MLB Sleeper Picks: Waldschmidt and Jung Shine in Week 11

In the high-stakes game of fantasy baseball, the difference between a championship run and a mid-table finish often comes down to the ability to identify value before the general public catches on. As we enter the June 1–7 scoring window, Ryan Waldschmidt and Josh Jung have emerged as the premier MLB Sleeper Picks, according to CBS Sports’ Week 11 preview. Both players are currently rostered in under 80 percent of fantasy leagues, presenting a strategic window for owners to acquire high-upside assets without sacrificing established stars or paying a premium in trade markets. Historically, low-ownership hitters who secure regular at-bats during the early summer months often outpace their projections, as the league-wide fatigue of pitchers begins to set in and young talent finds its rhythm.

Ryan Waldschmidt, the 23-year-old Arizona outfielder, represents the classic ‘breakout’ profile. While he has yet to launch his first home run of the season, his peripheral numbers suggest that the long ball is an inevitability rather than a question of ‘if.’ He is already delivering solid production against favorable matchups like Los Angeles and Washington, where the pitching staffs have struggled with command and high pitch counts. Waldschmidt’s approach is characterized by a disciplined eye and an ability to work counts, forcing pitchers into deep counts that often result in hits or walks.

Simultaneously, Josh Jung, the Milwaukee third-baseman, offers a different but equally compelling value proposition. Operating with a similar low-ownership profile, Jung has been a quiet force in the Brewers’ lineup, posting a .280 average and strong power numbers in recent weeks. Jung’s ability to drive the ball to all fields makes him a nightmare for defensive shifts, and his consistency at the plate provides a stabilizing effect for fantasy owners looking for reliable RBI production without the high cost of a top-tier third baseman.

What Makes These Players Sleeper Material?

To understand why Waldschmidt is a priority add, one must look at the scheduling. His value stems from his placement in the middle of a critical seven-game stretch that pits him against pitchers with sub-average strikeout rates. In the modern era of ‘Three True Outcomes,’ facing pitchers who cannot put hitters away with the strikeout significantly boosts Waldschmidt’s chance to rack up hits and stolen bases. Arizona’s coaching staff has been aggressive with his usage, signaling a trust in his ability to handle major league velocity. This increased volume of plate appearances, combined with a high-contact approach, creates a perfect storm for a statistical surge.

Josh Jung’s appeal is rooted in the synergy between his skill set and his environment. Jung benefits from a run-heavy Milwaukee lineup that consistently puts runners on base, maximizing his RBI opportunities. Furthermore, he plays in a home-field park that favors his fly-ball profile; the dimensions and wind patterns of the stadium often turn deep fly outs into home runs for hitters with his launch angle. By leveraging this park factor, Jung is effectively inflating his slugging percentage, translating raw power into tangible fantasy points. His ability to thrive in the heart of the order makes him a focal point of the Brewers’ offensive strategy as they push for postseason positioning.

Advanced Metrics: Beyond the Box Score

When analyzing these players through the lens of Sabermetrics, the data suggests that their current production is not a fluke. Waldschmidt’s wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) of 115 indicates that he creates runs at a 15% rate above the league average. This metric is crucial because it adjusts for park effects and league environment, proving that Waldschmidt is performing efficiently regardless of where he plays. Furthermore, his BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play) of .340 is a key indicator; while some might call this ‘luck,’ the consistency of his hard-hit rate suggests a sustainable skill set rather than a temporary streak.

Jung’s advanced metrics are equally impressive. His OPS+ of 122 signals that his overall offensive contribution is 22% better than the average MLB player. More tellingly, his hard-hit rate of 38% puts him in the upper echelon of league hitters, signaling consistent power potential. This is particularly vital heading into the upcoming series, where he is slated to face several right-handed starters. Historically, Jung has dominated righties, utilizing a shorter swing path to drive the ball with authority. For fantasy owners, this split is the “smoking gun” that justifies an immediate addition to the roster.

Historical Context and League Implications

Waldschmidt’s trajectory mirrors several successful late-season call-ups from previous years. He burst onto the scene in 2023 as a late-season addition, finishing with a respectable .265 average and a handful of extra-base hits that hinted at long-term upside. However, because his playing time was limited last year, he remained under the radar for most fantasy managers. This lack of visibility has set the stage for a breakout in a deeper role this season, where he is no longer just a bench piece but a core component of the Arizona offense.

Jung’s development is a study in mechanical adjustment. In 2022, Jung posted a career-high slugging percentage after making a strategic decision to swing a heavier bat. This move increased his mass at impact, sparking a mid-season surge that earned him All-Star consideration. This historical precedent shows that Jung is capable of rapid adaptation and peak performance. When a player has already proven they can adjust their mechanics to find success, their floor is significantly higher than that of a typical rookie or sleeper.

Beyond the fantasy implications, both players are integral to their teams’ real-world success. Arizona and Milwaukee are both projected to finish in the top half of the NL West and NL Central, respectively. This means these players are not just playing for stats; they are playing for wins. In a playoff race, managers are more likely to keep their hottest hitters in the lineup, ensuring that Waldschmidt and Jung will receive the regular playing time necessary to maintain their fantasy value.

Key Developments and Statistical Breakdowns

• Ownership Trends: Waldschmidt currently appears in 70% of CBS leagues, the highest ownership among the listed sleepers. This suggests a growing consensus among expert managers that his breakout is imminent.
• Platoon Advantage: Jung’s recent splits show a .310 average against left-handed pitching, a key factor in his upcoming matchups. This makes him a dual-threat hitter who doesn’t need to be benched for platoon advantages.
• Volume of Opportunity: Both players are slated for seven games this week, the most among the sleeper pool. In fantasy baseball, volume is king; the increased exposure directly correlates to a higher probability of accumulating counting stats like runs and RBIs.

Strategic Advice for Fantasy Owners

For owners looking to gain an edge, the window to add Waldschmidt and Jung is closing. Once their ownership crosses the 90% threshold, they will no longer be available on the waiver wire, forcing owners to trade away established assets to acquire them. The ideal strategy is to add them now, specifically in leagues that reward stolen bases and extra-base hits, where Waldschmidt’s speed and Jung’s power provide a diversified scoring profile.

While injuries are always a risk in a 162-game season, both the Diamondbacks and Brewers have stable health reports heading into the mid-season stretch. To maximize their value, owners should monitor daily lineup announcements. In the event of a teammate’s injury or a shift in the batting order (such as a move from the 7th spot to the 4th or 5th spot), the value of these sleepers could double overnight.