SPECULATOR: Skills in search of roles

Over the course of a 162-game season, eventually almost every player gets a chance to demonstrate his skills. Even the 25th man gets pressed into action for a few weeks as injuries strike, or the club just seeks a spark. In this way, the season serves as a proving ground for talent.

But here in mid-May, some players are still waiting for their opportunity; perhaps trapped behind a player to whom their organization is more committed. Their time may yet come, though. This week, we look at a dozen non-starters who might offer value later in the season, categorized by what sort of help they might offer... if the opportunity arises.
 

Power

Mike Carp (1B/OF, BOS) has done plenty of damage off the bench this year already, hitting .351 with a...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Speculator

A tour through some in-season QBaB leaderboards, including YTD best/worst scores and risers over the last month.
Jun 3 2026 3:08am
After last week's in-season "UP"side column, it's time to strike a more pessimistic tune.
May 27 2026 3:07am
With enough of the season in the rearview, we're ready to speculate with some revised "UP" side projections.
May 20 2026 3:07am
We've all had a bad day at the office... what if we grant a mulligan to some starting pitchers who had one as well?
May 13 2026 3:07am
An early look at who is changing their pitch mix the most... and whether or not it's working.
May 6 2026 3:06am

Tools