counting stats won’t wow you too much, but he has a little pop and does enough to hold his own with Runs and RBIs. The Angels have recently promoted some younger players who might give injury riddled fantasy lineups a boost. Denzer Guzman (4% rostered) has hit better this season than in his initial introduction to the bigs last season. In his first 71 at bats, he is hitting .268 with 3 HR to go along with 13 RBIs and 7 Runs. He is also eligible at 3B and SS. Another younger player with dual eligibility is Donovan Walton (2% rostered). I like Walton a lot, but he only plays vs RHP so make sure you check upcoming matchups. In his first 85 at bats, he has hit .318 with 13 Runs and 12 RBIs. I like a player who fills the batting average category neatly when in the lineup.  Walbert Urena (34% rostered) has been a solid contributor as a SP. He Ks just about a batter per inning with an ERA just north of 3 and a WHIP that won’t kill you. The Statcast page is fantastic so a SP with upside who has been solid already is a great asset for your team. 

Athletics

I touched on the Athletics a week ago when addressing the ballpark. Any homestand is a worthy opportunity to roster A’s. In daily leagues, any three game series is worthy of consideration. I love this team as a source of fantasy production. Lawrence Butler (35% rostered) has started to resemble the fantasy player we fell in love with the second half of 2024. He’s hit just under .300 the past month and he has speed and power. He is still looking like a straight platoon player, but on the strong side. A guy I have some shares of in different leagues is Henry Bolte (15% rostered). He’s been great for my teams. He plays everyday, hiatus leadoff of late, and basically has filled 4 categories steadily, already reaching double digits in steals. The power will come. The kid kian flat out hit and he runs as well. Leadoff hitters who hit for average, steal bases, and fill categories benefitting from a solid supporting cast and ballpark are the kind of Tersh players who find a permanent home on teams. In dynasty leagues, he probably already has a home, and should. An interesting resurgence has come from  Jonah Heim (2% rostered). Over the past month, the catcher, who DHs as well, has hit .279 with 6 long balls and double digit Runs and RBIs, while recently hitting cleanup in spots. And he’s a catcher. The Athletics have two pitchers worthy of your attention, but I would be careful using them in Sacramento.  J.T. Ginn (41% rostered) has been more than solid. He has steady ratios with an ERA of 3.15 and WHIP of 1.22. He won’t kill you in Ks and he has 6 wins. I have always had a soft spot for  Jack Perkins (6% rostered). The Statcast page looks great and his stuff is fantastic. If the A’s commit to him as a starter and stop playing the back and forth game, he can help your team. He has 62 Ks in 51 innings and can miss bats. He’s with a look, but again, probably not at home if possible. 

Seattle Mariners

It is kind of silly that Dominic Canzone (16% rostered) is so under-rostered, but I also get it, because it is even sillier that a team that is so terrible vs LHP won’t give their Statcast darling a shot to hit against southpaws. I’ll let that page tell the story.

Colt Emerson (17% rostered) is also a guy that should be on more teams. Eligible at SS and 3B, he hasn’t hit for average but in just over 100 at bats, has 7 HR to go along with 15 Runs and 17 RBIs. And he has prospect pedigree. That will play. Cole Young (11% rostered) has been quietly very good. He has 40 RBIs and close to 40 Runs this season. He is a solid contributor across 4 categories if you are in need of a 2B or MI.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers have a couple of bats that if used properly can help your team significantly. Jake Burger (29% rostered) sits just outside the top 100 on Yahoo. He has not been his typical batting average drain, as he has hit close to .260 and he has over 50 RBIs and close to 40 Runs to go along with 14 HR. I have always enjoyed a hot Burger, as his second half production in 2024 carried my fantasy teams. Another player who fueled runs in 2024 was Joc Pederson (5% rostered). Pederson will help your fantasy team when used properly. You have to check the matchups a week out, target those weeks the Rangers face a steady dose of RHP, and then unleash him. He is average if used incorrectly, but great when used correctly. If you like a player who is eligible everywhere, Ezekiel Duran (37% rostered) is your guy. His fantasy production mirrors his eligibility to some extent, as he can be useful in all 5 categories and will not kill you in any. A fresh bat to consider is Cameron Cauley (1% rostered), He tripled and scored twice in his MLB debut last night and he took close to 30 bags in the minors without permission. He might be a niche category guy, but we love prospects. I would pay attention to his first few games to see if there is anything there.

As always, add with caution and don't expect to fall in love right away.

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