Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – July 27, 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

phillyg: Odds Boston plays Mead at 2B enough to get him eligible next year?

Justin Mason: I think the odds are pretty likely he gets there. He is only 14 games away and it sounds like that is where Boston would prefer him to play if he can handle it. Thats a big if so I think there is a chance he is so bad defensively that he falls short. 75% chance he does?

JoeG414: What do you  think of S.Baz ? He’s only went 5+ innings in two of this last 4 starts. Is he a drop ? Clay Holmes , Wesneski, Bieber, Prielipp, Imai are available. Wins are needed

Justin Mason: I am ok dropping him for Holmes who I think will be pretty good and on a contender by next monday.

MFG: Thoughts on Colt Emerson ROS?

Justin Mason: Im interested to see if the Mariners actually trade him as reports suggest he is available. if he is on a new team, I think hes playing every day. If he is in Seattle, I think there is a chance he gets sent back down especially if they acquire a short term solution. He hasnt been great with a sub 80% z-contact and the hit tool being his best tool makes him virtually unusable until he can make more contact.

robert91: H2H Points league, how would rank these end of bench guys for ROS/a playoff run? Gleyber, Canzone, Garrett Mitchell. Thanks!

Justin Mason: Canzone

bdubs: At this late point of the season, name value is one thing, but stats don’t lie. After getting the same snarky answer from 2 “friends”, I hesitate to ask but I will anyway: Is it crazy to consider dropping Mookie for Jeremy Pena?

Justin Mason: I dont think it is crazy at this point.

yochuckie: Two start Sproat @ SF @ Angels or L Henderson @SF?
Acknowledging the fact that Sproat suffers from Christian Scott Disease, the inability to go 5 innings.

Justin Mason: Sproat for me. Im starting him today.

Gregg: I’m debating rolling out Tolle (@ATH, @LAD) or Ashcraft (@CIN) this week. Which would you choose?

Justin Mason: Tolle and pray

daveypingpong: 12 Team Standard Dynasty, Keep Forever. Which side of a trade do you prefer: Langford and Merrill for Misiorowski?

Justin Mason: Mis

NicklePickers: Gage Jump. You outlined the tough matchups ahead. Silly to hold in al only? Should I swap for Patrick Sandoval or a middle reliever?

Justin Mason: I think I would take a middle reliever. Its just hard to have half a starter at this point in the season.

NicklePickers: Is Tolle a keeper at $18 in AL Only? Are you starting tonight in SacTown?

Justin Mason: I would but I would be scared.

Ragbrai: Will you be doing a chat next week with the trade deadline on tap, or is it all hands on deck? When will the stove start heating up Thur? Fri? Not until the weekend?

Justin Mason: I am planning to! I dont know if I will get bumped with the deadline, but someone will be here for sure.

NicklePickers: DeGrom or Gavin Williams, ros?

Justin Mason: Degrom but close

NicklePickers: How many saves will a stud closer like Hader or Baker get ROS? Trying to decide if it’s worth adding saves if I’m down 30 in AL Only and my only closer is Tyler Wells…

Justin Mason: probably looking at 10-15

Justin Mason: if youre down 30, you may want to just punt.

tdmoc: How long is Walbert Ureña going to keep this up? Long enough for me to drop someone like Ashcraft/Drohan/L. Henderson/Cavalli for the two-step? super shallow H2H points league

Justin Mason: I would be pretty hesitant to drop any of those guys for Walbert. At some point regression will come for him and this feels like a good week for it.

cjbaseball16: Bangeliers down. Is Heim à decent candidate rest of season because of Park and clear path to playing time, or is he a potential move candidate? Other options on the wire are Elias Diaz, Austin Wells, Patrick Bailey, Nick Fortes

Justin Mason: I think he could definitely get traded this week, but it is a home week and I would stream him for now and see what happens.

cage433: Would you rather have Gleyber Torres or Travis Bazzana ROS?

Justin Mason: Bazzana

Salty: Hey Justin – How do you think the weather/ballpark will play in Sactown in Aug/Sept?  Was wondering if it will play like a launching pad the rest of the year, or if it turns more neutral if the weather cools off.

Justin Mason: it doesn’t cool off here until october at the earliest. Some of our highest temps come in August and September. I remember a week of 115-120 degree days in mid september back in 2017 that preceeded the fires here that year. I think its going to play like a launching pad rest of the way.

cjbaseball16: In a 12 TM Al only roto. Need steals. Traded canzone for Simpson? Does the value seem fair? Also, do you think a Woo/Lane Thomas package is enough to get Kurtz?

Justin Mason: That seems fair to me especially if you needed steals. I wouldnt trade kurtz for that, but its worth asking.

Jon Tayler: Hi Justin! 10-team OBP roto league with limited keepers (4 max) and a salary cap ($260). I’m in first and have been offered a deal by a manager who’s out of it and looking to next season. It’s a doozy: I give up Yordan ($26 to keep next year) for J-Ram, Alonso and Langford. Assuming he’s serious, this is a slam-dunk yes, right? My only hesitation is Yordan is my best keeper candidate for 2027.

Justin Mason: yeah, im doing that. Dont worry about the keeper stuff when you are trying to bring home the trophy. Play to win.

Johnny5Alive: NL only keeper roto league. $270 salary cap. Opportunity up turn an unkeepable Francisco Alvarez plus Victor Scott ii for a $2 soroka. I’m out of it so trying to build for next year. There’s other pieces to make the rosters work but that’s the basic deal. Thoughts?

Justin Mason: I feel like I want a better keeper than an injury prone pitcher that might not even be in the NL next year (mutual option.) The price is good, but chances are he isnt even eligible for NL leagues next year.

Ragbrai: Please randROS NL 5×5 Waldschmidt, Chapman, RObert? Will Waldschmidt be anything next year.

Justin Mason: Chapman, Waldschmidt, Robert. I think Waldschmidt profiles as a really good accumulator than a star, but he should have good value in 2027

Ragbrai: In Nunez a one year wonder or can I expect the same next yeaR?

Justin Mason: I think you can expect something similar to this year.

yochuckie: Lost Langliers in a Keep 10 H2H 6×6 OBP

yochuckie: C options are Yanier, Mack, Heim, Wells

Justin Mason: Give me heim for now but if he is traded at the deadline, pivot to Mack

Salty: Jordan Romano is on pace to finish in the top 20 in saves….after being DFA’d…..there are few things more maddening than save-hunting!

Justin Mason: Saves will drive you crazy

Justin Mason: point awarded!

Ropeia: I’m in a Sv/HD league, and I need some Sv/HDs. I have Morejon, who has is doing great in every category except Holds…Only 6 in 24 appearances for me. How do you judge Middle Relievers and when do you move on for a worse pitcher with a better hold rate? Cleavenger, Slaten, and Soriano are on the wire

Justin Mason: If you think saves are maddening, holds are even worse. I tend to just stream whoever has the best hold rate over the last 30 days or so and move on when I feel like its dried up. They are so hard to predict.

jimleylandpalmer: 10TM 5×5 – drop Carson Benge for Ty France?

Justin Mason: nah

alec_eiffel: Can/will Pedro Ramirez from CHC be a regular in this cubs lineup?

Justin Mason: I think he can, but I would be surprised if he will. He has the ability to play all over the place and accumulate, but I assume the Cubs will block him off at the deadline.

Ragbrai: What do you see Milwaukee doing in the next week on the trade front? If they are trading youngsters who is/are mot likely to go so they can get what they want?

Justin Mason: they supposedly want to add at the deadline, but are reluctant to take on a lot of money. I would look for them to add some guys on expiring deals in the outfield or maybe a starter. Could see Robbie Ray there. I dont think they will worry too much about the prospect they will need to move because they are loaded in the minors and wont likely trade their top three guys.

bassui: Finally got a trade to go through.  In a 10 team QS/OBP league, Cris Sanchez, Nasim, and Mason Miller for Soto (the day before he goes on the IL of course), Riley Greene, and Whitlock.  Which side do you like ROS?

Justin Mason: I like the Soto side once he is back

Vogt your conscience: My outfield is ridiculous and one of these guys needs to ride the bench when the lineup is full: Wood, Acuna, Langford, Chourio, Walker. Who sits?

Justin Mason: I guess its Langford

yochuckie: Still bullish on a 2nd half bull market run by Julio? His numbers look eerily similar to Mead’s but it took Julio 90 more ABs to get there.

Justin Mason: yeah, Julio usually turns it up a notch in the second half. I think he will beast out again.

beyou02215: Sal Stewart is a top (blank) 1B ROS this year and next year? 12 team 5×5 roto. Side note – I love him and he’s only 22!

Justin Mason: top 5

J: Thanks, Justin! You like Kwan or Altuve ROS? (I’m leaning Kwan for needs in AVG and SB…

Justin Mason: kwan as well

kpedrok: Vlad Guerrero or Ty France for this week?
Yes, this is a serious question.

Justin Mason: Vlad

CT9: Hi Justin. 12tm, 7×7 Roto, Keeper. I’ve been in 1st all year, and just slipped into 2nd yesterday. I need HR, RBI, SB, QS, and ratios. Thinking of offering my James Wood (only surefire keeper), M. Busch, I. Happ, J. Soriano for their M. Olson, R. Acuna, M. Machado, and G. Kirby. Am I crazy for shipping Wood away as the #1 fantasy player, with those offensive categories in need?

Justin Mason: I would have a hard time trading him away unless I was absolutely getting a ton back, but this is a ton back and I am a believer in going all-in for a championship

kpedrok: Cedanne Rafaela or Ketel Marte? It’s a 12 team 5×5 head to head with two utility. Team acquiring Ketel would have to move back from round 9 to round 17 in next years draft, but is looking at the playoffs.

Justin Mason: Ketel

Don Breckenridge: What is your take on Mariners Hancock trade availability?  Kade move to the show? Relatively soon?

Justin Mason: I think there is a chance Kade is up but probably as a reliever not a starter. I dont think they want to push him and risk hurting him before he is completely ready. The Hancock rumors have more to do with having one too many starters and no one wanting Castillo. Its a nice sell high on Hancock

J: Eovaldi or Hancock ROS? All things being equal?

Justin Mason: Eovaldi

Vogt your conscience: Dropped Will Warren in my 12-teamer and now I am free. Seriously, though, when do results on the field outweigh projections? He has 287 career innings of a 4.87 ERA. SIERA has him with a 3.99 ERA rest of season. (Other projection systems are higher). Are projection systems just bad at projecting pitchers like Warren who congenitally give up a lot of dingers?

Justin Mason: I think projections have a hard time capturing command (good or bad.) they also are projecting a median outcome which is not what we actually normally get.

Woody1937: Caprese salad or cobb salad for lunch for me today?

Justin Mason: Cobb

Robert: I Profar Mead rather than Beer at my Summer Holmes in Spahn. I entertain easily

Justin Mason: point awaded

Hazmat Corntail: How much am I going to regret trading away Mead for Taylor Ward in dynasty if I don’t win the title this year? On a scale of 1-10, I’m guessing 11

Justin Mason: 8

J: What are your thoughts / any advice for “fence sitting? I am in 5th place (first five teams win money) and I’ve got almost no chance of winning the league. 6th Place gets 1st round TS pick. I want to try and tread water and stay where I am, while also selling guys I wont keep or have on expiring deals…..

Justin Mason: I usually like to commit to a plan. Yes winning money is nice this year, but winning the league next year is better.

Joel: What chance do you give Adames being traded as a salary dump? …ROS H2H points league (redraft), pls rank: D Lile, D Crews, L Lara, CE-S, B Montgomery, T Peters

Justin Mason: like 5% chance. No one wants that contract unless the Giants eat a ton or get creative.

Lile, Peters, Crews, Lara, CES, Montgomery

Salty: With the upcoming labor uncertainty, do you think this will be a quiet trade deadline?  And is it possible that F Peralta winds up being the biggest name moved?

Justin Mason: I think there is a chance Peralta is the biggest name moved, but I think that the labor unrest might make it a more active deadline as teams where their window is the next two years may want to priortize this year with next year in doubt.

gsliv5150: 12-team 5×5 w/4 OF starters. I have PCA, Grisham, Benge, Carrigg, and Antonacci.  Any of Crews, Heriberto, or Spencer Jones worth adding?

Justin Mason: I would add Hernandez.

Justin Mason: out of questions! send more

Joel: Feel like Robbie Ray to Cubs makes too much sense, esp for someone like Pedro Ramriez of Alcantara. It’s a sellers market dont see why they need to be lowballed by the Whitesox (wont trade a top 10 prospect)….ROS H2H points reliever ranks (redraft): M Petersen, T Gurrero, J Junis, T Wells, P Blackburn.

Justin Mason: I could definitely see him end up with the White Sox. Love that my giants are finally selling in a market that will benefit them.

Ragbrai: They say flags fly forever, but for me they only really last an offseason before the new year begins. Have you ever gone into a draft with no keepers and a full budget just to win the league? I’m at that point almost and it just feels weird.

Justin Mason: I have done that and it always hurts a little but that flag does fly forever.

Beano: Two NL queries: is Jim Jarvis worth rostering a t would you prefer Kepler or Ortiz? (I fear trades will affect  these 3). And Montgomery or Dotel for saves?

Justin Mason: I would prefer Ortiz. Montgomery for me

Joel Warger: Vinnie P or Soderstrom at 1B this week? Standard 5×5. Do you like what we’ve seen from VP since his return from the IL?

Justin Mason: Soderstrom for me since they are in Sac this week, but I love what we have seen from Pasquantino since he returned. Looks more like himself

Ragbrai: Is a cheap/ retainable Harrison $4 for an overpriced Wheeler fair? Does King get traded?

Justin Mason: I think so

Justin Mason: I dont think King gets traded

NicklePickers: Daily AL OBP league: Tommy Tanks or Jeff McNeil? (A’s only!)

Justin Mason: Give me Tanks

MFG: Romy Gonzalez going to be irrelevant ROS, even in deep AL only?

Justin Mason: Probably not

J: You mighta answered this (I joined late) Think C.E.S. keeps this up?

Justin Mason: seems unlikely given his history, but I would ride the hot streak. Playing time may be an issue once he cools

markbern: Brandon Young seems to be doing it with smoke and mirrors–but he’s doing it. Should I cut him for Kremer or keep riding? Thanks.

Justin Mason: keep riding

Ragbrai: Roster crunch with Olson, Freeman, Chapman and Eldridge. Which of the last two goes based on ROS?

Justin Mason: wow, thats tough. Chapman for sure. Then I guess Eldridge in a redraft.

surfdoc37: NL only 4×4 12 team keeper league. Sitting 8th, have a shot at 5th. Offered L. Garcia $19 for my C. Carroll $37 by the 3rd place team.  Feel like it is not quite enough to get me to bail on my faint chance of a money finish.  Might be able to get a $10 Lawlar and/or a $2 J. Tong tossed in though.  What do you think?

Justin Mason: I feel like you should get a little more, but do you lose Garcia if he is traded to an AL team? that might make it worth it if so.

michaelstoll5: 150 points out of H2H playoffs, with 30 days to go. Soto is out for at least half of that stretch run…..look to deal him to a non-contender or weather the storm and have him for playoffs….IF I can make it in?

Justin Mason: I think I would

Justin Mason: always a chance of reinjury and with the mets being out of it, what if they just shut him down?

yochuckie: Rank ROS OF/ Keeper.                 Julio, Carroll, Pages, MH2, Marsh and Kwan? Did I just do that?

Justin Mason: Carroll, Julio, Pages, Harris, Marsh Kwan

Joel: Sorry for the repeat Question, Justin, but I didn’t see the answer in your response (on the Robbie Ray trade). ..ROS H2H points reliever ranks (redraft): M Petersen, T Gurrero, J Junis, T Wells, P Blackburn. Given this is a points league, Innings pitched and K’s are pretty valuable vs the normal Saves/Holds prioritization. So thinking Blackburn is lowkey underrated. Thoughts?

Justin Mason: Wells, Petersen, Junis, Guerro, Blackburn

Beano: I cleverly grabbed E Valdez for $1 in my 10 team NL 5×5. He’s not a .290 hitter but he will continue to hit HRs- yes?

Justin Mason: I think he will always hit bombs, but I worry he will eventually hit below the mendoza line

J: Has Sporer confirmed if “Chadwick Tromp” is a real guy? Top 5 all time fake player name easily….

Justin Mason: He is no Tom Murphy.

Justin Mason: Point awarded

epc2188: Have a roster crunch with Cruz/sproka/snell coming back…..what bat should I drop in 14 team obp….mookie/mccarthy/nasim/ggrisham

Justin Mason: grisham

Ragbrai: Which is more frustrating/fun draft day or the trade deadline in an only league?

Justin Mason: the draft is always the most fun. The deadline is a lot of fun sometimes lol

zoocyde: Can you rank these 3B and let me know if Austin Riley is droppable for any of them? Mead, Suarez, Montgomery, Paredes, Edman

Justin Mason: Suarez, Mead, Montgomery, Paredes, Edman. Im not dropping Riley for anyone on the list.

J: Hey now, “Tom Murphy” did WORK for me for like a 3 week stretch in AL Only like 5 years ago

Justin Mason: point awarded

Ragbrai: It’s dang hot here in the Midwest is that because of climate change or indication that the hot stove of the trade deadline is about to boil over?

Justin Mason: both

Justin Mason: point awarded

J: Is Taylor Ward what he is at this point? What are the odds the power returns in the second half?

Justin Mason: I think he is just who he is at this point

Ragbrai: Does any team stand pat through next Monday? And who might be a player traded that hasn’t been talked about?

Justin Mason: I am sure there will be a team that does, just hard to know who. Maybe the twins?

This is tough. What if the Astros tried to move Hader? That is something that could net them a return in a sellers market where there arent massive closing options available. Wont happen, but would kick start a rebuild and get that contract out from under them.

beyou02215: Real baseball question: As of today, odds Skubal is traded?  Odds Mason Miller is traded?

Justin Mason: I think 30% for skubal. 5% for Miller

yochuckie: Cleveland (pitching) and Colorado ( bats) gotta have a match somewhere, no?

Justin Mason: who does the rockies have that anyone wants?

Ragbrai: Thoughts on Snell ROS? Better ROS than Singer or Manaea?

Justin Mason: Upside is massive. He could be the best pitcher in baseball if he is right and healthy. Downside is what we have seen this year, zero production. I think I would take the gamble on him rest of the way over them.

viceroy: Any thoughts on possible 14-team deep closer spec adds before the deadline? My waiver is pretty barren and I’ve been having trouble even landing Michael Peterson in a trade.  Maybe Joel Peguero comes back healthy and snags some for the giants?

Justin Mason: maybe someone like Tyler Holton or Drew Anderson in Detroit if the Tigers sell Kenley and Finnegan? Daniel Lynch in KC?

tripleshy: Would you trade Ashcraft for Machado? Concerned Ashcraft will be limited for my playoffs

Justin Mason: yes, I would

J: How do you like Denzer Guzman as a $9 keeper in deep standard AL only roto ($260 budget, 12 teams) How do you like him ROS in same format?

Justin Mason: I dont think he is worth $9 in that format personally. I am not a big fan of him from a profile prospective ROS or in the future.

epc2188: Streaming Heim this week, sal Perez the permement replacement for lang? Or am I streaming the rest of the way..other options are Mack/ruiz/realmuto etc

Justin Mason: I am streaming Heim this week for sure

JoeG414: I’m sure a few team would want Rockies hitters ; McCarthy & Moniak    Guardians sure could use some offense

Justin Mason: I could definitely see Moniak getting moved. McCarthy maybe, but they have him under team control for two more years.

JoeG414: Gavin Williams & Messick never gets run support

Justin Mason: The Guardians definintely need to add offense. They are so cheap though

Justin Mason: Any last questions?! I have a couple of minutes left and nothing to answer

Ragbrai: Are you happy?

Justin Mason: Always am happy during baseball season!

Justin Mason: Point awarded!

Ragbrai: How are your teams doing?

Justin Mason: mediocre this year unfortunately, but still a good amount of time left to try and climb in it.

tripleshy: J Jones or Tolle ROS, points?

Justin Mason: tolle

Ragbrai: When will Pivetta be back and will he contribute?

Justin Mason: I dont have a lot of faith that he will contribute coming off of the injury.

Ragbrai: Is this the last question you will answer?

Justin Mason: yes

Justin Mason: thats my time!

Justin Mason: 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