Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – August 11, 2025

Justin Mason: I will begin when there are enough questions! Get your questions in! 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!

Adenolith: Confused about what to do with Rasmussen. A limit of 70-80 pitches is tough, but if he’s pitching 5-6 innings he’s worth a spot. Would you drop any of Ryne Nelson, E. Cabrera, or Eury Perez for him?

Justin Mason: I am battling this question as well. I think I would probably drop him because he is going to fall short of 5 innings most outings. I would grab cabrera

Why not Zoidberg: Trying to decide between Marsee and Chandler Simpson for the week. Any preference between the two?

Justin Mason: Chandler for me this week

bdubs: While waiting for Yordan and Chourios to return I’m moving Altuve to OF (dropping TFreeman), pls rank: Gleyber, Romy Gonzalez, Keashall, L Sosa at 2B

ROS for saves: Ferrer v Topa?

Justin Mason: Gleyber, Keaschall, Romy, Sosa

Ferrer

Adenolith: Need to make a drop when Springer comes back. Out of Langford, Anthony, Marsee or Keaschall, who’s the drop?

Justin Mason: Marsee unless you really need speed.

Jim: Do we trust Blake Snell after one good start? My other options in a weekly roto legaue would be to start Randy Rodriguez or Sean Newcomb.

Justin Mason: I think as long as Snell is healthy, we trust him

Rich: Hi Justin. Please rank these SP ROS in a 5X5 H2H league: Darvish, Pfaadt, Matthews, Paddack, Cantillo, Povich, Cavalli. Thanks!

Justin Mason: Matthews, Pfaadt, Canitllo, Paddack, Darvish, Povich, Cavalli

Trap or Keeper: Hi Justin! Could you plz rank these keepers for AL only, obp? Gunnar ($33), Schanuel ($4), Varsho ($4), Bubic ($1), J Polanco ($1), Reese Olson ($3)?

Justin Mason: Bubic, Gunnar, Schanuel, Varsho, Olson, Polanco

R (I) P: Picked up Sands and Cano after the deadline, but neither looks in line for saves. Cut for a better reliever (Matt Brash) or spot starter (Slade vs. ATL)?

Justin Mason: I would rather have the spot starter personally

Guest: In a 12 tm 6×6, what are your thoughts on giolito ros? Projections have him at 4.75 era rest if way. Zebby on waivers but this week scares me for his matchups

Justin Mason: I think Giolito wil likely be incosistent as the season continues to wear on. The underlying era indicators says hes been fairly lucky so I am not surprised by the projections. Add in the fact he is already over 100 innings on the season and having last pitched in 2023, I would be pretty wary of him. I would rather have Zebby because of his upside

Ay’s: With Perkins in the rotation, Newcombe getting the 7th/8th yesterday, and Kelly blowing the tie in the 9th, is there an arm in the Sactown pen that you would add?

Justin Mason: I think Kelly and Newcomb share this which makes neither super enticing

Guest: Is K Senga worth picking up as a streamer option?

Justin Mason: Not right now considering he hasnt been able to go deep into games recently

Mike: Chase Burns destined to be a reliever and not a closer?

Justin Mason: No. I think he will be a starter for a while if not his whole career

Ben: Jackson Holliday have another gear for future years?  Assume that this year WYSIWYG?  Thanks!

Justin Mason: I definitely think he does. He is still just 21 and having a break out season. I don’t know if his power potential is through the roof, but his combination of hit, power and speed should make him a top 50 pick in fantasy at some point.

See My Vest: Worth hanging on to Will Vest or is he droppable? Replacement options include Ronny Henriquez, Sean Newcomb, Keegan Akin and Jose Ferrer (also please remind me never to trust an AJ Hinch closer ever again)

Justin Mason: I would move to Akin

Devito or Schwarzenegger?: Do you like any of the Twins new (some still young) retreads? Austin Martin, Roden, Julien, Taj, Abel?

Justin Mason: I am definitely interested in their pitchers. Taj has been good in AAA and I think Abel has top of the rotation ability. Roden is interesting with the playing time right now too

Wayne: H2H points, start one of the following this week: D Swanson, McLain or Goldschmidt.  Thanks

Justin Mason: Swanson this week

On sale: OttoNeu H2H. I am almost locked into play offs. Opportunity to wipe out salary cap on a half price Austin Riley. Really no need for 2025. Nice, but not a driving consideration. Is it a good risk to use all of the salary cap on 1/2 priced 2026 Austin Riley. Thank you

Justin Mason: I think so. He should be a buyback guy for next year

Slayed: Did Slade getting hit around by the CrySox hurt your faith in him? Still starting vs. Atlanta this week? Gets decent matchups after, but I know Paul is less keen than you on him…

Justin Mason: I am not overly worried. Those are going to happen but overall I like the skill set and this isnt a matchup I am running from.

Mike: Manzardo (one lefty, but three tough righties) or Butler, this week and ROS?

Justin Mason: Butler

ponopoly: Is Colson Montgomery good?

Justin Mason: I think he is an interesting bat. He can hit the ball hard but really struggles with consistent contact. However, he has been better with the contact than I expected he would be in his debut. If he can make any improvements there, than yes, he is good.

BYEbee: Is it time to drop Bibee? He has not looked good basically all year and its up to a 4.60 era now after pitching poorly against the CWS.

Justin Mason: yeah, you can move on

Senga Genesis: Kodai Senga has been a real drag since coming off the IL — hold through his struggles or drop for someone like Scherzer, Darvish or Bailey Ober?

Justin Mason: drop for ober

Saves Chaser: Trying to grab some saves since I lost Miller’s. Is Sands still the guy in MIN or should I pivot to Vesia or Brash instead?

Justin Mason: I think the twins will share that job. I would probably pivot though those options arent super enticing. Is Akin available? I would take Vesia out of that group, but he is likely shaing too

I AM THE LAWLAR: Languishing in the creamy middle in a 12T OBP keeper league and picked up both Jordan Lawlar and Kristian Campbell off the wire, which do you think is the better bet for next season and beyond?

Justin Mason: I think Lawlar is the better bat long term, but I would want both if possible

Zebby Stardust: In a 12T 5×5 limited keeper league (4 players max) with a $260 budget, is Zebby Matthews a hold at $6?

Justin Mason: probably not

Adenolith: Eury looks like he’s been getting a bit lucky. Worth moving in a trade before my league’s deadline today?

Justin Mason: depends on what you can get. I do think there will be bumps rest of the way so if I could get a good return, I would

foptop: Do you think Ragans has any value ROS? Chance he gets shut down?

Justin Mason: I dont think he has much value. No reason for them to push him a ton this year

PCA: Does PCA break out of his slump or is this regression catching up to his plate discipline?

Justin Mason: This is the regression weve been waiting for. However, guys with this type of profile can get hot in an instant.

Adenolith: Always appreciate the chats! H2H strategy question – I’m in 1st (I’ll win ties) but I’m going to be playing somebody who only fields relievers. Would you just keep your same strategy and play the guys who got you here, or do you shift what bench you can to pick up a few extra saves and stronger ratios?

Justin Mason: I think I make that shift. You should still win Ks and wins, but hopefully you can give him a run for his money in the ratios.

Yordan or Yordone?: When Yordan comes back (don’t laugh yet) will he be great, good, terrible, or someone Dana Brown secretly hired to wear a Yordan mask? I’m fearing a Weekend at Bernie’s situation….

Justin Mason: I think he will be great once he is back. Its been a frustrating wait though

Young guys: Do you see anything in Daylen Lile or Javier Sanoja to suggest they might be good dynasty options? Two of the youngest positional players in the bigs and teams with some history of developing players at the major league level. But it seems teams are happy to call up future role players early too

Justin Mason: I really like Lile. I thinkthe hit tool is better than advertised and there is some pop and speed. It’s an accumulators profile so playing time will be key, but he is a sneaky dynasty add that I have made

Justin Mason: I want Nelson over Manaea

Mike Tyson: Designated Hittrr: If you were in contention, would you trade Lawler for LAD Muncy, Jacob Lopez and Bazanna?   15 team roto dynasty, 28 man roster, 5 NA slots

Justin Mason: absolutely

Justin Mason: play to win now

Ha Seong Kim: Thiink he’s an SB difference maker ROS if he stays healthy? (AL Only roto league here)

Justin Mason: health is my only concern. He should be rostered in most leagues while he is on the field

T Bone: Thanks for all your great work this season! 12 team roto with quality starts – start one this week – Cease, Castillo, Ober?

Justin Mason: CAstillo

Why Not Zoidberg: The power is coming for Anthony, right? RIGHT?

Justin Mason: It will at some point, but prospect growth isnt linear

Deadline Offers: What is the craziest trade offer you’ve ever gotten that wasn’t a joke of some kind?

Justin Mason: Thats a fun question. I am in a number of 3-Sport leagues so I have seen some wild ones especially in my first year when I was pushing for the title. Pretty sure I gave up Saquon Barkley for Luis Castillo

Justin Mason: I won though so it was worth it

Yes We Cam: Why do so many people like fantasy football when it is so clearly inferior to fantasy baseball?

Justin Mason: because its easier and takes way less work. Some people dont want  to think or have a challenge.

Justin Mason: point awarded!

Salty: If Dick Fitts winds up pitching to Dylan Beavers, will the broadcast need to go dark due to FCC regulations?

Justin Mason: Point awarded!

Justin Mason: I might need a second to recover from that one

Ashtray: So does McLain just suck now?

Justin Mason: He has actually turned it around at the break. I think he was pretty unlucky in the first half and he is still a buy low here.

Jacob Wilson윌슨: Think he makes it back and keeps raking this season? Fun player to watch!

Justin Mason: I really hope so, but I dont know how likely it is

Izzy: Is Edward Cabrera showing any ace upside?

Justin Mason: He absolutely is. I have been a huge detractor of his in the past, but he has really refined the control issues and as long as he is healthy, I think he can be that ave

bdubs: Akin v Romero

Justin Mason: Romero

Jimmy: Hi Justin, do we like Wells or Realmuto at C and Akin, O’Brien or Newcomb in saves only? Thanks again Justin!

Justin Mason: Realmuto and Akin

Max: Do you see Bergert sticking in the Royals rotation?  There seems to be a lot to like.

Justin Mason: I think he will. Its a great park fit and the Royals have made him attack the zone Robbie Ray style and so far it’s working fantastically.

Analyst: NL-only 5×5.  I could use Ks and Ws but don’t want to ruin my ratios.  Quintana (LHP, MIL) has a start against PIT at home today and possibly (if Misiorowski doesn’t return) another @ CIN next weekend. Would you sit him or Zittel this week, or both of them? There would be zero starts for those 2 slots if I sit them, but my other pitchers are good.

Justin Mason: I would start Quintana

South Sider: Is there anything different with Jacob Lopez that has led to his 17 inning scoreless streak after a terrible July?

Justin Mason: This is who he is. We saw him go on this type of tear early in the season too when he allowed one run in 19 innings over a four start stretch. The problem is he will also lose his control at times and go through terrible stretchs

Miami Vice: In two years time Eury Perez is a top _ SP?

Justin Mason: 10

Guest: What’s your outlook for Mookie ROS? Buy low or is this as good as it gets?

Justin Mason: I think I would buy low. Talent is still there

Grateful Follower: Regarding the concern expressed over Anthony’s relative lack of HR thus far, I owned The Big Hurt and had a similar concern when he arrived in the majors in 1990 and hit just 7 HR in 240 PA.  Spoiler Alert: The HRs came, starting the next season (not that these two players are extremely comparable)

Justin Mason: If anyone is afraid of Anthony’s ceiling, buy low on him in keeper/dynasty now

Chuck: Will either Bubba Chandler or Bieber be worth dropping my worst SP (probably Morton or Gil)?

Justin Mason: Chandler could be for sure. Just needs the oppurtunity.

From the Windows to the Wallners: Rank these OF ROS in a 12T OBP roto league please? Matt Wallner, Jesus Sanchez, Brenton Doyle, Wenceel Perez, Trent Grisham

Justin Mason: Doyle, Sanchez, Perez, Wallner, GRisham,

Natilude: Cade Cavalli? 19 whiffs in 4 innings aint too shaby…

Justin Mason: The stuff is really good. Can he control it enough so he can go five consistently though? That is the big question

Deep Al Only SOLDS: Cut Hoby Milner for Sean Newcomb last night – that’s the right move, yea?

Justin Mason: yes

Robert: Start 2 in a points league: Pepiot @ATH/@SF, Cavalli @KC/vs PHI, Waldrep @CLE, Melton @CWS. Thanks!

Justin Mason: Pepiot and Melton

Guest: Do you think Troy Melton stands a good chance at making the rotation for Detroit next season? I gotta drop him or Loperfido when Bryce Miller returns.

Justin Mason: It will really depend on what the Tigers do in the offseason. I could definitely see a scenario where he is in or at least competing for a rotation spot.

Zane: Any interest in Waldrep now that he seems to have spot in rotation??

Justin Mason: I am pretty interested. Needs to control the stuff, but there is the makings of a really interesting starter here and he should have oppurtinty rest of the way

SacTown: I’m into some of these A’s Arms, but can I trust Ginn or Perkins at home?

Justin Mason: Its really hard to trust anyone in Sac. I am definitely looking for other options, but I would trust Ginn over Perkins here

Holy Roman Empire: Own Anthony at $14 in a dynasty OBP w/ 25% annual inflation. Sitting in 3rd with a comfy lead & within in reach for 1st & 2nd. But other keeper assets are minimal. Do I trade Anthony for more impact or retain to build around?

Justin Mason: That is really tough. I think I would say I would if it guaranteed me a title, but if not, I want Anthony for the long haul.

The Manager of Regret: I traded 1/2 a season of Schwarber in a 10 team dynasty for 2 picks and Brandon Sproat. One of the picks became McGonigle and the other Jonah Tong, tell me the hurt will stop soon lol

Justin Mason: I think you will be happy in the long run, but that hurt is going to be there a while

South Sider: Is Pablo Lopez still worth stashing in a 14 team QS H2H league? Think he’ll be stretched out by September for fantasy playoffs?

Justin Mason: I dont think they will push him, so probably not

Carson: How excited should I be that I’m getting Bieber/Greene/Nola back for my playoff push in my dynasty league within the next week?

Justin Mason: I think you should be fairly excited. I dont know what to expect from Beiber, but I have high hopes for Nola and Greene

Stefano: Jack Flahterly was dropped in my 12T 5×5…do we still think he can be a top-40ish pitcher RoS?

Justin Mason: he definitely has that upside. obviously we know the risk too though

Kevin: Question from the past: How much wood would Kerry Wood carry if Kerry Wood would carry wood?

Justin Mason: Point awarded

Carson: What’s the best advice you’ve heard to feel comfortable holding steady in dynasty? My team is good, just looking for advice to be less antsy.

Justin Mason: Figure out your right path and stick to it. I think too often people try and add for the future while trying to compete. It usually ends up in mediocre team. Dynasty is all about your plan.

Why Not Zoidberg: H2H league. Do you ever pick up players just to block opponents from getting them? Right now I have Marsee because I think two of my opponents would be a lot better if they added some reliable speed. I could use the space for a streamer or getting some extra power out of a guy like Profar, but having a hard time determining what the best route is.

Justin Mason: I would do this if I had a good amount of bench space and I dont really need the spot, but that isnt what it sounds like for you.

South Sider: Mackenzie Gore, why are you the way that you are?

Justin Mason: point awarded

Justin Mason: I want him to be an ace so badly.

RJ: Do you like Kirk or Baldwin ROS? 6×6 avg & ops

Justin Mason: Baldwin

Guest: What’s your thoughts on Kaelen Culpepper SS….  proj fade his power… is he a keeper in dynasty?   Above Pena on the short term?

Justin Mason: I think he is likely an accumulator that may struggle with the hit tool. I would have pena above him.

Panik! At the Disco: Luke Keaschall over Ceddane for 2B? 12 tm H2H categories. And how’d you rank Warren, Bibee, D Peterson and Cavalli?

Justin Mason: Ceddanne for me.

Peterson, Warren, Bibee Cavalli

Ron Hassey’s Gigantic Face: 16-team points keeper league. Taj Bradley worth a grab and stash? Is there anymore juice in there or is he what he is at this point?

Justin Mason: I think so. He has reportedly looked good in AAA.

jeff: Think Jordan Lawlar gets a bunch of run once healthy? Or is Blaze Alexander’s hot bat going to prevent everyday ABs?

Justin Mason: Lawlar should play everyday once he is up

Justin Mason: That is 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!