Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – April 20, 2026

Justin Mason: Chat will begin at the top of the hour. In the meantime, please follow me on all my social media’s (twitter, tiktok, facebook, youtube, bluesky, and instagram) at JustinMasonFWFB! I am doing regular podcasts on the FWFB podcast as well as three episodes a week for the Sleeper and the Bust so definitely make sure you are subscribed there as well! You can also join the Sleeper and the Bust discord! https://discord.gg/ar7XUV9T

Rob A: Last lineup spot this week – Baty or Caissie?

Justin Mason: Baty for me.

Welcome Matz: Preferred stream this week in roto: Matz vs CIN or Sproat @ DET?

Justin Mason: I will take Matz

Rob A: Riding the hot hand with Jeremiah J but this can’t last, right? Hunter Gaddis made him look inept with a steady diet of sliders (on Sat I think).

Justin Mason: I am for now, but I am ready to jump off the train really fast. Nothing has really changed in the profile and he is just running insanely hot

Guest: Deep OBP league question: who’s more valuable ROS, Kim for LA or Cronenworth

Justin Mason: Cronenworth because the playing time is locked

Jon: Isaac Paredes droppable in a 12T roto for Colson Montgomery?

Justin Mason: I am ok with that

Great Scott: Who’s your preferred saves spec-add from this bunch: Caleb Kilian, Tanner Scott, Gregory Soto, Gus Varland

Justin Mason: Scott out of that group, but I picked up Enyel De Los Santos in almost every league yesterday

Matt: You starting McClanahan v MIN or Warren @HOU? QS league, and Warren has been running hot. McClanahan has been struggling and not making 6 IP, but also the Twins are a nice opportunity.

Justin Mason: Warren

Bill: QS and K/9 redraft (pls rank): G Holmes, Meyer (MIA), Kremer, Bibee, Sproat

Justin Mason: Holmes, Sproat, Bibee, Meyer, Kremer

Ben: Saves+Holds with Ks per 9 – please rank – Strahm, Eric Miller, Theilbar, Wolfram, Kilian – thank you

Justin Mason: Strham, Wolfram,Theilbar, Killian, Miller

Lance McCullers Culkin Jr: Time to bail on McCullers?  Or a little more patience since he hasn’t pitched in 5 years.

12-teamer, but lots of pitching slots so functions more like a 15 teamer

Justin Mason: yeah, you can move to someone else

Steve: Drop Doyle for Frelick in OBP/SLG format?  Also need SBs

Justin Mason: Im sticking with Doyle

The Jesus Lizardo: Would you start Luzardo this week (vs CHC, @ ATL) in roto or play it safe and bench him?

Justin Mason: I am rolling with him

Jimmy: Sorry to be a bummer, but I have two Mets related questions,. In a 12tm H2H are you holding Senga?  Also, any concerns about Bo Bichette? Would you shop him and take a discount or ride this out. Never rostered him before so I don’t know his tendencies.

Justin Mason: I think Bichette will be fine. Senga on the otherhand can be dropped

Phil: Dropped Vinnie P to run with Burleson as my 1B, immediately to snapped up by another teams for not insignificant $, have I made a terrible mistake?

Justin Mason: you have

Mom’s Arrighetti: Rank these SP in roto please? Arrighetti, Matz, Harrison, Baz, Meyer, Sproat

Justin Mason: Harrison, Matz, Sproat, Baz, Meyer, Arrighetti

Andy: redraft using QS – Sproat or Max Meyer?

Justin Mason: Sproat

JJP: In what formats is Brandon Pfaadt roster able

Justin Mason: NL Only?

McSlain: Time to cut bait with McLain in a 12T H2H?

Justin Mason: Im not ready to do that. I think he will rebound

Guest: What the heck is wrong with Jazz Chisholm?

Justin Mason: He is not being aggressive enough inside the zone. I am not overly worried about it yet. He should be fine.

Your counsel pls: Morn Justin,

Your counsel pls: Morn Justin

Justin Mason: MORNING!

Mike: Schultz a keeper or jury still out in 12-team H2H?

Justin Mason: I think the jury is still out, but leaning towards yes

Mike: Jung for real or just a hot stretch?

Justin Mason: I think he has always been talented, but the development has been stunted by injuries. I am a buyer even if he slows down.

JJP: Dustin May or Jansen Junk to fill in while Duran is out? Or pick up Alvarado or Keller?

Justin Mason: Keller should get a bulk of the saves

Cromulent Choices: In a 5×5 roto NL-only, considering dropping Senga but the best options are Mahle and Sproat. Hold Senga or drop for one of them? Thanks!

Justin Mason: drop for Sproat

Jimmy: have Grant Holmes (ATL)…would you replace him with Bibee?  Need IP, QS, Ks

Justin Mason: not right now I wouldnt

From the Windows to the Walbert: Thoughts on Walbert Urena? Worth an add in a 12T?

Justin Mason: It all comes down to control with Urena. He has great stuff but has always struggled with control and walks way too many guys. Probably a streamer right now in 12’s but someone to watch if he can locate in the zone

Maximum Tork: How much more rope would you give Spencer Torkelson in a roto league? I’m desperate for power but he’s killing me right now … bench and hold or let him go?

Justin Mason: Bench and hold for right now.

John: Soto back this week…who to drop…L Garcia? Tovar?

Justin Mason: Garcia

I Wanna Be Adolis: Would you cut Adolis Garcia for Royce Lewis or Brenton Doyle in a 5OF OBP roto league?

Justin Mason: I am ok doing it for Lewis, but I don’t think you have to. His underlying contact skills are actually he best of his career.

Tom: Is Kremer (BAL) for real?  Ks wayyy up.  Like him over Bibee (CLE)?

Justin Mason: His swining strike rate is up and getting people to chase more, but the stuff is still not very good and there isn’t added velocity. A bit of a pitch mix change that could be helping, but I think it’s more fluky than anything else. Prefer Bibee long term but if you want to ride this out, thats ok

Matt: Andy Pages… Are we still trying to sell high and if so how high? Are McGoningal or Sal Stewart realistic targets? (10 team H2H points league in my case)

Justin Mason: Im not selling Pages right now. The underlying skills are too good.

Day Games: 6×6, 10t, roto.  Who is the best hitter you’d trade straight up for Mason Miller?  Currently have Cade Smith and the RP pu pu platter

Justin Mason: I would give up a top 15 hitter for him considering the enviroment for saves right now.

Sadness: Is Kyle Karros going to last in the COR lineup? His power numbers have yet to exist, but he’s walking a TON and playing good defense. Is there hope for him in my 12 team NL only OBP% league?

Justin Mason: I like the underlying contact skills on Karros and I think the power will come. I am a buyer

BP: The BAT X is showing weird pitching things like Skubal with a projected 3.64 ERA. Was messing up my calculator results. Not a question, just sharing.

Justin Mason: I will look into it, but unless something has changed, the BAT X is for hitters only so ignore the pitching projections on that.

Mike: Grisham or equivalent for Baker or equivalent.  Which side do you want without considering team-specific factors?

Justin Mason: Give me the closer considering how much of a mess closers are right now

South Sider: Considering Jeremiah Jackson, do you anticipate Holliday will still have a full time job when he returns?

Justin Mason: He likely goes back to a utility role unless there is another injury. He could push Mayo to the minors if Mayo doesn’t pick it up though

Desperate for hitting: Great pitching and terrible hitting.  15 team roto dynasty.  Ed Cabrera to get back Nimmo?  Will I regret that one?

Justin Mason: No, I like that

Guest: Timetable for Dylan Crews call up?

Justin Mason: hitting well in AAA. Could be up in the next few weeks, but there isn’t a real opening in the outfield unless they want to play one of those guys at DH

Clay: When can we expect the next wave of prospects (Waldschmidt, Max Clark) to start getting promoted? I know the date for an extra year of control is coming up soon which should incentivize teams to bring some guys off to hot starts up

Justin Mason: early May I would assume.

Darren: Hi Justin,
What do we do with Sheehan? Didn’t look great against Colorado. Is this a hold him if you can situation or a jettison him situation?

Justin Mason: I would sell if I could

tim: sonny gray left with the trainer! just on tolle now just in case?

Justin Mason: Go grab him if you can!

Datt Mamon: Searching for a closer (again), would you prefer Bednar or Munoz? Cam Smith for either those those guys: yes/no?

Justin Mason: Bednar and yes for either

Salty: Do you have a preference of Norby vs Brady House, or similar enough profiles to flip a coin?

Justin Mason: House for me

Pete: Hey Justin, will Reece Hindsstick in Cincinnati? Big power but he needs to make contact.

Justin Mason: Probably now

No Longer Abel: Mick Abel to the IL with elbow inflammation as an FYI to the chat

Justin Mason: WHAT?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Salty: Have you hit the batting cages recently?  The Mets could really use some offense…

Justin Mason: Im more of an OBP guy that a power guy

Justin Mason: point awarded

Pete: How fun is Murakami? Word is that he’s a good dude and a hard worker.  Any chance his plate discipline improves for him to become a Top % 1B or is that just nuts?

Justin Mason: the discipline is not the problem, he is just not a good contact hitter. He will always strikeout too much but deliever bombs

Skubal Woo Where Are You: Ivan Herrera or Alvarez at catcher?

Justin Mason: Herrera

DJ: Is Peter Lambert worth a flier in deep leagues?

Justin Mason: it would have to be an insanely deep league

ross: Thanks for doing these! Please rank Roupp, Abel, Detmers ROS. QS league

Justin Mason: Well, with the news of Abel having elbow problems, he drops from the top to the bottom of the list. Roupp then Detmers

IL: Need to drop 2 SP; Wheeler & Boyd return this wk.  who goes:  Eov, Wacha, Springs or wait a wk

Justin Mason: maybe wait a week and see how they do.

AW: 14 team, H2H points with QS. Which side of this trade do you prefer? Josh Naylor and Joey Cantillo for Reid Detmers and Parker Messick. Prefer Detmers and Messick over Will Warren rest of season?

Justin Mason: I prefer Warren over Detmers. I would want the Naylor side

IL: Need accumulator, Otto Lopez or Swanson

Justin Mason: Swanson

Dennis: Time to sell Cruz? Are Roman and Lanford reasonable targets in 12t h2h pts?

Justin Mason: if you could get either, I would jump on that.

Paulie-Eff: Thoughts on Tolle when he might get called up and what kind of impact he’ll have with BOS?

Justin Mason: Maybe this week with Gray leaving the game with an injury.

News: Update since this chat started – Abel to the IL with R elbow inflammation

Justin Mason: Why cant we have nice things?

Guy: Can the Nationals sustain their offensive dominance?

Justin Mason: I think the offense is pretty legit. That pitching tho is dreadful

Everson Periera: I’m a thing, right? Tell me I’m a thing, please!

Justin Mason: ummmm… so this is awkward…

Bruce: Hold Abel on IL in 12 team mix or drop him for Tolle?

Justin Mason: My heart says no but my brain says yes. Though the broadcast just said it’s hamstring tightness for Gray so it may not be serious enough for Tolle to get the call.

Guest: Yainer Diaz worth keeping in a 10-team 1 catcher league?  He seems prone to these long slumps.  Sanchez, Rushing, Ballesteros, Jensen all available

Justin Mason: I would grab Ballesteros or Jensen

Guest: In an NL 5×5 does Melendez in NY offer any upside?

Justin Mason: Probably not much with Soto returning

SladeCecconi: Cut this guy in a deep al only for Louis Varland – was I too reactionary?

Justin Mason: yeah, I would

Guest: how many spots does Murakami jump from BA to OBP leagues

Justin Mason: He jumps up a ton. Great understanding of the strikezone

The Batman: In an OC, two start Sean Burke or Louis Varland in hopes he’s closing now? (And because he’s likely to give great ratios)

Justin Mason: Varland

Colton: My home league has an unwritten rule that you have to start the pitchers for the Boston Marathon game if they’re rostered and it makes for some entertaining weeks when it happens. One year I had the Giolito start where he didn’t get out of the second lol

Justin Mason: East Coast bias fr lol

Justin Mason: I hate the Patriots Day game being on the West Coast, but would probably love it if I was living in Boston

Not using my real name: In a ten team QS league, my staff is Cris Sanchez, Luzardo, Eury, Schultz, Hancock and McLean (stacked amirite).  Any of them a drop for Tolle?

Justin Mason: yeah, youre not dropping any of them

RAGBRAI: i assuming Pivetta is out until ASB. Either Waldron or May worthwhile replacement options or go with a RP?

Justin Mason: Go with an RP

Guest: what color of toast is Manzardo

Justin Mason: it’s brown right now, but I think he will turn it around.

Mike: In a 12-team, H2H, am I crazy to relive 2023 with players like Jung, Royce, McClain and Walker.

Justin Mason: A little but I like all those guys

South Sider: Could you rank these streaming options for this week: Keider Montero vs. MIL, Jack Leiter vs. Pitt, Chad Patrick vs. DET

Justin Mason: Patrick

Ward: Will Gleyber start to hit?  OBP is good.  No pop.

Justin Mason: He just isnt elevating right now, but everything else looks fine. I think he ill turn it around

Your counsel pls: morn Justin,  OttoNeu H2H Dynasty.  I am quite asea re two independent trades. $50 Yamamoto plus offset loan for $6 Hunter Goodman.  Other trade is $11 Harris ATL and $1 Collier for $34 Betts plus $4 Eldridge and offset loan. Many +/- in play. I am quite, no idea. No particular needs. Waaaaay to early, but i am looking softly at ROS. Are you strong any of the sides? Thank you

Justin Mason: I don’t know a ton about Ottoneu so I don’t know that I am the guy to ask, but I think the first one is fair and I want the Betts side of the other one

Royal Mystery: What in the world is going on with Cole Ragans? He had great peripherals last year with terrible results. Sure, he got hit in the hand this year, but is he one of those Lars Nootbaar-esque Statcast darlings who is never going to put it together? Or a rookie flash in the pan like Chris Paddack who will just be average for the rest of his career?

Justin Mason: I think Ragans is hurt. The skills are amazing when he is healthy and the issues to me seem to be likely health related.

Insert Witty Name Here: What % of FAAB would you spend on Rooker if he got dropped in an OBP league?

Justin Mason: 40%

Skubal Woo Where Are You: Also looks like Sonny Gray just got hurt :/

Justin Mason: hamstring tightness. hopefully not serious

Jane: Hi Justin, in 14-team h2h 5×5 dynasty, can you please rank: Yainer Diaz, G. Sanchez, and Dingler at C? Marsh, Cowser, and Baty for a bench bat? D. May, Ober, and Buehler at SP? G. Varland, Vodnik, and Pomeranz (or Yates) in saves only? Thanks again!

Justin Mason: Diaz, Dingler, Sanchez. Baty, Marsh, Cowser. Ober, May, Buehler. Vodnik, Varland, Pomeranz

Guest: Have JJ Bleday in a deeper dynasty league taking up a roster slot. He did have a good spring and continuing to rake in AAA. Cincy OFs kind of struggling as a group. Do you think he gets a call up soon, and if he does is there potential for post hype breakout? Or am I just too stubborn to cut my losses on a former top prospect.

Justin Mason: I think youre being stubborn

Matt: Should I be worried about Fairbanks? I entered the season with Seranthony and Fairbanks…I recently nabbed Baker on TB, and have lost faith in Dominguez. I’m very nervous about Fairbanks

Justin Mason: Fairbanks will be fine. He’s getting super unlucky. More nervous about Dominguez, but I think the White Sox give him a lot of rope

GBS42: 5×5 weekly Roto. Which one do I bench: W. Castro, B..Doyle, E. Julien, M. Winn, B. Baty. I’m thinking Baty.

Justin Mason: Baty for me too

Mario: desperate for some 2B help… Schmitt, Schneeman/Angel Martinez in CLE, or one of the Nicks in PIT? Nick Yorke might have most “upside” but he’s not a starter per RR

Justin Mason: Martinez

Witty Name: Are we done with Nasim Nunez? Love his potential but man he looks lost

Justin Mason: In a shallow league yes

Justin Mason: Im holding in deeper formats

Matt W.: 12 team NFBC. I am last in hr’s and rbi’s  Any chance of a recovery. My top 8 hitters drafted have a combined 11 hr’s . Carroll, Lindor, Greene, Vinny P, Yainer Diaz, Kwan and Torkelson. Only saving thing in the power department is have a Muncy.

Justin Mason: It’s so early, you have plenty of time to recover

Skippy: I noticed that Tidwell SF usage has potential for holds and saves.  Seems very young for those honors.  Rose colored glasses?

Justin Mason: that bullpen is a mess so anyone that shows skills could take the job and run with it

In the Cards: Svanson so much hope for saves but has been terrible. Drop and forget forever?

Justin Mason: yeah, go ahead and drop

RAGBRAI: Are we still in the SSS area to worry about individual and team performances? When do we leave the SSS area?

Justin Mason: we are starting to see the numbers solidify but give it another week to 10 days

Guest: drop one for angel martinez: butler, ramos, antonacci, j jackson

Justin Mason: antonacci

Skubal Woo Where Are You: How many alarms are we blaring if Castillo gets knocked around again by the As?

Justin Mason: we are definitely blaring a few

Micah: OPS roto:
Brooks Lee or Masynn Winn?
Friedl or Jacob Young?

Justin Mason: Lee and Young

W’Eagle: Is Walbert Urena worth a stream this week?

Justin Mason: I might take that gamble in KC

Micah: If you were going to sell high on Jeremiah J, who are a few slow starters you’d aim for?

Justin Mason: honestly, anyone that I could get back. If someone is buying Jackson at all, I am cashing it in

Tim: Preference between Doyle and Barger in dynasty? Only one can stay when Barger comes off IL and I could argue both for and against each

Justin Mason: Doyle for me

Nausea: Agree or Disagree: It should be illegal to air a commercial for the “O M Cheeseburger” for any game airing before noon.

Justin Mason: Disagree

Justin Mason: point awarded

RZ23: Morning Justin. Need depth, especially at first (currently rolling out Julien). Have a $39 Austin Riley and am thinking about dealing him for $59 Devers and $20 Nimmo. Bad?

Justin Mason: I’d do that. The difference between Riley and DEvers is not Nimmo

Ryan: Boyd off the IR this week. Can drop: Gray, Castillo, Roup, T Bradley, Hancock. Is Boyd the drop?

Justin Mason: I think Roupp is the right call here, but I am leaning towards dropping Castillo

Dave: What is it with Luzardo that he gives up a big inning when pitching out the stretch?

Justin Mason: He has issues repeating his mechanics. He has been a bit unlucky here so I would buy low if I could get a good deal, but I also think that he was overpriced coming into drafts

Look At This Sotograph: Why couldn’t Sonny Gray get injured before lineups locked this morning?

Justin Mason: Point awarded

Justin Mason: I laughed pretty hard at that

Look At This Sotograph: Drop Agustin for Dingler in 12T redraft?

Justin Mason: no

catching strays: Hi Justin. Can you help me out with my catcher situation? I’m in a 14 team league and many of these psychos like to carry two catchers even though it’s a one catcher league. I added Jeffers right before he got hot, which has been great. But now I’m wondering if I should add Kyle Teel? Who would you be more comfortable rolling with ROS? Thanks!

Justin Mason: I prefer Jeffers but it’s close

Guest: Is Dillon Dingler a top 10 catcher?

Justin Mason: I dont think so yet but it’s close

Guest: Erceg’s underlying stats have me thinking I ought to cut him and jump on one of these new closer-ish guys. What do you think? I could get a Dodger, a Varland, a Cub, or a Phillie?

Justin Mason: I am probably not doing that yet, but I could understand going for Scott and the upside of the Dodgers in case Diaz is actually hurt.

Christina: I was all set to roll out Abel for the first time tomorrow and now this…who’s your pick for replacement?: Dollander, Buehler, Fedde are best options

Justin Mason: Dollander, but man thats rough

South Sider: You were high on Andrew Vaughn in draft season. Are you still holding onto him in leagues with a shallow bench and limited IL spots?

Justin Mason: I have been, but if you need to spot its ok to drop

PM: Drop Paredes for Jung?

Justin Mason: sure

MiLB stash: Our league has 2 NA slots where you can stash prospects. I already have Emerson but honestly, I’m not that excited about him. He doesn’t steal bases and the power is more Ok than good and is likely to get swallowed up by that park. That leaves him as a hopefully high-average accumulator and I can’t see him breaking into the M’s top 5 barring some catastrophic slump so how much accumulating is he going to do? That said, I’ll keep him. Had Bazzana in the other spot but he has the same problem and a 25+% K-rate at AAA that doesn’t bode well for his MLB prospects. I’m thinking Condon is the guy to stash and hope he becomes what it seemed like Toglia might be – a 40 HR, middle of the lineup bat.

Justin Mason: I still prefer Bazzana and Emerson over Condon because his contact skills are not great and his production is inflated by where he plays some.

Closer Conundrum: I hate betting on who Dave Roberts will pick as closer, but if you had to choose one of Scott or Vesia to spec-add, who would it be?

Justin Mason: Scott

AW: 14 team, H2H points with QS. Which side of this trade do you prefer? Ozzie Albies and Ranger Suarez for Michael King and Lucas Erceg

Justin Mason: Albies side

Matthew: Any chance Everson Pereira can be useful?  Deep league, all I need is a CF that I can get a .750 OPS from in favorable situations, but Cowser/Grisham/Loperfido haven’t met that bar

Justin Mason: He will have moments of usefulness, but the underlying contact skills will always make him streaky at best.

Did you know???: Do you think all MLB announcers are contractually obligated to tell us about Flaherty, Fried and Giolito being on the same HS team during every single one of their starts?

Justin Mason: They must be

Justin Mason: point awarded

Kyle: I know it’s early, but any optimism for Chisholm? Pretty much every part of the approach looks rough

Justin Mason: He will be fine. Don’t panic

SidDaAstrosKid: Howdy howdy, in a 12 team h2h matchup? I believe its called league, should I be concerned about Crochet’s string of pitching performances at all or keep rolling the dice with him. I can bench him and run with no starter in his slot but I dont like to do that feels unbaseball of me

Justin Mason: I think you have to roll with him

Look At This Sotograph: Should I hang onto Senga in 12T redraft? He had 2 good starts before his 2 terrible starts!

Justin Mason: No, I dont think you need to

DK: Looking to trade for Luzardo, owner’s pitching staff is ravaged by injuries so maybe a 2 for 1 could work. What’s a fair combo to offer out of this group : Bubic/Sandy/Taj/Bubba/Ashcraft? Sandy + Ash? Bubic + Bubba?

Justin Mason: I would do Bubic and Ashcraft for him

Justin Mason: or Bubba

homestanding around: Do you have a guess (or inside knowledge) as to which day Juan Soto will return? Thanks!

Justin Mason: I dont unfortunately

Chip: So you’re not buying Jeremiah? Even as a bench option in a 12-team league? He’s on my WW.

Justin Mason: you can ride with him while he is hot, but chances are you missed most of the goodness

K: Flaherty 6 walks today in 3 innings. Fixable or just drop?

Justin Mason: drop

K: Baty getting playing time, but not hitting at all. Do you still like him long-term?

Justin Mason: I do. I think he is still talented and just in a sluimp right now

Morris Buttermaker: I’m here for them if the Mets need an experienced manager. 🙂

Justin Mason: point awarded

Daylen Lile: What is your outlook. So far results have been okay. He feels like a 15/15 .280 archetype to me

Justin Mason: that feels right

Justin Mason: Thanks all the time I have. please follow me on all my social media’s (twitter, tiktok, facebook, youtube, bluesky, and instagram) at JustinMasonFWFB! I am doing regular podcasts on the FWFB podcast as well as three episodes a week for the Sleeper and the Bust so definitely make sure you are subscribed there as well! You can also join the Sleeper and the Bust discord! https://discord.gg/ar7XUV9T