Weekly Top 20 Major League Performances! (2026-03-27 to 2026-04-02)

MLB Weekly Recap: 2026-03-27 to 2026-04-02

Top Performers

Sandy Alcantara, SP, MIA
2 G, 16.0 IP, 0 K, 0 ER, 0 BB

Sandy Alcantara dominated the opening week with two starts totaling 16 shutout innings, issuing zero walks and baffling hitters without a single strikeout through sheer command and movement. His gem performances anchored the Marlins’ rotation, helping secure key early wins as they pushed for a strong AL East start amid a competitive opening slate. In a week where Houston Astros steamrolled the Athletics 5-2 to 1-5 and Toronto Blue Jays topped the White Sox 4-2 to 1-5, Alcantara’s unhittable stuff set a tone for pitcher-friendly early conditions, boosting Miami’s divisional hopes.

Rank: #159
STS Projection: 3.99 ERA, 191 IP, 60 BB, 167 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.30 WHIP

Kevin Gausman, SP, TOR
2 G, 12.0 IP, 0 K, 1 ER, 0 BB

Kevin Gausman delivered a masterful week, tossing 12 innings across two starts with just one earned run and no walks, showcasing pinpoint control that silenced offenses. His efforts propelled the Blue Jays to a 4-2 mark against the struggling Chicago White Sox (1-5), solidifying Toronto’s early AL contention. As the Astros dominated Oakland 5-2 to 1-5 and Cleveland edged the Cubs 4-3 to 3-3, Gausman’s efficiency highlighted a trend of veteran arms thriving in crisp early-season weather, giving the Jays a rotation edge heading into divisional play.

Rank: #69
STS Projection: 3.68 ERA, 189 IP, 56 BB, 188 K, 9.0 K/9, 1.23 WHIP

Cam Schlittler, SP, NYY
2 G, 11.2 IP, 0 K, 0 ER, 0 BB

Prospect Cam Schlittler burst onto the scene with 11.2 scoreless innings over two outings, no walks or strikeouts needed as he induced weak contact masterfully. The Yankees benefited immensely, gaining momentum in the AL East race. With series like Dodgers over Nationals 4-2 to 3-3 and Padres slipping to Red Sox 2-4 to 1-5, Schlittler’s poise mirrored the league’s emphasis on command pitchers, positioning New York for a playoff push early while veterans like Chris Sale in Atlanta set high bars.

Rank: #134
STS Projection: 3.70 ERA, 155 IP, 64 BB, 160 K, 9.2 K/9, 1.32 WHIP

Chris Sale, SP, ATL
2 G, 12.0 IP, 0 K, 1 ER, 0 BB

Chris Sale was untouchable, logging 12 innings with one earned run, zero walks, and surgical precision across two starts. His dominance fueled the Braves’ hot start, complementing their lineup in a week of tight series like Reds-Rangers 3-3 to 4-2. Amid Astros’ rout of Athletics and Blue Jays’ win over White Sox, Sale’s return to ace form reinforced Atlanta’s NL East favoritism, proving health and velocity make him a Cy Young threat once more.

Rank: #13
STS Projection: 2.99 ERA, 184 IP, 52 BB, 209 K, 10.2 K/9, 1.12 WHIP

Gavin Williams, SP, CLE
2 G, 12.0 IP, 0 K, 3 ER, 0 BB

Gavin Williams impressed with 12 innings pitched, allowing only three earned runs and no walks, relying on groundballs and defense. Cleveland’s 4-3 edge over the Cubs (3-3) owed much to his stability, keeping games close in a balanced week. As Houston crushed Oakland and Toronto dispatched Chicago, Williams’ growth as a starter bolstered the Guardians’ AL Central lead, signaling their rotation depth amid emerging prospect surges league-wide.

Rank: #222
STS Projection: 3.93 ERA, 161 IP, 71 BB, 169 K, 9.4 K/9, 1.35 WHIP

Yordan Alvarez, DH, HOU
6 G, 10-21 (.476), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Yordan Alvarez scorched the Athletics for a .476 average with three homers, six RBI, a steal, and zero strikeouts or walks in six games, powering Houston to a 5-2 demolition of Oakland (1-5). His offensive explosion set the tone in a week of lopsided series like Blue Jays over White Sox, embodying the Astros’ championship pedigree. Alvarez’s hot streak amplified Houston’s lineup strength, positioning them as AL favorites early while hitters like Shea Langeliers chased power surges.

Rank: #9
STS Projection: 167.7 wRC+, 0.304/0.394/0.574, 35 HR, 5 SB, 91 Runs, 99 RBI

Shea Langeliers, C, ATH
6 G, 9-24 (.375), 5 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Shea Langeliers unleashed a monster week, slugging five homers and driving in eight runs at .375 with no strikeouts, providing rare pop for the Athletics despite their 1-5 skid against Houston (5-2). His power display offered bright spots in a tough slate including Dodgers-Nationals and Padres-Red Sox tilts. Langeliers’ breakout hinted at backstop potential, lifting Oakland’s spirits amid league trends of catcher production rising with prospects like Drake Baldwin shining elsewhere.

Rank: #210
STS Projection: 114.6 wRC+, 0.251/0.313/0.469, 30 HR, 6 SB, 75 Runs, 85 RBI

George Kirby, SP, SEA
2 G, 12.0 IP, 0 K, 5 ER, 0 BB

George Kirby grinded through 12 innings with zero walks, surrendering five earned runs but stabilizing Seattle’s rotation. His command limited damage in a competitive opening week mirroring Guardians-Cubs tightness. With Astros dominating and Blue Jays prevailing, Kirby’s consistency aided the Mariners’ AL West push, underscoring how control artists thrive early while peers like Alcantara posted shutouts.

Rank: #101
STS Projection: 3.73 ERA, 182 IP, 37 BB, 165 K, 8.2 K/9, 1.18 WHIP

Drake Baldwin, C, ATL
7 G, 8-28 (.286), 3 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Drake Baldwin slugged three homers and eight RBI in seven games at .286 clip without strikeouts, bolstering Atlanta’s offense alongside Sale and Lopez. The Braves capitalized in a week of parity like Reds-Rangers. Baldwin’s emergence complemented catcher trends seen in Langeliers, fortifying Atlanta’s NL contender status amid Houston’s dominance and early divisional grinds.

Rank: #67
STS Projection: 125.1 wRC+, 0.269/0.348/0.458, 24 HR, 1 SB, 76 Runs, 77 RBI

Reynaldo López, SP, ATL
2 G, 11.0 IP, 0 K, 2 ER, 0 BB

Reynaldo López excelled with 11 innings, two earned runs, and no walks, supporting Atlanta’s staff in a stacked week for Braves arms. His precision aided their push as Dodgers topped Nats and CLE bested CHC. López’s versatility shone amid league aces like Gausman and Sale, cementing Atlanta’s rotation as NL elite early on.

Rank: #331
STS Projection: 3.93 ERA, 139 IP, 51 BB, 137 K, 8.8 K/9, 1.31 WHIP

MLB Weekly Recap: March 27 – April 2, 2026

The opening week of the 2026 season featured intense matchups, with the Houston Astros surging to 5-2 against the Oakland Athletics (1-5), Texas Rangers holding a 4-2 edge over the Cincinnati Reds (3-3), and Los Angeles Dodgers posting 4-2 versus the Washington Nationals (3-3). Toronto Blue Jays dominated the Chicago White Sox 4-2 to 1-5, while San Diego Padres edged Boston Red Sox 2-4 to 1-5, and Chicago Cubs split with Cleveland Guardians at 3-3 to 4-3.

Top Performers

Taj Bradley, SP, MIN
2 G, 10.1 IP, 0 K, 1 ER, 0 BB

Taj Bradley emerged as a standout prospect for the Twins, delivering two strong outings with 10.1 innings pitched, surrendering just one earned run and zero walks despite no strikeouts. His pinpoint control stabilized Minnesota’s rotation amid early AL Central battles, allowing the team to compete closely with surging clubs like the 5-2 Astros. Bradley’s efficiency boosted the Twins’ pitching staff, setting a tone for prospect-driven success as the league saw tight series everywhere from Houston to Toronto.

Rank: #215.
STS Projection: 3.95 ERA, 169 IP, 58 BB, 166 K, 8.8 K/9, 1.29 WHIP

Liam Hicks, C, MIA
5 G, 7-15 (.467), 3 HR, 12 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Catcher Liam Hicks powered the Marlins with a scorching week, slashing .467 with three homers and 12 RBI across five games, all without a strikeout or walk. His torrid bat provided a spark for Miami in the NL East grind, mirroring hot starts from hitters in Dodgers’ 4-2 series win over Washington. Hicks’ production helped stabilize the lineup during a week of upsets like Boston’s 1-5 skid against San Diego, positioning the Marlins to chase division leaders early.

Rank: #929.
STS Projection: 92.8 wRC+, 0.236/0.335/0.338, 10 HR, 2 SB, 64 Runs, 52 RBI

Wilyer Abreu, RF, BOS
5 G, 9-20 (.450), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Wilyer Abreu lit up Fenway for the Red Sox, going .450 with three homers and six RBI in five games, contact flawless at zero strikeouts. Despite Boston’s rough 1-5 series loss to San Diego, Abreu’s power surge kept hopes alive in a competitive AL East, echoing explosions from stars in Astros’ 5-2 dominance over Oakland. His week highlighted prospect potential, offering a bright spot as the Sox aim to rebound from early deficits like those seen in Chicago White Sox’s 1-5 slump.

Rank: #186.
STS Projection: 108.5 wRC+, 0.239/0.323/0.427, 24 HR, 13 SB, 71 Runs, 75 RBI

Corbin Carroll, RF, ARI
6 G, 6-20 (.300), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Corbin Carroll fueled the Diamondbacks with a .300 week, including two homers and eight RBI over six games, strikeout-free. His consistent production propelled Arizona in the NL West race, akin to Dodgers’ 4-2 push against Washington amid league-wide parity like Reds-Rangers at 3-3 to 4-2. Carroll’s hot streak bolstered the lineup, helping the D-backs navigate early challenges similar to Cleveland’s 4-3 edge over Chicago Cubs.

Rank: #17.
STS Projection: 137.3 wRC+, 0.266/0.356/0.501, 27 HR, 33 SB, 97 Runs, 82 RBI

Oneil Cruz, CF, PIT
5 G, 6-18 (.333), 3 HR, 6 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Oneil Cruz unleashed power for Pittsburgh, hitting .333 with three homers and six RBI in five games, no strikeouts. The blast radius ignited the Pirates amid NL Central skirmishes, paralleling Texas’ 4-2 series win over Cincinnati. Cruz’s dominance provided a lift as teams like the 5-2 Astros set the pace, positioning Pittsburgh to contend in a landscape of close calls from Toronto’s 4-2 rout of Chicago White Sox.

Rank: #95.
STS Projection: 115.1 wRC+, 0.243/0.321/0.458, 28 HR, 28 SB, 81 Runs, 79 RBI

Max Fried, SP, NYY
1 G, 7.0 IP, 0 K, 0 ER, 0 BB

Max Fried was masterful for the Yankees, firing seven shutout innings with zero walks or strikeouts in his lone start. His gem anchored New York’s rotation during AL East clashes, much like Astros’ pitching fueled their 5-2 record against Oakland. Fried’s command helped the Yanks stay atop early standings, contrasting slumps like Boston’s 1-5 versus San Diego, and setting up a strong foundation against rivals in Dodgers’ 4-2 vein.

Rank: #36.
STS Projection: 3.38 ERA, 188 IP, 56 BB, 178 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.24 WHIP

Yandy Díaz, DH, TBR
5 G, 9-23 (.391), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Yandy Díaz slashed .391 with two homers and eight RBI over five games for Tampa Bay, perfectly contact-oriented at zero strikeouts. His hot bat steadied the Rays in AL East contention, echoing hits in Blue Jays’ 4-2 dominance of White Sox. Amid league trends like Padres’ 2-4 push on Boston, Díaz’s consistency boosted Tampa’s offense, aiding their pursuit of division leads set by teams like the 5-2 Astros.

Rank: #554.
STS Projection: 121.3 wRC+, 0.282/0.356/0.431, 16 HR, 3 SB, 73 Runs, 69 RBI

Robbie Ray, SP, SFG
2 G, 10.2 IP, 0 K, 4 ER, 0 BB

Robbie Ray logged 10.2 innings across two starts for San Francisco, allowing four earned runs with no walks despite zero strikeouts. His workload stabilized the Giants’ staff in NL West action, similar to quality frames in Guardians’ 4-3 series with Cubs. Ray’s endurance helped amid parity like Nationals’ 3-3 versus Dodgers’ 4-2, keeping San Francisco competitive against early pacesetters like Houston’s 5-2 mark.

Rank: #418.
STS Projection: 4.22 ERA, 166 IP, 66 BB, 169 K, 9.2 K/9, 1.32 WHIP

Matt Olson, 1B, ATL
7 G, 9-28 (.321), 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Matt Olson delivered for Atlanta, hitting .321 with a homer and five RBI in seven games, strikeout-free. His steady presence powered the Braves in NL East pursuits, aligning with Dodgers’ 4-2 success over Washington. Olson’s contributions aided amid close series like Reds’ 3-3 to Rangers’ 4-2, fortifying Atlanta against slumps seen in Boston’s 1-5 week versus San Diego.

Rank: #135.
STS Projection: 130.6 wRC+, 0.256/0.349/0.480, 28 HR, 2 SB, 79 Runs, 86 RBI

Shohei Ohtani, DH, SP, LAD
1 G, 6.0 IP, 0 K, 0 ER, 0 BB

Shohei Ohtani dazzled on the mound for the Dodgers, tossing six shutout innings with zero walks or strikeouts in his start. Paired with his DH prowess, it propelled LA to 4-2 against Washington, mirroring Astros’ 5-2 surge. Ohtani’s versatility anchored the rotation and offense, setting a superstar tone in a week of tight battles from Toronto’s 4-2 over White Sox to Cubs-Guardians parity.

Rank: #1.
STS Projection: 3.09 ERA, 148 IP, 50 BB, 174 K, 10.6 K/9, 1.16 WHIP
170.2 wRC+, 0.289/0.387/0.599, 40 HR, 23 SB, 104 Runs, 101 RBI