Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – August 25, 2025

Justin Mason: I will begin at the top of the hour! 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!

Nate “Steve Pearce” Lowe: Colson Montgomery or Noelvi ROS in a points league?

Justin Mason: Marte

Datt Mamon: What do you think Cam Schlitter’s ceiling is?

Justin Mason: I think he is likely a mid rotation guy with a ceiling of a #2 if everything comes together.

The Trout Fisherman: Some donkey dropped mike Trout a month ago and I used my #1 waiver to pick him up.  Am I now the donkey?  Is Mike Trout droppable in a 10 man redraft league?

Justin Mason: I think he is droppable in a shallow league like that.

bdubs: When Alvarez returns, who to drop? LSosa (I can move Altuve back to 2B), Grisham, Carpenter, Anthony?

Justin Mason: That’s tough. I’d probably lean Sosa here

Matt: Thoughts on Jared Jones future? I tend to not put much stock in TJ returns, but he’s apparently looking to start throwing next month. THink he still has the ceiling from before injury?

Justin Mason: He absolutely still has the ceiling, but guys tend to be inconsistent in their first year back from TJ so if you care about 2026, I wouldnt count on him to be a steady contributor.

jonny: chucking Luis Gil out for a 2-step in 12’ers this week? juicy matchups

Justin Mason: I feel like he is pretty close to a must start in most formats this week.

South Sider: I’m locked into a playoff spot and planning the backend of my pitching staff for the playoffs, could you rank these starters ROS in a QS league? And would you drop Giolito for any of them? Morton, Nestor, Tylor Megill, Bradish, Ashcraft, Messick

Justin Mason: Morton, Bradish, Megill, Messick, Nestor Ashcraft. I would drop Ashcraft

South Sider: Do you think we can rely on Lauer to stay in the rotation down the stretch with the Biebs back?

Justin Mason: I cant see them taking him out of the rotation with the way he’s pitched. These things always work themselves out with an injury somewhere

Mike: Any confidence in starting Strider in a two-step?  The first game is a good one, but so was ChiSox last week?  I would start a holds/ratio reliever (Uceta) instead?

Justin Mason: Confidence? Not a ton, but I dont know how you dont just roll the dice with him. This is the risk of guys coming back from elbow surgery. They tend to struggle in their first season back, but there will be really good starts mixed in you dont want to miss

gonyr: What happens with Baty/Vientos/Mauricio next season?

Justin Mason: I think they have to trade someone.

Guest: Any concern with Seiya Suzuki? Statcast page is all red, big finish coming?

Justin Mason: Yeah, I am a buyer if someone is looking to sell or drops.

South Sider: Better stash for 2026 in an OBP league, Max Clark or Walcott? Will either be an impact player in 2026?

Justin Mason: I think Clark is more likely to make a debut in 2026. I would be surprised if Walcott did.

Showbusiness77: Final playoff week with chance to win! Do we believe Reds/Astros pitching map? Any chance Hunter Greene and/or Hunter Brown each pitch on the 31st or both teams sticking with 6-man? TY

Justin Mason: I think neither likely pitches on Sunday, but if one was going to, it’s probably brown

Florida Marlin: What is the ceiling for Eury Perez? Same upside as Skubal, Skenes, Crochet?

Justin Mason: Yes. He has that kind of talent. He will be in my top 10-15 SPs next year I am pretty sure

Guest: Playoffs! Standard H2H Cats. My opponent only uses starters so I know I’ll lose Ks, but aiming to take ERA, WHIP, and SVs and cross my fingers to remain competitive in Wins. Would you start Eury at NYM this week? Could replace with Vest or Cade Smith.

Justin Mason: I would

Guest: Can Ashcraft and Messick be counted on down the stretch or will they have pitch limits? How do they rank Ros with Yu Darvish, Bibee, and Alexander?

Justin Mason: Ashcraft is the one I worry about with an innings limit. I think Messick should be fine and I would have him at the top of this list.

Messick, Darvish, Alexander, Ashcraft, Bibee

Passing: Is the Password just a small side platoon bat with a 80-grade nickname? Will he be worth keeping in AL Only?

Justin Mason: I dont think he will be worth keeping in most formats.

I also have Alvarez coming back: Who to CUT (AL daily OBP league): Meidroth, Password, India?

Justin Mason: Garcia

Justin: Vientos has been on fire for the past week. Do you think this is just a hot streak? Or has he possibly figured something out and recaptured his 2024 form?

Justin Mason: This is what you get from this profile. He will go on hot streaks, but the lack of consistent contact in the zone will lead to prolonged slumps as well. I would ride the hot streak but be ready to dump if he cools off.

Volpain: Traded for Volpe a few weeks ago, thinking he was due for improvement, but it’s only gotten worse. Him or India in an OBP league?

Justin Mason: India

Pete: Matt Boyd (@ SFG, @ COL) or Sandy Alcantara (@ATL, NYM) this week?  Thanks!

Justin Mason: Boyd

kimi: Wondering how to navigate a league problem. The league has been won by one particular owner almost 50% of the time over decades, and now it’s apparent the also-rans are deliberately tanking points to help a different owner take first place this season. Any idea on what rules can be put in place to avoid this impossible-to-prove collusion?

Justin Mason: I would say that make any trades that are made in the league subject to defense. I am in a league where every time we make a trade we have to do a write up for the league to examine about our thinking. Also, tell the league to grow up and learn how to win. It isn’t this guy’s fault he is good. Learn how to beat him fairly.

Scary Terry: Not the venue, I know, but curious how you feel about the McClauren extension. It seems like a fair price, even if I worry he won’t be full speed in time for the regular season.

Justin Mason: I love Terry as a Commanders fan so I am really glad they got the deal done. Not too many worries about him not being ready.

Cristian Charity: Cristian Javier seems to be giving away free passes. Is he a hold in AL only or would an RP (Whitlock, T. Ferguson) be better?

Justin Mason: Id rather have the RP

Matt: 12 team roto dynasty (OBP/TB, $217 salary cap): Next year, I have $3 Keaschall, X Edwards, Perdomo, then $3 B Lowe and $18 T Turner. I’ll probably drop Lowe, but do the $3 guys provide enough MI for me to feel comfortable to try to trade Turner?

Justin Mason: I wouldnt trade Turner. I want the best possible talent in a 12.

Matt: I have Trout at $18 next year. Its probably near market value for the output this year, particularly with him coming around a bit more recently. Is this something I should look to drop next year? So tough to try to evaluate him

Justin Mason: I think he is likely a drop but it depends on league size and inflation rate.

Dan: Better Rockies prospect Karros or Bernabel? 20 team points

Justin Mason: Bernabel

Paul H: Nine team AL only league with regular positions and pitchers (except only 4 OF).  I am 1st place but not totally comfortable – several teams close.  One of my pitchers is J Soriano (LAA).  He seems totally unpredictable, just had a baby and flew back from paternity leave.  I have a very good starting pitcher staff (Mize is lowest rated SP).  I am inclined to bench Soriano and start the rest of my SPs (with Mize as lowest rated).  ANY THOUGHTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

Justin Mason: I would definitely be benching him at this point. The stuff has really dropped off and he allows way too much contact.

Idiotic Failson: Masyn Winn and Anthony Volpe both graduated prospecthood with above average hit tools, yet they both have been at best mediocre hitters. Can you see either of them growing into their prospect hit tools enough to justify rostering them in dynasty leagues?

Justin Mason: Both are still pretty young and I am not ready to give up on them. Winn’s hit tool especially is better than what he has showed. I think Volpe may always struggle some but the overall package should be enough to roster.

Mike: Gleyber or Crews, this week and ROS, 12-team H2H?  Gleyber is more consistent, but Crews offers more power and speed.

Justin Mason: Crews

sactownlarry: Do you think W. Perez would be a good pickup for the series in Sactown? Or could go with B. Reynolds, Adell, L. Garcia Jr, or Robles. I need counting stats to kick off the week in 10t h2h cat. Yahoo leagues. Thanks you

Justin Mason: Adell for me.

how da sloop: in the semifinals of a 10-team redraft Keeper; just dropped Helsley and Rutschman for McLean and Marsee. Feel so liberated. I am really hesitant to drop names like those, but I’m growing. Thank you for all the advice!

Justin Mason: Absolutely, I actually just dropped Adley in all formats. If he comes back it would only be for the last week or 10 days of the season.

Bingo: Any thoughts on Mick Abel? Seems like the stuff is there but the success can’t break out of AAA. Keeper league H2H points

Justin Mason: I worry about the command and control being consistent, but there is no doubt he is a big league arm in my opinion. Minnesota has done a great job with their pitchers, so I tend to want to be a buyer

Lord Thunder: Does Luis Robert have a chance to salvage some value going into next season?

Justin Mason: Probably not

Randy!: How concerned are you about Randy Rodriguez? Just grabbed him in time for his brutal stretch

Justin Mason: I am very concerned. I am grabbing Walker right now.

Guest: Starting bibee tonight vs Tampa?

Justin Mason: Only in deeper formats.

Heeeelllppp: I have a lot of 2B injury concerns. Current waiver wire dumpster diving between B Lee, L Garcia, B Baty J India. Slim pickins how would you rank those names? Also, what is the likelihood B Donovan or T Edman return very soon?

Justin Mason: Give me Garcia. I think Edman is back before the end of the season. Donovan probably is back too, but this feels less likley

Mike: in H2H, it would take an incredible week to get a bye but a terrible week could knock me out of the playoffs.  I really only have to win two categories out of 12 to avoid the latter.  Swing for the fences and try to win big or just to try to strongly win at least two categories?

Justin Mason: The latter

Guest: Is Baty a top 3B the rest of the way? Or just a hot streak?

Justin Mason: I think he definitely could be a top 3B rest of the way. The underlying skills are pretty juicy.

Lord Thunder: If you were the Dodgers, would you let Ohtani pitch?

Justin Mason: No, I would just have him be the best hitter in the game

EssPs: Bryce Miller’s 2-start or Wacha v DET?

Justin Mason: Miller

J Mack: Hey Justin. Love all the help. Rank these injured pitcher as pick up and stash candidates for 2026?

(Cole) Ragans, Gerrit (Cole), Pablo Lopez, McClanahan, Burnes, Steele, Jared Jones

Justin Mason: Ragans, Lopez, Cole, McClanahan, Jones, Burnes, Steel

Fantasy Football sucks: Don’t you think the NFL is a gutter sport and an inferior fantasy product to MLB?

Justin Mason: I dont think it is a gutter sport, but I do think that it is inferior to MLB especially from a fantasy angle

Vinnie P: You buying pasquatch as a top 5 1st basemen next yr?

Justin Mason: I think it is definitely going to be close. His turnaround is legit.

Jeff: Thoughts on Sandy Alcantara in Dynasty? I’m in win-now mode, and he’s likely riding the pine for me down the stretch. But will he likely be helpful next year? Or should I be looking at pitchers on the wire like Senga, Nola, Flaherty (it’s a 12T HTH league with QS, ERA, WHIP, net SOLDs, and more esoteric cats like TB, K, H/9, BB/9).

Justin Mason: I think he will have value and I probably would just hold him here.

Paul H: Follow up to the J Soriano question: Why do almost all ratings put Soriano so high, e.g., ahead of Bello, Castillo, Wacha, Mize, all of which I have???

Justin Mason: Honestly, I have no idea why they do. I would not have him in that tier.

Minnesota T: pls rank these MI’s ros meidroth, Lee, Sweeney, Horwitz

Justin Mason: Meidroth, Lee, Horwitz, Sweeney

Guest: Gavin Williams and Mackenzie Gore have both flashed, and now crashed again… Thoughts?

Justin Mason: This is who they are. When they are good mechanically and commanding the zone, they can be elite. However, they both struggle with consistent mechanics and making mistakes which will lead to problems at times.

South Sider: Tatis’ Statcast page is very red, but he has 2 HRs in the past 2 months. What’s the deal? Is his power ever coming back?

Justin Mason: He needs to raise that launch angle. Since the break, it’s been 6.4 degrees and it should be double that to really take advantage of that power.

RAGBRAI: Lawlar a September call up at this point?

Justin Mason: I honestly thought he’d be up already. He probably comes up as rosters expand.

Guest: I have bohm Barger and Matt Chapman. Need to drop one.

Justin Mason: Chapman

DanG: Since I already have Beavers and Dingler rostered, should I pick up Fitts?

Justin Mason: nah, but point awarded!

Guest: Pick 2 for tomorrow: Lorenzen @ CWS, Kershaw vs Cin, and Giolito @ Bal

Justin Mason: Lorenzen and Giolito

KeegStand: Would you take Shawn Armstrong or Keegin Akin for a SP/RP in a SOLDs league to replace faltering Randy? Fighting hard for first and the guy behind me got 4 Svs/Hlds last night

Justin Mason: Armstrong

PG: How would you rank the following SPs rest of season: Messick, C Holmes, W Warren, Sheehan, Bergert?  Thanks!

Justin Mason: Berget, Messick, Holmes, Warren, Sheehan

Hazmat Corntail: 14t dynasty; we use QS…would you rank these SP for ROS and beyond?: Ober, Soriano, Cavalli, Priester, Bradish

Justin Mason: Priester, Bradish, Ober, Cavalli, Soriano

Dusty: I was never gonna start Dustin May @NYY, but should I be worried the Red Sox magic is wearing off?

Justin Mason: I am biased because I love Andrew Bailey as a pitching coach, so I will say no

Adenolith: Am I crazy to bench Teoscar and James Woods this week? I’m replacing with Langford and Doyle. HRs are nice, but mostly looking to win AVG and Rs

Justin Mason: Not crazy if you are playing to your standings

Phil: Do you think Betts is starting to come alive as the season winds down?

Justin Mason: He absolutely is

South Sider: How long can the Tigers keep running Paddack out there when Melton has pitched so much better?

Justin Mason: They traded for him so they will probably continue to roll him out, but they shouldnt

Prospecting for Gold: Which of these three do you envision coming up in September? Trey Yesavage, Jonah Tong, Payton Tolle

Justin Mason: Tong for sure. Dont think the other two do

how da sloop: Riley Greene can be kept for $16 in an OBP/TB league. Seems like the cutoff for his value in the draft, so thinking of keeping a $5 Hererra (OF), $5 Tork, $5 Rasmussen instead?

Justin Mason: I definitely want Rasmussen and Tork at those prices.

Gary: Why is it that many times SP start out the game great and then suddenly lose command in the in the third fourth or fifth innings?

Justin Mason: can be fatigue or mechanics. I think we forget just how hard pitching is.

Minnesota arms: Speaking of them doing a great job with their pitchers, what does Zebby Matthews need to do next to turn his strikeouts into more consistent performance?

Justin Mason: He needs better command which is one of the hardest things to learn

fjd: Thanks for all you do. I heard the discussion about Devers on the pod. You guys were talking about him as a 3B, but FYI he hasn’t played a single game there this year and will lose eligibility next year.

Justin Mason: I blame paul

Pete: A two start McGreevy (or Oviedo) OR a 1 start Gavin Williams?

Justin Mason: Williams

Shibe Park: Workload questions aside, are you a believer in Luis Morales?

Justin Mason: I am a believer in the ceiling, but the questions about command and control are still there. Fun arm to gamble on

Chip: Please rank for 12-team H2H, playoffs start next week, QS league: Javier, Gil, Zebby, Chandler.

Justin Mason: Gil, Chandler, Zebby, Javier

Robbie Ray: Yesterday was brutal and now reports that velocity is down, big concern going forward?

Justin Mason: Always a concern when you hear velo drop especially on a guy that had had injury issues.

JohnT: Spencer Strider or Bryce Miller this week?

Justin Mason: Strider

Mike: McLean vs. Philly.  Must start even against a good hitting team?

Justin Mason: Yeah, I am not sitting him right now

Pre-game Rituals: Hi Justin, in saves only, do we like O’Brien or Armstrong? Thanks again.

Justin Mason: Armstrong

Guest: What does being pushed from 3B to RF by Hayes do to Noelvi Marte’s value going forward?

Justin Mason: I think Marte’s value is all about his ability to control the strike zone, make contact, and stay on the field. He has done a good job of the first two this year so I think that there is some optimism heading into 2026.

Showbusiness77: Jacob Lopez is an auto drop or any chance ever so slim he makes a start Saturday/Sunday?

Justin Mason: I think he is likely a drop

Showbusiness77: 10-tm ESPN cust pts. Final week. Chance to win league with a final 1 day pitching stack on Sat 30th.  already have Abbott (STL), Gilbert ( @CLE). 2 adds left. I can use a 2-starts SP and/or 1 for insurance:  Grab Schlittler (WSH, @CHW) and McGreevy (PIT, @CIN) or see if the appendage (Richard) Fitts? He follows today @BAL and vs. PIT on the 30th. (3 guaranteed starts from better pitchers OR the possibility of 2 starts/2 follows or 3 starts/1 follow but Fitts is included?) TY so much!

Justin Mason: Give me Schlittler and McGreevy here

blackjack: Do you think Charlie Condon is an elite prospect again after his latest hot streak?

Justin Mason: I dont think much has changed for his profile

Vince: Lost the always healthy Semien. 2B replacements aren’t great – Baty, Polanco, Caballero, Cronenworth. H2H OBP.

Justin Mason: Baty

DanG: Got offered $41 Devers in an Ottoneu 4×4 league for Sal Steward & Konnor Griffin. I’m competing, but declined as I already have Yandy & JRam at 1st & 3rd, and I don’t think I’d play Devers over them given how he’s been slumping. Crazy?

Justin Mason: I love Griffin and so I would probably do this even though it might be a long wait. I traded him in a dynasty earlier this year and have regretted it ever since

Bog: Is Austin Riley just like a 120 wRC+ guy now? Will have him for $40 in Ottoneu next year

Justin Mason: I think he should rebound but 40 seems like a lot

Did you Marsee what I Marsaw?: Feelings on plausible upside fantasy case for Marsee in the long term?  Might he be a top-20 fantasy OF or does his minors history make that too implausible?

Justin Mason: Top 20 seems pretty high for a speed guy in this environment, but I do really like him.

Strider: Any thoughts for ROS, other than wait and see?

Justin Mason: I feel like if you drafted him, you are almost pot committed to him at this point. The upside is too good, but this is why I stay away from TJ/Internal Brace returnees.

shaunypatinthehat: Palencia or Randy Rod in a 10 team 5×5 Dynasty for SV next year?

Justin Mason: Palenica

Need a spark: My struggling lineup needs a jolt to get into the playoffs of a 12-team H2H where OPS, R, RBI, HR, SB are the weekly categories. Would you drop Andy Pages for Dylan Beavers?

Justin Mason: Nah

larry: Would you hang onto Ramon or swap out with L. Garcia, Nimmo, Holiday or Robles. Mainly a bench bat but looking for steady counting stats with possible SB’s. 12t h2h cat. league. Thank you

Justin Mason: Robles for SBs. The upside is so great there

Strider follow up: Do you get a point for saying “I told you so”

Justin Mason: I give myself so many points for those, but I also take away points for “I was wrong” which happens about as often

Justin Mason: Point award to you!

shaunypatinthehat: 10 team 5×5 dynasty with contracts and 2 (U) spots. Should I keep both of Baldwin and Teel, or who to choose if I need a starting spot in ’26? I have been tormented over it but I think Teel may be the choice

Justin Mason: Im keeping Baldwin

Mulligan: H2H points league playoffs with W + QS and Solds. I have to bring Lodolo off IR this week.  Which closer to cut?  Hoffman, Suarez, Abreu or Bednar?  Would you cut a second closer to bring Messick up from minors he is projected for 3 starts?

Justin Mason: Abreu I guess, but man all of these are good

Justin Mason: That’s 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!