Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – June 1, 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

Jesse: You guys had Soroka as a lock on the two-start podcast. 12-team, pretty deep. Any fear about the Dodgers being the first team in that two-start? It makes me nervous. Framber v. Seattle or Brown @ SF are the other choices.

Justin Mason: I am definitely a little nervous about it. He probably should be i the “should start” category. I think I am still rolling with him here.

Miguel D: NL only…start Mead or Bohm at 3B this week?

Justin Mason: Mead

Jason: Justin – thanks for all of the great work you do! I dropped Matt McLain in 12tm 5×5 and picked up Jacob Gonzalez. Good idea, bad idea, or a whole lot of nothing?

Justin Mason: Probably a whole lot of nothing, but Gonzalez has made a decent amount of contact and was barrelling the ball in AAA, so it isnt a terrible gamble

Guest: What do we make of Mlodzinski’s last news?

Justin Mason: I think he’s likely to be traded or DFA’d this week.

Curmudgeon Grandpa: I don’t know why everyone gets so worked up about this Judge fella.  He’s not even the best hitter on his own team.

Justin Mason: point awarded

12team roto: Isaac Paredes feels like such an all or nothing player. The projections still optimistic. Should we remain patient or play hot hands like Mead?

Justin Mason: I am rolling with Mead right now. I have always been a Mead guy. He just needed a team that was ok with his poor defense.

GT: 14 tm, 6×6 h2h where offense categories are TB, HR, RBI, R, SB & OBP … I am currently running out Riley at 3B … was offered Muncy in exchange for Meyer … am I overvaluing my SP as usual in not making this move and giving Riley more leash, my current staff is Skenes, Cole, Eovaldi, Meyer, Bradish with Ragans, Greene & E. PErez on IL

Justin Mason: I am taking this deal. As much as I love Meyer, Muncy is a great return.

Miguel D: NL only…Uribe CL 2 and worried now. Sccop up Keaton Winn or E Pagan as potential long term solution?

Justin Mason: I think Uribe will get the job back. I think he is just being punished for what he did.

Guest: Is Eldridge for Hamilton or Marsee fair? He needs SB I could use a little more power. Fair for this year? For next year? NL 5×5.

Justin Mason: I would do either. I think We are starting to see something with Eldridge

GT: 14 tm 6×6 h2h where offense categories are TB, OBP, HR, RBI, R & SB … I suffer from over valuing my players, am looking to buy low on Soderstrom, other owner asked for Delauter in exchange, is this an easy yes or should I just keep DeLauter?

Justin Mason: I dont know that it is an easy yes, but I think it is a yes

12team roto: How many games does Vaughn play with a full 7 games v RHP?

Justin Mason: probably 3-4

Aaron: Volpe has been showing a bit more juice as of late but his statcast metrics arent pretty. Is there anything here or is it just a hotstreak?

Justin Mason: I think it is just a hot streak

Matt Damon: MATT. DAMON.

Justin Mason: HE IS BACK!

Give it to me straight….: Dynasty 5×5 h2h roto, $3 increases per yr….12 man farms…I gave up Bubba Chandler $1 and JoJo Parker (farm) for Riley O’Brien $1.  I’m very confident in my pitching depth, but only have Baker for saves currently, with Helsley returning soon (at least until his next IL trip).  Did I give up too much upside for a 31 yr old reliever, or will O’Brien hold the job this year plus at least one more and make me feel okayish about it?  Thank as always for all of the great content!

Justin Mason: I think you probably gave up a little too much, but I do think you should get enough out of O’Brien to not completely hate yourself for it. I just hope Parker doesnt turn into a star because I traded him away in a league too lol

Austin Riley: Are projections overrating me? Looks like a pretty clear pattern of decline over the last few years, but projections are still holding out at around a 110 wRC+

Justin Mason: I think the could be in the power department a little. we have seen drops in average exit velo, barrel %, and hard hit % this year without substantial gains in contact. I dont think he is falling off a cliff, but maybe wont rebound to what he was back in his 22, 23 seasons

Aaron: Whats been your initial take on Dylan Crews? Is he showing enough under the hood to warrant roster consideration on 12 teamers?

Justin Mason: Making a lot of contact and hitting the ball hard. Isn’t lifting enough which has been an issue throughout his career. should be a better version of what we have seen from him before, but not a star

Justin Mason: so viable in a 12 teamer but not a must

TG: Sheehan for E. Suarez ? Who says no, 6×6 h2h where team with Suarez has possibly worst pitching staff in league and team with Sheehan has top 5 staff and is missing pop in lineup

Justin Mason: seem fair

Mr. Fister: Ewing or Angel Martinez (and hope he’s good to go Tuesday)? 5×5 h2h roto.

Justin Mason: MArtinez if healthy

Pete: It looks like 2-start weeks for Nola, Prielipp and Sandlin.  If you had to start two and sit one, who would ne out? Sandlin makes me nervous with all the BB in the minors, and the fact that he only went 3 or 4 innings down there per start.  Sure, he went 6 against MIN last time, but that was only on 61 pitches.  Thanks!

Justin Mason: I think I am sitting Nola, but I understand the fear of Sandlin. He can really struggle with control and I dont know how deep they let him go. If wins are important, Nola is probably the better bet in Philly.

Paul Levesque: What happens first? Uribe regains closer role or headlines DX comeback in this year’s summer slam?

Justin Mason: Uribe

Justin Mason: Point awarded

Mr. Fister: Is Ryan Weathers a set and forget guy now?

Justin Mason: as long as he is healthy

Aaron: Baz vs Detmers vs streamer. Who are you taking rest of year in a 12 team h2h league?

Justin Mason: Detmers

South Sider: OK to drop Ragans in a 16 team league with only 1 IL spot? I’m holding onto Lindor, Skubal, and Woodruff and starting to think we might not get anything from Ragans this season.

Justin Mason: I would have a hard time, but it is probably the right call

Guest: I have to start two of Brandon Young, MIke Burrows or Brayan Bello.  10 team AL league with 5 categories including Ks. (Don’t judge, my other pitchers are great!

Justin Mason: Young and Burrows

Jay: Have Jones back from IL and soon to be Skubal in 10-team. Pick 2 to drop: Ray, Elder, Taj, Gray, Sheehan, Hancock. Leaning Ray & Elder (Ray’s home park & Elder’s team context are where I get hung up)

Justin Mason: Elder for sure. The harder one is the second drop. I tend to lean Taj here in a no keeper situation, but can understand going Ray.

G: Braxton Ashcraft: legit top-25 SP or sell-high trade candidate?

Justin Mason: sell high

Aaron: are we seeing a curtis mead breakout?

Justin Mason: I think we are! He wont be this good, but the offensive talent has not really been in question. He was just positionless because the defense can be so dreadful.

TG: E. Perez a drop at this point right ? I can hold him on IL since I have the space but was thinking of picking up Schwellenbach and holding him as lottery ticket instead … do either of them even matter? pitching mark is pretty thin and bleek now a days in a 14 tm 6×6 h2h league

Justin Mason: yeah, he is out way too long to hold in leagues with limited IL. I dont know that Schwellenbach is worth rostering either, but chances are he is back before Eury.

South Sider: Who do you like better ROS and long-term in an OBP league? Jackson Holliday or Colt Emerson

Justin Mason: Holliday

Jack off all trades: Going into next year, Miguel Vargas is a top ____ 3B in 5×5?  Could he possibly be the next JRam-like cheat code?

Justin Mason: 7

JD: Is a Joshua Baez June call up possible? He’s been mashing in AAA.

Justin Mason: I think he should be

Jack off all trades: I still can’t believe a grown effing man did the “suck it” gesture during an actual game.  WWE style.

Justin Mason: I was surprised he didnt drop an elbow from the top rope

Arms and Armor: Where do ​S​andlin and Jump slide into the SP mix relative to the likes of Noah Schultz, JT Ginn, Cantillo?

Justin Mason: I think Sandlin is a temu version of Schultz so he probably is last with Gage being a little ahead of him but behind the schultz and infront of the other two

Jack off all trades: But then again, I never thought I’d see three men pound their crotches together in celebration after a game either…..

Justin Mason: listen, my giants need to do whatever it takes

Arms and Armor: Taking any fliers on Grayson Rodriguez in ALonly? Stuff+ looks ok, and yesterday was better albeit against the Tigers. Home vs Colorado next.

Justin Mason: I think it is worth it for the matchup alone

Dave: How much run do you think Caballero gets over the rest of the year (and will the ABs be worthwhile)? Trying to decide whether to replace Stott, who’s serving as a backup MI (and mostly theoretical source of speed).

Justin Mason: I think he plays close to full time somewhere if not just at short

Greg: Getting hit hard by injuries, which two start waiver option do you prefer?  Sandlin, Drohan, Erod?

Justin Mason: Sandlin and E-Rod and pray the dodgers dont kill E-Rod

Perking Up: Perkins, for all his struggles, still has some of the best stuff/k-bb/etc in the A’s pen. Should I cut anyway in AL only for Mark Leiter Jr or Jose Ferrer?

Justin Mason: for Ferrer

Megan Markle: You buying into Wrobleski any more? Feels like the easiest guy for the industry to fade, curious if there’s any optimism

Justin Mason: yeah, I think he is a pretty easy sell

Guest: So, Adolis Garcia finished the last three weeks of May on a 3-for-57 skid. After two crappy years in Texas, is he officially muerto?

Justin Mason: He will get hot at some point, but I think you can move on in most formats.

Melton Point?: Am I crazy to like Sandlin and Jump over Melton? Stuff+ (in admittedly tiny samples) is better, Jump at least had more pedigree.

Justin Mason: Jump yes. Sandlin no

RAGBRAI: If Mlod is DFAed does he get picked up as a starter or bullpen? Will be he be worth it as either?

Justin Mason: some team will want him as a starter. Too many teams are thin in the rotation to not grab him off the wire

Dave: Related to the Austin Riley questions… is Vargas/Riley going to get me through the year at 3B, or do I need to figure out another plan?

Justin Mason: youll be good

Jake Spoon: Happy Monday!
Do you think I should start Randy Vasquez (at PHI, vs NYM) or just plug in Grant Taylor in hopes to help with ratios and maybe get a hold.  Vasquez hasn’t been great.

Justin Mason: Taylor. Vasquez has regressed back to who he was.

Ampersand: Hey Justin! ROS how would you rank: Ezequiel Duran, Casey Schmitt, Spencer Steer, Zach Gelof?

Justin Mason: Schmitt, Steer, Gelof, Duran

Hazmat: 14t H2H dynasty…Keaschall was dropped and I could use speed (he’d tie Nico to lead my team in SB); I have Vargas/Mead/Lee for 3B and other positions, drop Bohm for Keaschall?

Justin Mason: sure

Sir Mookington: Antonacci has been a fun Swiss Army knife backup this year. Do we think he can tap into a bit more power?

Justin Mason: I do not

Chucky: H2H Gunnar or Montgomery?

Justin Mason: Gunnar

Mr. Fister: A little bird told me that “Matt Damon” is now working a normal person day shift job after 23 years working nights and now has a hard time being available to contribute to these chats on the regular.  He wanted me to tell everyone that he is here always in spirit, even when he can’t join, but always reads the transcripts.

Justin Mason: We miss you Mr. Damon. You are always welcome in my chat

Peaky Blinder: 15 team dyansty keep forever roto, in first place with the following possible trades available:

1. Essentially Mookie+ for Josuar++
2. Matt Shaw/Wrobleski for Devers (already have 2 1Bs..)
3. Wenninger for Bogaerts or Bednar (SV+HLDs)

Justin Mason:

1. No
2. Yes
3. Yes

not an easy yes: Delater for Soderstrom trade update, the answer was that I held out and a week later the other owner dropped Soderstrom … now I have both DeLauter and Soderstrom 🙂

Justin Mason: win!!!

Paulie Eff: My offensive team includes guys like Kyle Tucker, Perdomo, Maikel Garcia, Jac C, Vinny P…all huge disappointments.  We’re nearly half way through the season!  Which of these guys do you think are going to straighten themselves out for the rest of the year and start to contribute?

Justin Mason: I think all of them will. I just dont think that Perdomo will be the guy he was last year in the power department

Guest: with 23 starting spots 4 bench spots and 4 IL spots, what is the most injured players you’d ever roster at a time?

Justin Mason: I think it really depends on the context of the level of player, but probably six

Roster Spackle: Could use heavier spackle in my AL only daily OBP league. Do you prefer any of Schneemann, IKF, Nick Sogard?

Justin Mason: Schneemann

Kyle: McLean has struggled three starts in a row now. Any concern (whether injury or performance) or is this just a rookie pitcher dealing with first season struggles?

Justin Mason: The velocity came back last last start. I think its just a down patch, so I am not worried too much yet

Billy Blue Jeans: Temu version of Schultz??!??!? What makes you think he’s so weak?

Justin Mason: So Sandlin has the same struggles with control, but Schultz’s stuff is just better. I think Sandlin could be decent, but Schultz has ace upside if his control is figured out. There is a reason that Schultz is a top 50 prospect and Sandlin isnt in the top 100.

JoeG: Baz at Bos or Grayson Rodriguez home vs Col ? 12T mixed roto

Justin Mason: Grayson

Stick to Sporer-tzball: In keeper –  would you trade Neto for Cags and Mead?  Cags savant page looks great but the production is so bad.

Justin Mason: I am sticking with Neto, but thats close

Justin Mason: I do love Cags, but I love Neto more

Bill: 13 team mixed redraft.  Looking to pick up Ryan (LAD).  Who to drop – Urena? Prielipp?  Nelson? Melton?

Justin Mason: Prielipp

Matt: In a 6×6 (OBP) dynasty league, I was offered Hunter Greene straight up for Riley Green. would you make that trade?

Justin Mason: no

Chip: I traded Chase Burns for Elly. Elly immediately gets injured. SMH.

Justin Mason: I think he will be ok. I like this deal for you

Salty: Are Santillan and Finnegan allergic to the closer role?  Both have had golden opportunities to take the role at least on a temporary basis, and neither has been able to take advantage.

Justin Mason: I think Santillan will be fine but last night was ugly

Jason: Where does Wrobleski fall in 12 teamers? “Should start” category most weeks?

Justin Mason: he probably falls into the tier below should start. The win potential is really the only thing he has going for him on the Dodgers

Jacob Gonzalez: what % of FAAB?  Would be releasing Palacios.  Redraft counting OBP and SLG

Justin Mason: Not a ton. no more than 5%

12team roto: Edwin Arroyo call up 🚨

Justin Mason: Oh interesting! He’s been great at AAA, but I wonder how the hit tool handles Major League pitching. Someone to grab just in case tho

Datt Mamon: Maybe not the right forum, but wondering how you handle non-participants in leagues you’re in (guys that check out early, don’t respond to offers for weeks, won’t participate enough to even try to rebuild, etc.)

Justin Mason: replace them at the end of the season. That hurts the overall make up of the league. Give them a warning that if they continue to not participate, they may be replaced at the end of the season.

Guest: thoughts on jonah cox…skipped AAA…speedster hitting over .400 at AA

Justin Mason: He is fast, but not a great hit tool or much power. I was surpised he was called up straight from AA.

Mustin Jason: What do you think happens with the Yankees OF when Stanton and Dominguez are healthy? Do they ever trade one of Dominguez/Jones?

Justin Mason: That is a big if. I am sure it works itself out one way or another. I could see a dominguez trade or he heads back to AAA.

Manning to Manningham: One of your colleagues in your industry dead ringer look alike for a young Ronald Reagan … Jeff Passan espn

Justin Mason: I do not see it lol

Justin Mason: point awarded

Guest: but seriously did the monstars try to attack baseball last week but could somehow only access the hamstrings?

Justin Mason: Point awarded

I don’t know’s on third: Machado or Riley, points?

Justin Mason: Machado

Chip: Adames or Crawford as a short-term injury replacement for EDLC?

Justin Mason: Adames

Jimmy: Pitching is insanely hard to get without over paying in our league, so how bad would a Sirota for River end up being?  On the fringe of go for it this year and will for sure need more pitching at some point.

Justin Mason: feels like a big overpay for just being on the fringes

Guest: Have to sit one this week: Messick, Tolle, Eovaldi, Roupp (2x), Cavalli (2x).  Standard scoring.  Who’s the odd man out?

Justin Mason: Cavalli

TG: what do we think of Bichette moving forward? Want to buy low but am scared off by how he has looked, underlying stats don’t say anything special, I had Bichette 2 years ago when he was bad, is M. Meyer a suitable offer for Bichette or do I need to offer more?

Justin Mason: I think it is a fair offer. Bichette has been unlucky and Meyer has been very lucky. I think them meeting in the middle is the right value here.

12team roto: how much trust do you have in Roki after his recent outings? Start against all but toughest offenses?

Justin Mason: I am starting to buy in. The location + numbers over the last four starts have been very good and the stuff has been great. He seems to finally be coming into his own. I think I am starting him every where

JoeG: Probably need to drop one Joc Pederson or Nate Lowe ?(now in need of a middle infielder with Miakel out ) 12T DAILY ROTO

Justin Mason: Drop Joc

shake n bake: deep league need a baldwin fill-in, been using Realmoto, would you pivot to Jimmy Crooks?

Justin Mason: yeah, I think I would stream him and see if he is  worth holding onto for a while

HammeredHank: What are your overall thoughts of Ryne Nelson (especially in a QS league)…good pitching+, great S-Swing, decent K/BB but a SAD 5.43FIP.

Justin Mason: I am still a believer in his talent, but he has to tighten up the command a bit. The stuff is good and the park is good as well. I am holding where I can

BC: 12 team 6×6 h2h cats league. best catcher ROS C Kelly, Moreno, Ruiz?

Justin Mason: moreno

Stick to Sporer-tzball: In my keeper league I have both Baldwin and Basallo for cheap.  If I had to trade one which should it be?  Was keeping bit hoping Basallo would eventually get 1b but need 15 games in a season this league

Justin Mason: Basallo

Guest: Great stuff as always, Justin. Shallowish cats league. Would you drop Raley or Wilyer for Mead? I’ve heard him described as a Hicks/Vargas level breakout.

Justin Mason: Raley, yes

Ben: Hader coming off the IL in a SVs/QS roto league. I can drop Uribe (other relievers are Devin W., Latz, Sewald), or drop Detmers or Ryne Nelson. Who are you cutting?

Justin Mason: drop demters

Joe: Jordan Walker is our savior

Justin Mason: he has been unreal

Jay: 14 tm 6×6 OBP, TB, HR, RBI, R & SB; ROS K. Tucker or G. Henderson?

Justin Mason: Tucker

Salty: Machado has a .174 BABIP.  His GB is up slightly, which considering his age/speed a low BABIP would make sense, but that seems extreme.  What are your thoughts on a ROS rebound, and would you rather try and trade for him or A Riley if you really need 3B help?

Justin Mason: I think he will turn it around. He has been one of the most reliable hitters in baseball for years. I am holding him over trading him for Riley

tortycraig: fine to drop Vinnie at this point in a 10-team? have Burly in there doing pretty well, oculd pick up someone like Bubba Chandler or Reid Detmers

Justin Mason: I am still holding Vinnie. I know it’s been bad and the underlying numbers arent great, but I still believe in the talent. Maybe its dumb, but he is one of my guys. The right call is probably drop in a 10, but I have a hard time doing that.

Manning to Manningham: Your opinion … SF Giants tweak the field dimensions or they will have to go pitching and speed at all positions like stl cards of 1980s .no power bats are signing there

Justin Mason: They will have to overpay for bats like they did with the Adames signing and the Devers trade. I dont see them changing the dimensions. They need to either develop better or lean into the pitching and then trade from a strength.

Be Best Ball: In a super-deep best ball league where our second and final FAAB period is tomorrow. How would you rank these SP in order of add priority? Landon Roupp, Christian Scott, Davis Martin, Troy Melton, Spencer Arrighetti, Foster Griffin, Ben Brown

Justin Mason: Scott, Martin, Roupp, Arrighetti, Brown, Griffin, Melton

Dave: Who is your favorite healthy Reds RP?

Justin Mason: Santillian

For the Edwin: Would you drop Stott for Arroyo in an OBP roto league with multiple IF positions?

Justin Mason: sure

Salty: How is the Tout Wars – Labadini team doing?  Taking a quick glance at the draftees, it seems you hit on at least a few of the cheap pitchers.  If doing well, does that have you thinking of altering your draft approach in the future to at least partially embrace that strategy when it comes to pitching?

Justin Mason: It is going… poorly

Justin Mason: I think it may have been the wrong league to try it with because it is not been an active trading league.

Jimmy Crooks and Crannies: Need a second C in a best ball league: Ruiz or Crooks?

Justin Mason: Crooks

Catcher Conundrum: Carter Jensen or Keibert Ruiz in an OBP roto league (would be until Cal Raleigh is back)?

Justin Mason: Jensen

Soup: how do these pitchers rank? All streamers or would you hold any of them? Foster Griffin, Christian Scott, Trevor McDonald, Jump?

Justin Mason: Scott, Griffin, Jump, McDonald

Prospect Showdown: Which recently called up IF do you like more ROS, Gonzalez or Arroyo?

Justin Mason: Arroyo

Soup: Edwin Arroyo got the call: drop Waldschmidt, Antonacci, or Benge in OBO league?

Justin Mason: I think I am holding them over Arroyo

Mike D: Who emerges as closer in SF pen?

Justin Mason: no one. It just sucks

South Sider: Ty Madden starting for Detroit vs. Rays today, worth a pick up in a 16-teamer?

Justin Mason: probably just a short term stream, but in a deep league I could

Jac Attack: Keep Jac Caglianone or Dylan Crews in a 12T roto? Loser would get dropped for a streaming P

Justin Mason: Cags

Gotta Keaschem All: Keaschall was dropped in my OBP league; would you grab him in exchange for Bryson Stott?

Justin Mason: sure

Justin Knows: Just came to say, you were right Jared Jones did in fact not save my team. Thank for your honesty, I hate it.

Justin Mason: the outing wasnt good, but only two walks is somewhat encouraging. We have to remember though that guys coming off of TJ often struggle with control and command in their return. This is why I never go for them in their first season back.

Hazmat: Looks like Boyd may be back this weekend and the rehab is going well and he’s rejoining the team…considering how good the under-the-hood numbers were prior to the injury, are we throwing him right back in first time out?

Justin Mason: I would probably wait unless I didnt have any other options. I am in a situation where I dont.

Here Comes the Harrison: What’s Kyle Harrison’s trade value at the moment? And what would be an appropriate return for him in a hitting-focused deal? (10T roto)

Justin Mason: I want a top 50 player back and even then I would have a hard time selling. He’s been amazing.

Justin Mason: That’s 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

Guest: “no one. It just sucks” – point awarded (are we allowed to do that?)

Justin Mason: yes