As we enter Week 12 of the fantasy baseball season, astute managers have a chance to capitalize on undervalued assets. This week, five hitters shine: Willi Castro, Josh Smith, Miguel Vargas, Ryan McMahon, and Sal Frelick. Each of these players has shown potential for significant impact, making them worthy additions to your roster.

Willi Castro of the Minnesota Twins has returned from injury with impressive stats, batting .370 over his last seven games. Josh Smith's versatility and recent performance for the Texas Rangers have made him a key contributor. Meanwhile, Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox is establishing himself as a reliable hitter, while Ryan McMahon is leveraging Coors Field's advantages. Finally, Sal Frelick continues to impress with his solid batting average and base-stealing skills for the Milwaukee Brewers. These players present various opportunities for fantasy managers looking to enhance their lineups as the summer months approach.

The Colorado Rockies are facing an unprecedented season, with a current record of just 9 wins against 50 losses. This puts them on pace to break the record for the most losses in a major league season, a mark set just last year. Interim manager Warren Schaeffer emphasizes the importance of resilience, stating, 'You got to keep waking up and getting after it.' Despite their struggles, there have been glimmers of hope. After a dismal start, the Rockies managed to sweep the Miami Marlins, marking their first series win in 22 attempts. Young players like Mickey Moniak and Hunter Goodman are emerging as bright spots, showcasing potential for the future amidst the ongoing disarray.

However, the team still grapples with poor defensive metrics and the pressure of historic futility. Despite these challenges, the mindset appears to be shifting. Players are focusing on growth rather than dwelling on losses, with Moniak noting the team is learning and improving. Though their record remains bleak, recent performances indicate a desire to build on their successes as they continue to navigate a difficult season.

The New York Yankees are exploring potential trades as the MLB deadline approaches, particularly for Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. The Yankees' infield has been underwhelming, and acquiring McMahon could address this. Despite a slow start, McMahon has hit seven homers and boasts an .855 OPS in recent games. He is a solid defender and was an All-Star last season, providing a significant upgrade for the Yankees' infield.

With McMahon's arrival, other players could shift positions, improving the team’s overall lineup. Chisholm Jr. could return to second base, enhancing their defensive capabilities. McMahon is under contract until 2027, making him a valuable asset. The Yankees are also considering other infield options, but McMahon stands out due to his combination of power and defensive skills.

In the current fantasy baseball landscape, identifying sell-high candidates can be a challenging yet rewarding strategy for managers navigating the trade market. Players like Byron Buxton and Jeremy Peña, who are enjoying breakout seasons, may not maintain their current production levels due to historical injury concerns and unsustainable performance metrics, respectively. Buxton, despite a solid .273 average and 12 homers, has struggled to stay on the field, while Peña's high BABIP might not be indicative of his long-term potential.

Others like Jacob Wilson and Hunter Goodman are also highlighted as players who are performing above expectations. Wilson's incredible batting average of .360 seems unlikely to be sustainable, given his subpar exit velocity. Similarly, Goodman, while thriving as a catcher, may find himself under pressure as the season progresses. In contrast, veterans like José Altuve are also mentioned; while he remains productive, his recent performance metrics raise questions about his long-term value. The overarching theme is that fantasy managers should not get too attached to players who are currently overperforming, as trends suggest regression is likely.

On June 18, the Colorado Rockies (16-57) face off against the Washington Nationals (30-43) at Nationals Park. Recently, the Rockies displayed a power surge, setting a franchise record with seven home runs in a 10-6 victory over the Nationals, marking their third consecutive win while Washington continues to struggle, now on a 10-game losing streak. Rockies pitcher Germán Márquez, despite a rocky season with a 6.62 ERA, has shown flashes of brilliance, and the Nationals will look to Mitchell Parker, who has a 4.84 ERA but struggled in his last outing, allowing six earned runs. The odds favor the Nationals slightly on the moneyline, and with both teams' current form, the over of 9 total runs seems enticing.