Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – June 15, 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

AU86: Redraft – R Lewis or D Guzman ROS?

Justin Mason: Lewis for me.

AU86: Do you expect Melton to stay in DET rotation with Skubal, Mize, Verlander returning?

Justin Mason: I think he likely heads back down to the minors until there is an opening.

Ragbrai: Thoughts on Carrigg and Pratt? What kind of fantasy impact can we expect?

Justin Mason: I think both are pretty low upside for fantasy. Could be useful as accumulators if they hit, but I don’t see a ton of upside in either. Wrote about Carrigg over on fantasypros today and Pratt in the Roto Riteup.

beyou02215: You are a Giants fan so how excited are you for Bryce Eldridge? 5×5 roto, would you be looking to hold (and use as DH) or sell, thinking that it might all go bust? Thanks!

Justin Mason: I am pretty excited right now. I didnt think he was going to hit enough to be good out of the gate, but the changes they worked on in the minors seemed to have made a real difference. 88% Z-Contact is fantastic for a power bat. He isnt sacrificing the power to get there either. I dont know if it sticks, but if it does, this is a future top 20 player in fantasy.

bdubs: 12 team, mixed league Roto, traditional 4×4. 
Would you drop: T Ward for Eldridge, S Perez for Kirk, Machado for R Lewis or Jung?

Justin Mason: Ward for Eldridge yes. No to dropping machado

AU86: 13 team mixed redraft using QS and K/9 – pls rank: Bibee, Kolek, Manaea, Lugo, Prielipp – thank you

Justin Mason: Bibee, Kolek, Lugo, Manaea, Prielipp

frank: NL-only 5×5. I stand to gain only 1 category point from Ks, but am in 1st in ERA and WHIP and could lose 5 points total there. Wins are hard to predict, but could easily gain 1 point, but with luck could gain 3 more points.
Question is: Do I bench Andy Alvarez this week (2 starts vs KC and @TB), getting zero stats in his slot, or do I play him? Is it worth the risk to my ERA/WHIP?
Kind of hard to play categories this early in the season.

Justin Mason: I think I still start him. I am using him in multiple leagues.

AU86: expect Abel (MIN) to be positive factor ROS?

Justin Mason: I am not, but I am hoping he is. I just never trust a guy with an elbow injury like his until he gets the surgery. That being said, I do have him stashed on an IL or two.

ahrens: What to do with Melton after today’s start? A cut in 12 team roto?

Justin Mason: I think so

AU86: Saves+Holds with K/9 – pick up E Alvarado?  drop Weaver?

Justin Mason: sure

Mike S: Starting Braden Montgomery in a 5 OF H2H league.  Other options are players with a higher floor like Steer.

Justin Mason: He has a pretty rough schedule this week and so I think I would sit for someone like Steer.

Hazmat Corntail: Curtis Mead seem to be regressing back to the mean where he’s unusable. Any concern what we saw was just a hot stretch after all?

Justin Mason: Since the beginning of June, he has a .273 xBA, a 10% barrell rate, and a 93% z-contact. He’s getting unlucky in the BABIP (.207) I think he will get hot again.

bs3330a: AL Only weekly lineup: Is it worth playing Ryan Helsley this week and would you bench Bryan King or Jake Junis for the privilege?

Justin Mason: I think I would wait a week.

John Easterday: What do the metrics say about Taj and Messick?  Both seem to be slipping.

Justin Mason: Taj is who he is. Good stuff, but struggles with command and control which will lead to hot and cold streaks. Messick is having a bit of a stuff drop over his last few outings, but I think this is some normal regression for a young pitcher that was unreal early on in the season.

The K-Man: Helloooooo, JERRY. On last week’s pod, Paul expressed his extreme disdain for the “comedian” in apartment 5A. What’s the beef with Seinfeld? I thought he was a model tenant.

Justin Mason: You should ask Paul.

Mike S: What do you make of Lawlar in 5 OF 12 team H2H?  Sat once already and has been pretty bad in previous years, but seems to be running.

Justin Mason: I think a lot will come down to playing time. This is a former top tier prospect that has struggled with playing time and injuries. Prior to this last  injury, he was being given run in the outfield and looked great. He is worth picking up in 12s for sure, but there is still a lot we don’t know about him from a fantasy perspective.

MD: Weekly lineups – going Goldy over Vladdy? Injury potential and light hitting seems like a smart move, no?

Justin Mason: I couldn’t do it personally, but I understand if you do. Im playing Vladdy if he is in the lineup.

AU86: River Ryan worth burning a Reserve spot for?  League counts  IP and QS.  Would be dropping Melton.  I know it’s a guess…but how long till he comes up?

Justin Mason: I am reserving him in a league, but the Dodgers  are one of the few teams that dont have to bring up a guy like that. I would expect him to be up before the end of June. He should have been up already.

MD: Looking to trade for a $14 Arozarena. He doubles to $28 next year ($217 budget). He’s probably overperforming right now and shouldn’t be thought of as more than just a rental right? (As a rental, I can only pay partial salary and then force him into FA after the season)

Justin Mason: I probably wouldnt be paying $28 for him next year.

Salty: Glad to see the Rockies finally got a chance to see what it feels like to hit in a bandbox like Las Vegas yesterday.  Hopefully they can find a way to carry it over into pitcher-dominating Coors Field going forward…

Justin Mason: Vegas is like playing baseball on the moon. The whole week was insane.

jjconnor23: please rank Caggs / Eldridge/ Tork

Justin Mason: Eldridge, Tork, Cags

Your Pal Al: Will load management affect Max Meyer or McShane during a potential deep fantasy playoff run?

Justin Mason: I dont think it should

Yuuuuge Darvish: OK to drop Vinnie P?  I have Contreras and Rumfield as potential replacements.

Justin Mason: yes. He wont be back for 4-to-6 weeks and could have power issue when he returns.

Mike S: Have to start Royce this week in a 12-team H2H?

Justin Mason: absolutely

Salty: With SEA’s bullpen up in the air (if Munoz misses time with his back tightness), do you think there’s a chance they move Hancock back to a high-leverage role in the pen?  For a contending team, it looks a little shaky back there currently.

Justin Mason: I doubt they move Hancock back but I also think Munoz will be fine. Felt precautionary to me

AU86: Stay patient w/Marsee in 13 team mixed?  Need SBs but dayum those are expensive SBs.

Justin Mason: I think he will be better rest of the way but he just doesnt hit the ball hard enough consistently to be a great option outside of the speed.

bdubs: Will Smith…likely back when his IL stint ends or will extend beyond? For me, adding Rushing is Smith IL time dependent.

Justin Mason: Doesnt feel like something that will keep him out super long but I havent seen a concrete timeline.

dirtypuer: Is Mr. Matt McLain finally figuring it out?

Justin Mason: I dont know if I am ready to say that yet. He is hitting the ball harder which is a great sign, but he has sacrificed some of his contact skills to do so. That could come back to bite him. Too early to tell, but I am leaning no.

Daron: Julio Rodriguez is having arguably the worst offensive season of his career and his expected stats don’t seem to paint the picture of an unlucky hitter. Is there any reason to be concerned, or would you buy the dip in value?

Justin Mason: I would buy the dip. He’s been getting unlucky in the BABIP, xBA is .265 and his underlying contact skills are actually some of the best of his career. Power is still there. Could have a big second half.

bs3330a: AL Only 5×5 weekly lineup: where do you fall on Slade Cecconi’s @mil @hou two-start over Bryan King or Jake Junis? Thank you for answering these btw! Some tough choices this week!

Justin Mason: I dont really trust Cecconi so I would lean one of the relievers.

Salty: Ryan Walker has been pitching decently during and after his demotion.  Do you think he regains the closer role by the end of the month?

Justin Mason: He definitely could but I think that say more about how bad the Giants bullpen is more than Walker

Daron: When evaluating Gage Jump for dynasty leagues how much do you ding him for his current and future home park environment?

Justin Mason: I ding him a little for the current park, but that will change long term so I dont worry about it too much unless I am going for a championship right now.

wetsox: 12 team custom roto.OBP, 3 OF.  What to expect from Acuna ROS once off IL? Who would be good fit for trade? The

Justin Mason: I think he goes back to being who he is which is a stud with an injury prone label. I dont often like to pay a ton for these guys because of the chance you could get very little from them if they get hurt again.

Mike S: Do you start Munoz this week or are you too concerned about down time (and performance right now)?

Justin Mason: I am starting him where I have him

Mike: Springer was dropped in a 12 team league. Is he a must roster based on upside alone? his underlying metrics arent pretty at the moment

Justin Mason: I dont think he is

AU86: IF IF IF Royce Lewis can stay healthy…is he 30/15 pace ROS?

Justin Mason: I will kick that football every time. I believe in the talent. He just cant stay healthy.

InsertWittyNameHere: Which MLB player could probably make the World Cup roster?

Justin Mason: Bobby Witt Jr and Cody Bellinger played college soccer apparently?

Mike: Just when we think Sasaki has figured it out, he gets absolutely torched…

Justin Mason: yeah, still went into the fifth tho and the stuff looked good.

Person: dustin may – hot streak, or figuring it out?

Justin Mason: a little of both. Getting the swings and misses he didnt have in LA. Will regress some, but he is a usable fantasy pitcher now.

WalkTall: Has Matt Chapman finally unlocked his power, or just a fluky hot streak?

Justin Mason: Its definitely a hot streak but this is a reminder that there is still plenty of power in the bat.

fizzo48: Would you stream Eric Lauer 라우어 vs. Rays in QS, 12 teams h2h?

Justin Mason: I am in a league. I am also a man that prays

Joel Warger: Antonacci or Matt McLain at 2B ROS? 12tm standard roto

Justin Mason: McLain just has more upside

fizzo48: Miguel Vargas top 20 hitter at the end of season?

Justin Mason: not quite

canderson20: Eugenio Suarez for the World Cup question, he’s a legit soccer/futbol player in the offseason

Justin Mason: See I knew there were probably more!

WalkTall: Spec’ed on Eldridge in an ESPN league where I also have Schwarber (both DH-only, only 1 UT spot). Eldridge has 5 games at 1b — how likely is it that he gets to 10 games and ESPN eligibility there?

Justin Mason: he will get there by the end of the month

caochad: Is this version of Mcclanahan the best we will get going forward or do you think he could still get back more of his stuff the longer he is healthy?

Justin Mason: no, I think this is who he is

Scotty G: Shota + wind blowing out at Wrigley + facing a lineup that saw him 5 days ago. Should I just start the entire Rockies lineup today?

Justin Mason: Im starting Shota today so you should probably start the Rockies hitters knowing my luck this season

Jon Tayler: Better hitter stream tonight: Jacob Wilson윌슨 vs Jared Jones at home or TJ Rumfield vs Imanaga at Wrigley?

Justin Mason: Wilson

jonhenryholt: I cannot trade Colson Monty in my league. I dont understand why. I would like a SP back- who is a realistic pitcher for him?

Justin Mason: I feel like you should be getting a top 35 SP back for him. Maybe someone like Mize coming off of the IL. Or a Will Warren type

Mike: Have you liked what you’ve seen from manaea thus far? is he on your radar for shallow leagues as a team streamer?

Justin Mason: Stuff has been good. Would love to see more swing and miss. Definitely a streamer in shallow leagues though

Broken Bat: Willi Castro or Keaschall ROS 4×4

Justin Mason: Castro

Chad Dubick: thoughts on Samad Taylor?  Is he worth adding to roster?

Justin Mason: Not much power in the bat, but making good contact and has speed. if you need average and stolen bases, he’s worth a roster spot

Chad Dubick: Is Eli Willits the next fantasy superstar?

Justin Mason: too soon to say that but the turnaround has been unreal

chiefwahoo2019: Is there positive regression in store for Bradish? His inconsistency is making it hard to hold. Does he still have ace potential?

Justin Mason: I feel like this is a lost season for him. I am not saying he wont ever be the guy we thought he would be again, but I just dont see it for 2026.

Scott Hayes: Does Weathers exit the Yankee rotation when Fried returns?

Justin Mason: I think a phantom IL stint is coming

Stefano Manno: Is “Prince Albert” an all time nickname for Pierce Johnson or is this a family show?….

Justin Mason: point awarded

chiefwahoo2019: Does Crochet pitch again in ‘26

Justin Mason: I dont think he does

Reuben Walker: Dead last in HR/RBI and a couple games out of a playoff spot. Head to Head league. Should I trade from strength to improve power or just lean in to an imbalanced team and try to win 5-4-1 from here on out?

Justin Mason: I prefer to trade for it.

co_southpaw: Is Josh Naylor a drop for someone like Goldschmidt or would you try to flip him/weather the storm in hopes of even slightly better production? I don’t expect a repeat of last season

Justin Mason: Im not dropping Naylor

Daiginjo: Landen Roupp has just been kind of unlucky, right? Right?

Justin Mason: Roupp is who he is, a guy that struggles with consistency when his mechanics are off and the arm slot raises from his optimal path. I think we are going to see great starts mixed with bad ones.

Person: will phantom IL stints count against the salary floor?

Justin Mason: they should!

Justin Mason: point awarded

AU86: expect D Guzman to stay w/LAA ROS?  decent power + speed?

Justin Mason: There is definitely speed, but the hit tool is inquestion and there is not a ton of power in the bat. Dont be fooled by the PCL power numbers. I think he goes back down once the Angels are healthy.

AU86: Jared Young 제러드 (NYM) going to continue cleanup vs RHP ROS?  I know Lindor is coming back and he could move down to 5th?

Justin Mason: I think once the Mets get healthy, Young moves down the lineup some.

AU86: Manaea or B Young ROS?

Justin Mason: Young

caochad: How do you evaluate Whisenhunt at this point as the Giants seem to have no interest in giving him an extended look despite heading for a complete tear down and months of trotting out Houser and Mahle?

Justin Mason: I think he will be up once the Giants start selling in the next month to six weeks. I havent seen reports of how he looks in the minors, but the numbers are pretty good.

AU86: Need to drop SP in redraft – Melton or Prielipp?

Justin Mason: Melton. Probably losing his job soon.

showbusiness77: Would you drop any of C.Schmitt/Bleday/Seiya for Gelof, Jacob Wilson or Horwitz? Amazing Matchups for the latter group, but I don’t know if any are upgrades long term. Do I stream matchups here or hold my short-term studs and struggling star?

Justin Mason: I am probably holding these guys

showbusiness77: Great win context and they’re all good, but too many Yankees SPs means I never have a natural pitcher stack for Saturday or Sunday. Give me a Hold/Sell/Drop please on Cole/Rodon/Schlitter/Warren?

Justin Mason: Hold on all except Cole. I think he will be fine for 2027, but I worry about his consistency coming off of TJ  with command and control.

wingedbeater: How are you feeling about Rodon so far? Strikeouts okay, but the walks are rough. Post-surgery command thing? Where would you rank him ROS?

Justin Mason: Stuff has been good, but the struggles with control are a bit concerning. They will lead to some blow up starts down the stretch if he cant find the zone consistently.

Beano: stay away from JR Ritchie or roll the dice?

Justin Mason: I am ok rolling the dice against my giants.

AU86: Will Lindor have Lindor-like 2H?  or is this lost season?

Justin Mason: I am hoping for a Lindor like second half, but I am biased since I have been stashing him for the entire season.

AU86: drop Weaver for Vest?  Saves+Holds format

Justin Mason: sure

sahilpshah: Do you have any hope for Trea Turner and Mookie Betts to turn it around?

Justin Mason: I thought I was going to say of course, but man their underlying numbers recently are still bad. I think I might say no here.

Jon Tayler: Stick with Carlos Cortes in a 12T roto or drop for one of Ewing, Mead, Paredes, Castro or Bolte?

Justin Mason: Give me Ewing

Justin Mason: wrote him up in the Roto Riteup today

Scotty G: I picked up Javier Assad in a 14-team QS league for a home start against the Rockies this week. Do you think he’ll stick in the rotation and is he worth holding onto longer than this week?

Justin Mason: I think he probably loses his job once people get healthy, but I am riding with him in the short term

Tony: I have a rebuilding Scoresheet team. I have been offered Gage Jump for Eovaldi. Should I take that, or hold on for a better return?

Justin Mason: I want a little better return

chiefwahoo2019: Is there more in the tank for Salvy? He’s been brutal to roster.

Justin Mason: I think he will turn it around. A really low babip for him doing a lot of the heavy lifting here.

tdmoc: Shallow h2h points: how long do we hold onto Kyle Tucker?

Justin Mason: we keep holding!

Ragbrai: Does SF have a closer by committee or is someone taking the lead ROS?

Justin Mason: I think it will be Killian for now, but its just a terrible bullpen.

Beer:30: Will Vlad have enough pop in him to reach 20 this year or are we really looking at 10ish?

Justin Mason: I think he will get hot at some point.

Justin Mason: Thats my time! 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