Week 21 of the MLB season brings another FAAB sprint for fantasy managers, with Week 21 covering August 18–24. The guide focuses on free agents owned in Yahoo leagues at under 40%, offering concrete FAAB dollar targets for hitters, pitchers, and notable prospects. Adrian Del Castillo leads the hitters list for Arizona, listed at 5% rostered with a recommended FAAB bid that could pay off behind a thinning catcher landscape. The piece also notes the Cubs’ August spark from a promoted hitting prospect as a potential league-winner in many leagues.

On the pitching side, the article highlights under-the-radar arms who could fill upside roles in shallow rosters or bolster bullpen depth as closers shift after the trade deadline. It also covers prospects to monitor and provides specific dollar allocations to optimize returns without draining the FAAB budget. Readers are encouraged to leverage lineup tools, BvP PvB data, and injury reports when placing bids, ensuring each add has a clear path to contributing across multiple categories.

Diamondbacks scored in the first inning for the sixth straight game, the longest first-inning run streak in MLB this season. Adrian Del Castillo launched a three-run homer, his first of the year, to push Arizona ahead 3-0 against Colorado. Gurriel Jr. supplied an RBI single in last night’s win and added an RBI double on Saturday, keeping Arizona’s offense in gear. The club extended a seven-game window of multi-run outputs inside the first three frames, tying Philadelphia for the majors’ longest stretch this season.

The MLB Trade Deadline is fast approaching, with insights into players who could gain relevance post-deadline. Focus shifts from marquee names to players likely to step into larger roles. For instance, Josh Bell, a 1B from the Washington Nationals, has shown promise with his improved contact rate. Similarly, Coby Mayo of the Baltimore Orioles is positioned for more at-bats, potentially opening opportunities for younger talents like him. The Arizona Diamondbacks' Adrian Del Castillo and Jordan Lawlar might benefit from roster changes as well.

Pitchers like Nestor Cortes and Kyle Bradish could also find themselves in favorable situations if trades transpire. The changing landscape offers a unique chance for savvy fantasy managers to capitalize on these emerging players.

Corbin Burnes continues to build momentum this Spring Training, having completed his third start against the Chicago Cubs. The Arizona Diamondbacks expect him to make a total of six starts before the regular season begins. Burnes, now halfway through his preparation, emphasizes that he judges his performances by how his body feels and the effectiveness of his pitches, rather than the raw numbers he posts against various competitors.

In his last outing, he pitched 2.1 innings, striking out two but allowing one run on two hits. Focused on developing his breaking balls, particularly the curveball, he was pleased with their performance, though his sinker and cutter did not meet his expectations. Burnes’ velocity is notably impressive, reaching up to 96.9 mph with his sinker, attributed largely to adjustments made with new pitching coach Brian Kaplan.

Burnes also highlighted the importance of establishing rapport with his catchers, including Adrian Del Castillo, who caught him for the first time this Spring. This dynamic is crucial for a successful season, and Burnes is committed to honing these relationships. Off the field, Burnes engaged with teammates by arranging a taco truck lunch, further fostering team camaraderie. As the Diamondbacks look to compete in October, Burnes is perceived as a vital leader, embodying both professionalism and a strong commitment to the team's success.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired catcher René Pinto off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, bolstering their roster as they head into the 2024 season. Pinto's journey to Arizona has been eventful; he joined the Orioles in November after being picked up from the Tampa Bay Rays but was designated for assignment in January to clear space for pitcher Charlie Morton.

Pinto's career began in the Rays' organization after signing as an international free agent in 2013. He made his MLB debut in 2022, contributing a -0.2 WAR in 25 games. His performance improved in 2023, where he recorded a .252 batting average, six home runs, and a 0.4 WAR in 38 games.

Despite a promising trajectory, Pinto found himself in a crowded catching situation with the Diamondbacks, where he will compete for playing time against incumbent starter Gabriel Moreno and backups José Herrera and Adrian Del Castillo. Each of these players brings different strengths to the team, adding to the competition for opportunities behind the plate as Spring Training approaches.