Catcher scarcity still haunts standard leagues, with the position posting an OPS 33 points below the league average this century. Managers stuck with underperforming backstops can look to two young hands showing promise. Francisco Alvarez of the Mets has raised his strike‑zone contact to 84.9% and flirted with a .260 average, while Carter Jensen of Kansas City has already homered three times in nine starts and enjoys a daily rotation spot with Salvador Perez.

Beyond the plate, the Athletics’ arm Jeffrey Springs has posted 54 fantasy points, eclipsed by only ten starters, including a seven‑inning shutout at Yankee Stadium. His changeup swing‑and‑miss ability and solid command make him a reliable weekly addition, especially as his next outings land at pitcher‑friendly Sutter Health Park.

For those eyeing matchup edges, the Rockies' upcoming six‑game stretch against the Astros and Dodgers offers left‑handed hitters like Mickey Moniak and TJ Rumfield a boost, while deeper‑league prospects Noah Schultz and Javier Assad provide upside for larger rosters. Adding any of these players now gives managers a concrete path to shore up weak spots without overhauling their lineups.