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Fantasy baseball: 25 players you need to claim

By Brad Weiss

May 18, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zach Wheeler (45) throws during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zach Wheeler (45) throws during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) follows through on a three run double against the Atlanta Braves during the the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) follows through on a three run double against the Atlanta Braves during the the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lucas Duda

1B, 

As is the case with Justin Bour, Lucas Duda is going to need to produce in the middle of the lineup if the Mets are going to make a run at an NL East crown. The Mets are currently looking up at the Washington Nationals, but they have the pitching that could lead them to the World Series once again. A healthy Duda is going to go a long way for a lineup that should hit their fair share of home runs this season.

The Mets will likely only use Duda against right-handers, but that is usually the more common pitching matchup anyway. While the plan is to use Wilmer Flores against lefties, Duda is going to have plenty of opportunity to hit bombs in 2017. He already smacked one on Opening Day, and you have to think he is going to be able to hit 20 home runs even if he platoons with Flores all season.

First base in fantasy baseball is pretty crowded, so a player like Duda will likely be on your bench until someone gets hurt, or your main guy has a day off. Still, he could be a guy who blasts three home runs in a week and wins you the matchup, so consider giving him an add if he is still available. Home runs are always at a premium, and he is still one of the premier power hitters at his position in his division.

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