Outlook Ben Brown
Ben Brown's dominant stretch makes him an essential fantasy start as he solidifies his rotation spot
Ben Brown has been electric for the third-place Cubs, posting a sparkling 1.92 ERA and 27 strikeouts over his last 28.1 innings. With Jameson Taillon sidelined with a hamstring strain, Brown's role as a mid-rotation staple is fully secure. He currently slots in as the number three starter, backed by a recent stretch of 200 consecutive batters faced without allowing a home run.
While Brown's current 1.78 season ERA is spectacular, our models project some regression toward a 3.91 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. However, his high-strikeout upside remains supported by a strong 9.06 K/9 rate. Even if his ratios normalize, his secure rotation spot makes this breakout look sustainable.
Brown is scheduled for a single home start this week on June 19 against the Blue Jays and Kevin Gausman. Given his lights-out form and the favorable matchup, he is an excellent option. Start him with confidence. Verdict: Start.
Updated 11 hrs ago
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Outlook Grant Taylor
Grant Taylor's elite high-leverage production makes him a must-start asset
Grant Taylor is excelling in a high-leverage role for the second-place White Sox, who currently sport a 38-32 record. Over his last 14 days, he has been dominant, tossing seven innings with a 2.57 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and eight strikeouts while securing two saves and four holds. With several key Chicago relievers currently sidelined on the injured list, Taylor has solidified his spot as a crucial late-innings weapon.
Taylor's recent surge is supported by an elite 13.72 K/9 rate and a 2.38 ERA on the season, marking a major step forward from his 4.91 ERA in 2025. While our models expect some regression toward a 3.32 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over the rest of the year, his outstanding swing-and-miss stuff and newly added pitch mix make this breakout sustainable. He should remain a premium source of strikeouts and holds with occasional save chances.
The White Sox face a six-game road trip this week with matchups against the Yankees and Tigers, meaning meetings with tough arms like Gerrit Cole and Tarik Skubal. Our data expects Taylor to log 4.2 innings with 4.8 strikeouts, a stellar 2.12 ERA, and a minuscule 0.66 WHIP. He is a premier start this week in all formats that reward holds and ratios.
Updated 11 hrs ago
