Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – June 23, 2025

Justin Mason: I will begin as soon as I have 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!

kim: What has better odds, Kerkering being primary closer for ROS, or Phils dealing for one?

Justin Mason: Has to be trading for one at the deadline, but the Phillies are always going to play the hot hand and matchups. It’s going to be infuriating.

Jon: Rank these streaming options please? Kikuchi vs BOS, Baz @ KCR, Shane Smith vs SFG

Justin Mason: Kikuchi, Smith, Baz

ReeceHinds: Reece Hinds a dark horse 5X5 pick up or leave him on the pile?

Justin Mason: I would say to leave him on the pile. He is a guy that can get hot and give some power and speed, but mostly he is going to strikeout too much and will likely end up back in the minors at some point.

bdubs: 12T, Mixed. Cats: W, ERA, K/9, Sv
Pitchers: Kirby, Boyd, Yam, Woo, Ryan, Webb, Dylan Lee, Megill (Mil), Bednar

What say you as I am considering:

1. Dropping Kirby, Woo, or Boyd.
Adding: Pepiot or Soriano

2. Dropping: D Lee
Adding: Garcia, Martin, or Kerkering

Justin Mason: Drop Boyd for Pepiot.
Drop Lee for Garcia.

Matt: Jake Burger injury mean its time to give up?

Justin Mason: I think so. No reason to hold

Matt: 12 teamn roto (QS), weekly lineups, pick 2: S Gray (CHC), C Sanchez (@HOU), Flaherty (ATH), Ober (SEA, @DET)

Justin Mason: Gray and Sanchez

Mochi: Pfaadt is probably a drop in a 10 team keeper? I want to be in love but I just can’t find it

Justin Mason: He has looked better recently, but in a 10, he is a streamer right now

Can you save me?: Drafted Duran and Miller and the saves has just not been coming. Thinking of throwing the category since I cannot get anyone to trade closer. What do you think? 13tm std roto

Justin Mason: This really depends on how far back you are, but now is the time to make that decision if you can dominate the other categories and not lose too many points by doing it.

Big Hoss: pick 1 SP for this week. Verlander (MIA,@CWS) or ERod (@CWS, MIA)

Justin Mason: E-Rod

smuckles: 10 team dynasty. Points. Any hope whatsoever for Oneil? It’s like a void in my lineup

Justin Mason: This is the problem with guys like Cruz who do not make consistent contact. The have massive ups and downs. The ups will happen again, but you’ll have to  hold through the downs.

Insert Witty Name Here: Need a backup OF, Luis Robert was dropped (SBs!), but also Jo Adell and Burleson seem like my other options. I have Chandler Simpson stashed, any word on him coming back?

Justin Mason: I don’t know if Simpson is coming back any time soon. If you need the SBs, I go with for sure

kim: Speaking of closers, Aroldis is as good as traded, right?

Justin Mason: I would think so. Unless the Red Sox get hot over the next month.

Pete: In general, how much faith do you have in Mike Trout in staying healthy the rest of the year?

Justin Mason: Very little unfortunately, but I hope he does

Guest: Take a flyer on shiny new toy Chase Burns and drop Libertore, Brandon Walter, Bibee or Gavin W, or stick with what I got for now? 12 team mixed H2H categories.

Justin Mason: Absolutely take a shot on him. I would drop Liberatore

JDW: Would you drop Eflin for Slade C? Eflin is on the bench so could also drop for a stash like Logan Henderson or Bryce Miller

Justin Mason: I would not

Bill: think the Orioles will call up Basallo now? Lost two catchers in two days

Justin Mason: I think they should, but they may not want to start his clock in a lost season.

Tampa Tim: When does Joe Boyle arrive & stuck at the mlb level?

Justin Mason: He needs an injury in the rotation so it’s hard to predict.

South Side Land Grant: Thoughts on Grant Taylor? I’m saves needy and his stuff looks wicked but I’m not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze

Justin Mason: I think he could lead the committee but do we really want a committee member on the White Sox?

comish4lif: 12 team, NL only. Currently in 8th place. I have the League’s 4th best offense and 11th best pitching staff. I’m in 9th place ERA, 11th in WHIP, 9th in Wins+QS and 12th in K/BB ratio.

Burnes in done for the season, Glasnow has been in the IL for 2 months. Lodolo, Ohtani the pitcher, Quintana remain.

I’m cooked for 2025 right?

Justin Mason: You’re not cooked, but it is time to make adjustments. If you don’t have an innings requirement, you could look at going heavy reliever and punt Wins+QS. You’ll have to get creative here

RAGBRAI: For RPer ROS Beeks or Santana?

Justin Mason: Santana

Dave: Nice little hot stretch from McLain– what’s your outlook for him ROS?  Top ___ SS?

Justin Mason: I think he is top 10 with the ability to be top 5. I am a buyer.

Air Bud: Does Dalton Rushing have any juice moving forward? How long can they keep running Conforto out there?

Justin Mason: Probably not with Will Smith at C and Ohtani at DH. They don’t seem interested in him playing the outfield.

Mike: Starting Lugo against the Dodgers?  He has handled good teams well lately.

Justin Mason: I am in a deeper league, but I would think twice about it in a shallow one.

Guest: so after trading Rasmussen and losing Sale, I have Walter and Morton. how bad am I down

Justin Mason: I really like Walter and Morton has looked much better recently, but this is a huge drop off.

PG: Who do you have more faith in being useful – Jacob Lopez or Max Scherzer?

Justin Mason: Scherzer

Catching, sort of: Crystal ball question: How many more seasons will Agustin Ramirez be catcher eligible. I also have Will Smith and contemplating trading one of them. (min. 20 games played at the position, 14-team dynasty points, 1-catcher league)

Justin Mason: Probably 2-3. I think Marlins let him catch just enough the next few seasons to retain it for a bit.

RAGBRAI: Is House burning down the house ROS or just a vacant lot?

Justin Mason: First of all, point awarded!

Justin Mason: I think House is a really interesting prospect. The Nationals have no reason to not let him play and see what they have. He has a ton of power if he can just make league average contact and he is in his small sample. I think I am holding right now and seeing what happens in deeper leagues and watch listing him in shallower ones.

Dave: Should I care Vientos is on the wire in a 12 teamer roto? He’s expected back this week.

Justin Mason: If you need power, pick him up

Power surge: Dubon’s recent power binge, simply a blip, or signs of something more?

Justin Mason: probably just a blip

Hans Moleman: 12tm 6×6 QS – I’m first in offense, second to last in pitching. Is trading away Devers for their Schwellenbach + Cease fair?

Justin Mason: absolutely

Cam Smith: Signs that the power breakout is coming? They’ve moved him to the middle of the order in recent games, which is tasty

Justin Mason: I think he is finally getting comfortable and starting to rake. If you have been patient with him, you are about to get paid off.

Save me: I’m currently 9th out of 10 in saves in my league with Tanner Scott, Daniel Palencia and Robert Garcia on my roster, and barring something crazy, I won’t finish any higher than 5th. Am I better off punting and trying to deal any of my closers or should I wait it out a little longer? FWIW the only SV options on the wire are Strahm, Lee and maybe Grant Taylor

Justin Mason: I think this is a scenario where I would consider it. You should spreadsheet out your standings and see where you can reasonably gain the most ground, but if you only stand to lose one point in saves, but you can pick up double digit points in the other pitching categories, it is probably worth doing.

Fox: Best case scenario for Giancarlo Stanton the rest of the season? We all know what the worst case scenario is..

Justin Mason: He could easily go on a tear and hit like 20 homers rest of the way, but it won’t come with a good average and it is more likely he gets hurt again.

Ron Dyer: What can we hope for from Hunter Greene, Tyler Glasnow, and Cole Ragans ROS?

Justin Mason: Not much. I would drop in most formats.

Hazmat Corntail: I picked up Priester and got burned. Would you hang on for the Colorado start this weekend or drop for Fuentes or a speculative add of Boyle? It’s a 14t dynasty

Justin Mason: I would hold Priester.

Insert Witty Name Here: I know I’m being too cute with this question, but is it a good idea to offer Raleigh in trades if the value is right? Catching is a hard position for the 2nd half, and I find it so hard to believe he can keep up THIS pace…

Justin Mason: You would have to get back a haul for him if you moved him. He can’t keep this pace, but there are the best contact numbers of his career along with the best barrel rate and hard hit percentages. He will definitely slow down, but he will still be an elite catcher.

Pistol Pete: Hey Justin – love these chats!! Who is your favorite pitcher pickup of Brandon Walter, Ryne Nelson, Jacob Lopez, Emmet Sheehan, Quin Priester, Didier Fuentes to offer most rest of season value?

Justin Mason: Give me Walter

Jed: McNeil has supposedly made a mechanical change that has allowed him to access more pull-side power. Do you buy that at all, or is this the same guy?

Justin Mason: I would have to sit down and look at the mechanical differences, but I don’t see much in the numbers other than he is trying to pull the ball more. His EVs are all the same. His barrel rate is up but we are talking 3% to 5% so is that really a big improvement?

Barry: Is Drew Rasmussen a sell high guy or do you have faith he pitches productively into September?

Justin Mason: I have faith in his skills, but the question will be whether the Rays slow him down if they fall out of the playoff race? If they continue to be in it though, I don’t think they can afford to limit him so I would hold personally.

Mike Tyson: designated hitter: 15 team roto dynasty.  I am rebuilding.  Schwellenbach and misiorowski, chase burns is my rotation.  Ton of hitting prospects.  Do I give up Soderstrom and Meidroth to get SP’s Schmidt and Rasmussen?   I’m afraid soderstrom pops off to 30 hr, top 50-ish player

Justin Mason: This is tough because I really like all the players involved. I do think Soderstrom is legit and if my window is in the next three years while they are still in Sac, I want him on my roster. However, I think we are seeing real breakouts from Schmidt and Rasmussen so I can understand the move especially if I have a good player at 1B to take Soderstrom’s spot. I almost always lean hitter in dynasty, but I think here I lean the pitchers.

1: What do you think of trading Merrill Kelly 켈리 for Agustin Ramirez in a 12 dynasty if I have extra pitching but am also in contention?

Justin Mason: I would do this so fast

Mark: Is it time to move on from Brenton Doyle in 10 teams?

Justin Mason: yes, but keep him on your watch list because I still believe in the talent

Dave: Misiorowski is a ROS _ SP

Justin Mason: 40

MS: What is your approach to determine if a trade offer is fair?

Justin Mason: I turn it into an equation. If I am being offered Player X and Player Y for Player Z I look at it like Is the difference between Z and X = to Y? I hope that makes sense.

Devers? I hardly even know her(s)! (What?): Are Langeliers and Agustin Ramirez pretty fungible to you?  Need to trade one off my team (1 catcher league) when Langeliers back.

Also could you please rank Alcantara, Horton, and Taj rest of season?

Thank you!

Justin Mason: I prefer Langeliers, but I think they are close enough to trade whoever gives me the most back in return.

Alcantara, Horton, Bradley, but I am not a fan of any of them for this season to be honest.

Guest: I know you always say don’t trust a pitcher’s command in the first year back from TJ. But if someone misses an entire year with TJ and returns in April, should we be  progressively gaining confidence in their command to the point that it’s nearly back by Aug/Sept? Or do you view that whole season as a wash?

Justin Mason: I think we need to take it case by case in that scenario. However, generally speaking, I am ok missing out on these guys because they tend to have these massive ups and downs and I don’t love the volatility in a pitcher. For instance, Alcantara looks much better right now, but for how long will he and did you miss most of the goodness? It is just so hard to predict when the good ones vs bad starts will happen.

Mike: Confidence in starting Roman Anthony in a 5-OF 12-team H2H league right now?  His expected batting average is good, he is walking a lot, and has a good lineup spot.  Replacement this week would be Stanton.  I’m not sure Great American helps Stanton much, so not much of a bump at Cincy.

Justin Mason: I am starting Anthony in all the leagues I have him

MF Luder: Dynasty league, keep 1: Chase Dollander or Michael McGreevy

Justin Mason: McGreevy just because of Coors.

Misiorowski: Am I the perfect sell-high candidate in dynasty?  11ip with no hits is nice and all, but I still expect lots of walks…

Justin Mason: I wouldn’t personally. I just think the upside is too high unless I got an absolute monster of a return.

Jim Joe Kelly: Drop Will Warren for Matt Mclain (10 tm, 5×5)? Have Jazz and Alibies at 2b, could shift Jazz to OF and bench Ozzie. Pitching staff in good shape

Justin Mason: yes

Steve: How confident should i be starting chase burns on a potential two start week?   H2H 10 team league but dont have any better options really.

Justin Mason: Take the gamble here and enjoy the ride. I did not think he was going to be up this early, but I am excited to roster him any where I can.

BrewCrew: How many more starts will The Miz get this season in the bigs?

Justin Mason: As long as he is healthy and the Brewers are competing, I think he is pitching. They need him in that rotation

Need Ideas: If I were to trade Edwin Diaz (rental in dynasty, $20) for starting pitching, what tier of SP should I expect?

Justin Mason: I would want a top 20-25 starter especially with the landscape of saves right now, but this is a tough question to answer with individual league dynamics. Realistically, you shop and just take the best offer on the board because if you are going to lose him anyways, he doesn’t have value to you after the season.

Joeg14: 12T daily mixed roto Prioritize waiver add : Bello or Pivetta ?

Justin Mason: Pivetta

Lord Thunder: Will Noelvi Marte have any second half value?

Justin Mason: He will get an opportunity, but I am not expecting a ton.

Joeg14: who was bs this trade : Team A gets Colt Keith & Agustin Ramirez.   Team B gets Ceddanne Rafaela & Burleson.  12T roto mixed

Justin Mason: Team A

MF Luder: In your opinion; is Chase DeLauter fantasy relevant by the end of July?

Justin Mason: Probably not, but there is a chance. He just needs to stay healthy and get the call.

Joeg14: Added Casey Schmitt 2B/SS (from your Giants) dropped Matt Shaw.  Good add ?

Justin Mason: It would be a short term add, but I am willing to ride it for a bit. Once Chapman returns, Schmitt’s playing time will disappear.

Tom: Who do you like better in a dynasty league, Seiya or Rooker

Justin Mason: Seiya

Moises: ROS who you taking Ray or Schwellenbach?

Justin Mason: Super close, but Ray

Pistol Pete: Does Justin Crawford factor into the Philly outfield this season?

Justin Mason: I don’t think so. If anything, I think they add a short term solution at the deadline

Guest: Is Misiorowski actually as good as he’s looked thus far?

Justin Mason: I think he could be if he can keep the walks in check. The stuff is some of the best in the majors, but the control will be the issue. If he can attack and fill up the zone, I think he could be right handed version of elite Robbie Ray. If he doesn’t he is the bad version of Ray.

Feeling FAABulous: Chase Burns is worth _____ FAAB dollars out of 100 in a 10 Team Category league-  QS, K’s, WHIP, ERA, SV

Justin Mason: $20

Yeah Well Hiura Towel: My 1B/3B/CI positions are doing okay right now, with Kurtz/Paredes/Cam Smith, plus Burger and Harper on the IL. Would it make sense to trade Harper for Imanaga if I want pitching?

Justin Mason: I feel like that is decent but you should get a bit more back

Spotty starters: Astro’s found money arms Gordon (phi) and Walter (chc) have tough match ups. Will you start either in a deep league?

Justin Mason: I would start Walter in a deep league, but these are tough matchups that I would normally avoid if I had other options.

Are Pea: Grant Taylor: can he please just be the closer in Chicago? It’s not that many saves anyway.

Justin Mason: I like the upside, but probably gonna share the job with random other guys.

Ben: Buying low on Christian Walker at all?

Justin Mason: I would be. There isn’t much wrong in the profile.

Catcher in the Wry: ROS – Shea Langaliers or Austin Wells?

Justin Mason: Langeliers

Dos Muncys: Do you think there is any hope for Kjerstad?

Justin Mason: I think he needs a trade

Horton Hears a Boo: Worth holding onto Cade Horton in a 12-team 5×5 roto league as a team streamer or drop?

Justin Mason: Probably a regular streamer in a 12

Guest: Barger has a 73 sOPS+ vs SP and a 216 vs RP… this is just a sample size thing right?

Justin Mason: Feels like small sample, but I might need to dig into that more

Viva A’s Vegas: When will Colby Thomas get the nod??  He’s been producing & not much left to prove in the minors

Justin Mason: Really hard to know with the A’s. With some guys they are really aggressive and others they hold them back and play games. I think they should bring him up to see what they have but he needs an opening. No reason for him to come up and sit and he isn’t playing over the guys they have.

RAGBRAI: What does Soroka offer ROS? Serviceable starter in 11 team NL only 5×5. Changes he gets traded?

Justin Mason: I definitely think he is traded at the deadline. I think he is more than serviceable in NL only, but do you lose him if he is traded to the AL?

Ron Dyer: Do we buy in on McClain’s hot streak?

Justin Mason: I am

Guest: Rank the following, rest of season:  France, Hoskins, C. Walker

Justin Mason: Walker, Hoskins, France

Jim Joe Kelly: Are both Luis Garcia Jr. & Nimmo relevant in 10 teamers? And if so, who do you prefer?

Justin Mason: Yes, prefer Nimmo

Guest: hindsight or true at the time: Sale should have been done after 8

Justin Mason: Hindsight

Guest: Schanuel has 3 HRs in his last 8 games, anything to indicate we’re seeing a power breakout?

Justin Mason: We are seeing him raise his launch angle this month and he might get more power from that, but he is still now a huge power source because he just doesn’t hit the ball that hard

Too many closers: I have too many closers.  Which two do you sit out of Tanner Scott, Edwin Diaz, Jansen, Vest, Shelby Miller, and Palencia?  Right now leaning towards sitting Jansen and Palencia

Justin Mason: Can you trade some? I would sit Miller and Palencia

Guest: Hi Justin! In a 5 x 5 redraft, how soon do you think Eury Perez will round into form? And what does that even look like on a lackluster Miami squad? Would he provide enough Ks and ratios to make his paucity of wins worth a roster spot? Thanks a lot!

Justin Mason: I would expect him to be great next year. Not expecting much from him this season to be honest.

MF Luder: Pick 1 ROS: Parker Meadows, Mickey Moniak, or Andrew Benintendi?

Justin Mason: Meadows

Bill Warts: Thanks for the chat, Justin. ROS 12 team mixed, Cam Smith, Barger, or Adell?

Justin Mason: Smith

MS: In a 6×6 roto (plus OPS and QS), if you are targeting Pete Alonso, what type of add on would you pair with Wheeler for an offer?

Justin Mason: I think straight up is fair and I would do that if I needed the power

Justin Mason: Have to wrap up! 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!