Fantasy Baseball: April 13's Riser and Faller Rankings

Fantasy Baseball Season Insights

Every Monday, I bring you my updated top-250 fantasy baseball players, a crucial resource for both trade scouting and self-assessment of your team. With the season in full swing, let's see who's making moves up the rankings and who's tumbling down.

Risers

Oneil Cruz, OF, Pirates and Elly De La Cruz, SS, Reds

These two have been intertwined in the conversation since their ascent through the minors, and it's clear why. Both are not just making headlines but are also maturing into elite players this season. Oneil Cruz is leading the league with a dazzling .339 batting average, boasting five homers and six steals. A look at his Baseball Savant metrics reveals a hard-hit percentage that would make any scout's mouth water.

Elly De La Cruz is similarly explosive, returning to form after a dip in productivity last year. His .281 average in conjunction with five steals reflects a renaissance of sorts, showing a more selective eye at the plate that's essential for sustained success.

"The Cruz/De La Cruz conundrum has finally reached full bloom in 2026."

Michael Soroka, SP, Diamondbacks

It's hard not to get excited about Soroka's return to form. Recently, he has put up two games with double-digit strikeouts, quickly ticking off my podcast mate Michael Salfino's rule of thumb—10 strikeouts in a game is always worth considering. Soroka's health is paramount, and as he settles back into rhythm, he could be one of the major steals of the draft.

Mason Miller, RP, Padres

Traditionally, I've been hesitant to invest heavily in relief pitchers, given their volatility. But after observing Miller's electrifying start to the season, it's hard to ignore his dominance. With a staggering strikeout rate and an ERA sitting at an absurdly low 0.46, Miller is an asset you don't want to overlook. The Cy Young chatter might come sooner than expected!

Fallers

Cal Raleigh, C, Mariners

Raleigh's struggles early this season have been palpable, echoing a drop to a concerning .133 average amid a fanbase that had high hopes. His slow start is more alarming given the overall volatility of the catcher position. Perhaps we shouldn't expect the meteoric rise from last year, but whether he can stabilize his contributions is still debatable.

Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Tigers

While Torkelson isn't plummeting down the rankings, I did have to adjust his position slightly. Despite expected metrics being more favorable than results, the deeper Tiger lineup means he may continue to find himself batting lower in the order. This could hinder his opportunities substantially.

Holding Steady

Julio Rodríguez, OF, Mariners

Rodríguez has been a bit of a puzzle throughout the season, often slow off the blocks. His track record suggests patience is required as he typically finds his groove in the latter half. If you're in a trading league, now might be the time to hold onto him.

Concluding Thoughts

While fantasy options can shift week by week, making the right moves at the right time is key in this sport. I'll continue to provide the latest updates to help you navigate the tumultuous waters of fantasy baseball. Here's to making smart choices as we march ahead in this thrilling season!

For the full rankings and more detailed analyses, catch my complete list at Yahoo Sports.