Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – June 29, 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

bdubs: Clemens or H Ramos? Teel or Alvarez (or keep Salvy)?

Justin Mason: Ramos. Keep Salvy

MD: The SP planner from Friday didn’t have Zebby listed as a 2 starter. I’m definitely skipping NYY, but how you feeling about @HOU for Ottoneu?

Justin Mason: Im skipping both

MD: You starting McClanahan @KC or Warren vDET? 12 tm roto, standard w/ QS instead of W if that matters. Both guys have been struggling recently

Justin Mason: Warren

MD: Over the last month, CJ Abrams has a ~.250 OBP but still slugging >.400. Any concern here after such a strong start?

Justin Mason: I dont think there is. Just a cold stretch. He will get hot again at some point. His tendency to swing outside the zone will lead to these cold spells.

AU86: Saves+Holds format…pls rank…B KIng, Speier, Jansen, J Webb, Yates

Justin Mason: Jansen, Webb, King, Yates, Speier

JoeG414: Heliot Ramos is back from your Giants. Worth an add in a 4 OF mixed Roto , especailly this week in AZ &Coors ?

Justin Mason: I think so. He should get a lot of playing time.

EarthboundMisfit: Roman Anthony – have held him since the draft in a 10-team H2H OBP league. Think he’ll ever get healthy and will he play well?

Justin Mason: I think in a redraft league, he is a drop. In dynasty or keeper, buy low.

metfanben: Should I Dropp Roupp or let Weathers Wither to activate Boyd in a QS league? Or just say Bye to Boyd?

Justin Mason: Drop Roupp

NicklePickers: A few not-quite-prospects getting PT. Do you like any of them (AL OBP league)? Alejandro Osuna, Vic Mesa Jr., Anthony Seigler, Jacob Gonzalez?

Justin Mason: Not really. Seigler might be the most interesting to me because there is some playing time and I think there is a world where he keeps it, but none of these guys are much for fantasy.

MD: 12 tm roto dynasty (OBP/TB instead of AVG/HR), I need some 3B support while I wait to see if Bregman can turn it around. Managed to pick up Willi Castro…should I continue to pursue a trade for Bichette, or do you think that might be a waste of assets? Any optimism for a 2nd half Bregman?

Justin Mason: I feel like this may just be a lost season for Bregman. I know some smart people in the industry stay away from guy in the first year of a new contract and he just has struggled to adjust to a new environment. I believe he will rebound at some point here, but it may be too late to counteract what he has done previously.

Ben: whats your interest level in Josh Lowe ROS for mixed leagues?

Justin Mason: It’s very Lowe

Chuck Bigby: Drop Marsee for Ingle or E. Valdez?

Justin Mason: No

slicedfriedgold: Pick two for last two pitching slots: M. Meyer (@COL), J. Bennett (@LAA), L. Roupp (@ARZ), B. Young (@CIN).

Justin Mason: Meyer and Young

Salty: How encouraged are you over Flaherty’s start yesterday?  And do you think that may encourage the Tigers to stay the course?  They have the pieces to make a run but are having a hard time getting it started…

Justin Mason: There schedule isnt great until the All-Star Break, but if they can even gain two games on the division in that time, I think there is an argument that they should hold or buy at the deadline.

MF Luder: ROS: Gabriel Moreno or Endy Rodriguez?

Justin Mason: Moreno

tann: Logan Henderson rehab start went well yesterday. Should be back at/ahead of the ASB. What’s your level of confidence there?

Justin Mason: Low but not as Lowe as Josh Lowe

tann: Morning Justin! NL-only. Who would you go with ROS among this SP group: G Holmes, T Mahle, C Scott?

Justin Mason: Scott, Mahle, Holmes

Salty: After seeing some of the league’s first overtures on the next CBA, I’m wondering if it makes sense to start scouting Savannah Bananas games for the 2027 SB draft.  And if so, how many points do you give for doing a backflip while making a catch?

Justin Mason: All the points.

Justin Mason: Points awarded

Webster: Do you think Prielipp maybe turned the corner last week?

Justin Mason: Im not ready to say that but I am encouraged by the week. I need to see him to continue to attack the zone. Ive been a fan of his so I want him to do well.

Hazmat Corntail: General question: how much thought/effort do you put into “escape plans” for players on IL? Example would be Henderson looks great and may only need one more rehab start, so I’m thinking now as to who the drop would be when that day comes. Do you plan ahead or let Future You sort it out?

Justin Mason: I usually let future me decide because often these things work themselves out by themselves. For instance I got a lot of questions last week about should I drop this player or that player or Marcus Semien. ultimately, Semien gets hurt and your decision is made for you.

Ben: 3B fill ins for mixed — how do you rank Blaze Jordan, Max Muncy (Ath), and Denzer G?

Justin Mason: Jordan, Muncy, Guzman

seymour114: Do you trust Tolle enough against Washington this week? Shallow H2H so I don’t strictly need the start. Could replace with O’Brien or Helsley.

Justin Mason: I do

The K-Man: If Grant Holmes is “The Realtor”, we have to agree that Clay Holmes is “The Adobe Realtor”, right?

Justin Mason: Point awarded

Stefano Manno: Is JJ Bleday starting to look like a drop in a 12T 5×5 OPS league? Some decent bats on the wire like Domingez, Ewing and even Austin Riley is hanging around the wire…would you take any of those over JJ?

Justin Mason: I would grab Riley on upside alone.

kep75: In a league were my best chance to make up ground is in the R and HR categories: I have the following outfielders: Greene, Abreu, Crews, Carrigg, and thankfully Schwarber. With Teoscar coming off the DL, who should I drop?

Justin Mason: Carrigg

caochad: I know dynasty isn’t necessarily your wheelhouse but with an offense of cisco alvarez, troy johsnton, Travis B, Karros, masyn winn, jacob wilson, Nick G, Guzman, Heriberto, Evan Carter, PCA, Volpe, Mccarthy, Doyle, Simpson, Mauricio, Casas, Lawlar, Henry Davis and no notable offensive prospects am I supposed to break PCA into a lesser piece and prospects??

Justin Mason: So in these types of situations, I look for really young prospects. In a really deep league where I needed to rebuild back in 2017, I traded a young, cheap correa into:

OF Soto, Juan 0.5 10/25/1998 WAS
SS Lewis, Royce 0.5 6/5/1999 MIN
RHP Manning, Matt 0.5 1/28/1998 DET
RHP Toussaint, Touki 2.5 6/20/1996 ATL
RHP Alvarez, Yadier 1.5 3/7/1996 LAD
Braves 2018 AMAT 1st Rounder (1.06)

All these guys were like 19 years old and super far away and while really only Soto hit, it was worth it for me. Look for guys that have massive upside but are super far away and try and get a package for the future.

Justin Mason: btw, that draft pick turned into Jordan Groshans so not great either lol

InsertWittyNameHere: By July 31, which of the following should be getting the majority of save opportunities: Dylan Lee, Lange, Kilian, Mitch Williams, or Jacob Webb?

Justin Mason: Killian

Justin Mason: who is Mitch Williams?

The K-Man: Tough injury for KC’s Nick Loftin in Chicago this weekend. Think he’ll be able to avoid the Non-Paternity List?

Justin Mason: Point awarded

Webster: Seranthony will have ____ saves the rest of the season.

Justin Mason: 11

Webster: Please rank ROS: Volpe, J Duran, E Duran, Manzardo

Justin Mason: Jarren Duran, Manzardo, Volpe, E. Duran

strawman86: what are your thoughts on cavanaugh coming up for San Fran. Any chance he pl

Justin Mason: probably not. Just a short term fill in until other guys get back

MD: Would you trade Painter for Langford in a dynasty league? Both are similar contract situation. Wondering if Langford might be a safer investement

Justin Mason: yes, absolutely I would

AU86: Do you think Sproat has turned the corner?  Like him over Melton or Scott ROS?

Justin Mason: The last start was really impressive. Need to see him continue to attack the zone and show good command. Jury is still out, but I picked him back up where I dropped him in leagues.

AU86: drop Manaea for Sheehan?  Buehler?  redraft

Justin Mason: seems lateral

seymour114: Do you think Trevor Rogers has figured it out again? Keeping Imanaga for this 2-step but if he blows one of them, is he droppable for Rogers, Imai or Buehler?

Justin Mason: I think he is figuring it out. I am starting both Rogers and Imanaga this week, but I would have no problem dropping Imanaga in leagues after this week if it goes poorly again.

MF Luder: Trevor Larnach has been cooking this month. Do you think this is a 29 year old breakout? Or a flash in the pan?

Justin Mason: Feels mostly like a hot streak. Underlying numbers are any better than they have been for the season.

Jonathan Beilfuss: With H. Greene about to come back, I need to cut one of my depth starters.  Lodolo, Ray, Bieber, Roupp, Early.  I’m in 1st in my HTH so I can think a little about who’s most likely to help me come playoff time.  Who would you cut?

Justin Mason: Probably Roupp

NicklePickers: Have you watched Mitch Bratt’s delivery?!

Justin Mason: I love it! such a weird. Reminds me of a kid learning how to pitch lol;

caochad: first oh man i really wanted groshans to work out now you’ve just made me sad justin. 2nd Is it too early to consider Gage Jump stadium(excluding gimmick vegas road trip)-proof?

Justin Mason: oh there are so many names I have wanted to pan out.

Justin Mason: I really like Jump, but I cant buy in that he is Sacramento proof yet. This is a tough test this week. I hope he proves me wrong.

AU86: 13 team mixed 6×6 redraft using QS and K/9…please rank ROS: Sproat, Melton, Buehler, Sheehan, C Scott

Justin Mason: Scott, Melton, Sproat, Sheehan, Buehler

MD: I was offered a $6 Liam Doyle for a $4 Cam Smith in Ottoneu. What are you thoughts? In a vacuum, I like it, but I just have real hesitation about paying a prospect $6

Justin Mason: I think its a decent offer. I lean towards the hitter tho

beyou02215: I know questions like these are the equivalent of herding kittens, but which OF for this week – only one of them? (1) Adell (@SEA, BOS); (2) Marsee (@COL, @ATH); or Heriberto Hernandez (@COL, @ATH).  I was going to say Marsee, but four lefties lined up.  Thanks!

Justin Mason: I am going to lean Hernandez with the lefties on the docket

AU86: drop A Vaughn for Schanuel or G Sheets?  Vaughn has > .900 OPS but MIL sits him or pinch hits for him vs some RHPs

Justin Mason: I would drop for sheets which makes me sad because Vaughn has hit so well when in. He needs another trade.

MF Luder: Who are a few potential July call-ups that have your attention?

Justin Mason: Joshua Baez, Max Clark, Walker Jenkins

Webster: Can we trust Walbert Urena @Sea this week?

Justin Mason: I think so. Seattle hasnt been great offensively recently

JoeG414: Miss those podcasts with Dave – Less than Dave / RunDmCd

Justin Mason: I know. Ive been just too busy. I will try to get back to it after the all-star break

jsweets2112: Emerson Hancock and Eli Willits too much for Crews? Ten Team Dynasty and fighting for first place with an outfield that is a dumpster fire

Justin Mason: I think its a bit too much especially with how Willits has turned things around in the minors.

HappyFunBall: 12-team OBP/SLG league: Down Jose Ramirez at 3B, I’m filling in with Royce Lewis and am underwhelmed. Switch him out for Curtis Mead?

Justin Mason: Lewis is hitting .278/.326/.494 with four home runs and two stolen bases since his return from the minors. Why drop him? I like Mead, but Lewis has the higher upside.

JoeG414: If Ryan Jeffers is healthy.  Drop Salvy Perez for him ?  One C mix roto

Justin Mason: nah

Hazmat Corntail: Am I alone in thinking that a lot of people are sleeping on the great season Byron Buxton is having? He’s only tied for the AL lead in homers…

Justin Mason: Its just overshadowed by how bad Minnesota is. I would love to see him get traded to a contender.

thomasduncan94: In a dynasty league so there are some age considerations but what are your thoughts on me trading for Nimmo and Rodon and trading away some other pieces and picks centered around Delauder

Justin Mason: Love delauter, but if you are trading the older guys, I want to be getting picks back with him not trading them away

HappyFunBall: I’ve stubbornly held on to Cole Ragans this long. With exploratory surgery scheduled for Wednesday I’m pot committed to sticking it out until the inevitable bad news comes out, right? The chances of this being some sort of scar tissue problem that clears up in three more weeks are almost 0% right?

Justin Mason: I think you should drop him.

kep75: Dynasty 6×6 league (OBP) – I have both A.J. Ewing and Cole Carrigg for CF. Who’s going to be the keeper between the 2?

Justin Mason: Ewing

qane: In an H2H roto league with strict move limits, if you had less than 15(!) add/drops left for the rest of your season, would you replace any of Jump, BYoung, Manaea, Scott with Bennett, Buehler or Sproat? Like… I need to make moves that I have some level of confidence in. Can’t really take any flyers. And yes, it hurts my head too.

Justin Mason: not with that few pick ups for the season

seymour114: I so want Crews to be good. Is there still hope? Or is expecting him to hit his potential a bit like expecting Langford to stay healthy?

Justin Mason: I still think there is talent, but he swings so much outside the zone it wont come through enough. Temu Michael Harris until he learns the strikezone better.

caochad: I’ve been slowly picking up shares of Lake Bachar in my nfbc leagues. He’s been one of the best openers the last month or so but he also recently picked up a save as well. Do you think being such a reliable opener procludes him from potentially overtaking the trash at the back of the pen?

Justin Mason: I think he unlikely to get meaningful innings with the way the bullpen is constructed. Good for ratios and ks but not much else

Rollie’s Mustache: Who would you start in a weekly h2h points league, Moniak or Bazzana? Both have 7 game weeks, Moniak all 7 @ Coors v just 1 LHP but he’s ice cold off the IL. Bazzana faces 2 LHP + 1 L opener today.

Justin Mason: I am riding with Moniak. 7 in coors is just too good of a setup

Joel Warger: Lile or Antonacci this week in a standard 5×5?

Justin Mason: Antonacci

cjbaseball16: Debating what to do with Bradish in AL only. Apart from yesterday vs nats, has been decent of late, but I see the innings cap coming. What do you think is a realistic pitching target for Bradish ROS?

Justin Mason: I dont think there is a reason for the Orioles to cap his innings. I think if I am looking to trade him, I would look for a hitter that has been disappointing but should turn it around down the stretch. Maybe Machado type?

npurcell8: I spelled Kahlil Watson wrong for the hundredth time this year there, and just came up with a mnemonic for it. H before A except after K!

Justin Mason: I keep doing this same thing. Its killing me lol

Justin Mason: point awarded

npurcell8: How are we feeling about Khalil Watson’s hot start? He’s gonna strike out plenty, but he hits the ball so goddamn hard when he doesn’t. Isn’t chasing like crazy either. I’ve got him happily in my AL-only keeper, but wondering how you feel in something like a 15-teamer mixed situation?

Justin Mason: I worry he loses his spot if he goes cold which will happen more than likely given his history with the hit tool. That being said, I would ride the hot streak because there were some contact improvements in the minors this year.

Hazmat Corntail: Is Ragans droppable in deep dynasty leagues (we’re 14t)? I traded for him last April and clearly haven’t gotten my returns worth in giving up Chandler and Pepiot for him

Justin Mason: yes

cjbaseball16: Follow-up to Bradish question. Would you drop him for Kade Anderson if he gets the call?

Justin Mason: yes

Ross Brodsky: Rate the trade (12T H2H): Kurtz for Freddie Freeeman + Mookie

Justin Mason: C

Ross Brodsky: Rate another trade (12T H2H): Max Meyer for Altuve + Framber

Justin Mason: C+

EarthboundMisfit: What do you think about Eury? Not this week obviously, but do you think that he can pitch like an ace?

Justin Mason: I think he lost a year of development with the TJ and we just had too high of hopes for him considering he lost that year. I think he could still turn into an ace, but it will likely be 2027 or 2028

cswanso6: NL only: Jared Young 제러드, Ty France or Griff Conine

Justin Mason: Young

Ross Brodsky: One more (12T H2H): JRam for Yamamoto, Rasmussen, and M Muncy (LAD)

Justin Mason: A

seymour114: In a H2H league are you ever looking forward to the rookies who might be on innings limits during playoffs? For instance, I’m wondering if Tolle will be shut down with the Sox out of contention. I might be able to get something for him in a trade now.

Justin Mason: Its so hard to know. What I typically look at is how many innings they threw the previous season and then add 25%. That would put Tolle at 134 or so. He’s currently at 71 in the majors and 15 in the minors, so good chance he gets limited down the stretch.

maximus74: Eury has a two start week, @COL and @SAC…good to bench?

Justin Mason: yeah, I would not be using him if I had other options.

kep75: Please rank these catchers ROS (OBP league)- Realmuto, Mack, Ruiz, Jeffers. Thanks you!

Justin Mason: Jeffers, Mack, Realmuto, Ruiz

jimleylandpalmer: Drop Michael Busch for Royce Lewis?

Justin Mason: I dont have a problem with that

Justin Mason: I have made it through all my questions! Got about five minutes left so fire some away

Ross Brodsky: Rank the following waiver wire bats in terms of highest ceiling ROS (12T H2H 5×5): Royce Lewis, Cam Smith, Blaze Alexander, Colton Cowser Matt McLain

Justin Mason: Lewis, Cowser, Smith, McLain, Alexander

BirdsFan: 12-team NL-only 5×5, keeper and need saves.  rank under-the-radar closer in waiting JMart, Morillo, Herget, Mason Montgomery, or others?

Justin Mason: Justin Martinez, Herget, Morillo, Montgomery

sactown 2: Would you drop J.Duran for Bolte with games all week here in Sactown.

Justin Mason: Sure

Justin Mason: While I wait for more questions… 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

Rollie’s Mustache: Speaking of innings limits, drop McClanahan for Detmers? Worried TBay keeps McC from regularly reaching 5 innings in the 2nd half.

Justin Mason: I wouldnt do that

seymour114: Related to the innings Q – I’ve been offered Machado for Tolle. I have a bunch of injuries and underperformance so acquiring a guy like him is a bit of a concern, but it seems like good value, right?

Justin Mason: I feel like it is

clydethedog: when Diaz gets back will he close right away?

Justin Mason: I think he will. They may work him in slowly, but thats his job once he’s healthy

JoeG414: If Bradrish keeps walking 5 per start , he’ll take care of that innings limit himself.

Justin Mason: Point awarded

Rollie’s Mustache: Thanks, Justin. How about adding Detmers and dropping Sasaki then? Points league. Really need my SP qualifying for the W.

Justin Mason: yeah, I would do that

docgooden85: Must bench 1 of B Miller, B Woo, and K Harrison this week (points) – which do you bench?

Justin Mason: Woo

Justin Mason: Thats my time! Thank yall for chatting with me!