Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – September 8, 2025

Justin Mason: I will begin when there are enough questions. 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!

Your Name: Pick 2 of these SP/RP for this week only in a 12 tm H2h pts league: Nolan Crismatt (@Sfg, @Min) Janson Junk (Wsh, Det) Yoendrys Gomez (TB, @Cle)

Justin Mason: Crismatt and Gomez

Mark: How much would you consider keeping caglianone for in a typical 14-team mixed (OBP) league? $6 reasonable?

Justin Mason: I think I would lean towards doing it depending on how your league values young bounce back players. The underlying numbers are still pretty good and I think he will be a target of mine heading into 2026.

Sproat Goat: Thoughts on Brandon Sproat’s first start? Worth snagging?

Justin Mason: Wrote about him last night for the Roto Riteup and for Fantasy Pros. The stuff is really good, but the control is going to be a problem. I love the upside in his arm and I think he should be picked up in all formats, but there is a lot of WHIP risk there

Victor Victor: Victor Robles is available in my OBP league, would you drop Dylan Beavers for him?

Justin Mason: If you need speed, I would

JoeG14: Is Eury Perez a drop with Tyler Wells & Luis Garcia available ? 12T redraft Roto. Thanks

Justin Mason: I think that is close, but probably. Wells has a great matchup this week at home.

Jon: Looking ahead to 2026 keepers in a 12T OBP roto league with an auction draft and $260 budget: I’m holding onto Ohtani (hitter) for $59 and Cal Raleigh at $11 but have two spots left to fill. Options include Jordan Lawlar ($6), Spencer Torkelson ($6), Riley Greene ($15), Robbie Ray ($11), Edwin Diaz ($21) and Nolan McLean ($6). Anyone in that group worth keeping at those prices? Thanks!

Justin Mason: Tork and Ray.

Help: Are we starting Witt and Tucker and hoping for the best?

Justin Mason: I probably am.

John: Lost Seager to the IL and need MI infield help for this week. Shaw, Otto Lopez, or Ha-Seong Kim 김하성?

Justin Mason: Kim for me

Rob Manfred: What two cities do you want to see receive expansion teams?

Justin Mason: Montreal and Charlotte. Nashville and Portland as close runner’s up to Charlotte

Guest: On a bye week but looking to bulk up my pen in a S&H’s 12t category yahoo league.

Seeking Relief: Fast approaching my league’s innings cap and weighing dropping some starters for some relievers — any guys you like who would be good help with ratios?

Justin Mason: Both of these we can answer together. Brad Keller or Andrew Kittredge with Palencia getting hurt last night. Andrew Saalfrank, Fernando Cruz, Tyler Rogers, Brooks Raley 레일리, Matt Brash

sactownlarry: Who would you choose in a s&h cat league 12t. Vest, B. Keller, Stram or Whitlock.

Justin Mason: Keller

Danielle: You left the toilet seat up

Justin Mason: No I didnt.

Oddball Herrera: Colson Montgomery – is he moving up your dynasty rankings much or do you think we’re still in “just a hot streak” territory

Justin Mason: Probably both to be honest. I still dont love the underlying contact skills, but they have been improving and the power is way more impressive than I expected.

Bottom of the Barrell: Streamer for tomorrow: Hendricks v MIN or Parker @ MIA?

Justin Mason: I am streaming Parker and praying in a few leagues.

Guest: I need to catch up on S&tB podcasts – are you in or out on Jakob Marsee 2026? 20/40 HR/SB possible?

Justin Mason: I am in for sure. We discussed him on the Meatball draft OF episode recently. I dont think 20 home runs happens, but I think he is an easy bet for 40+ stolen bases.

frank: E. Perez or C. Cavalli for the two start this week?

Justin Mason: Both are high risk, but I lean Cavalli based on matchups.

PG: How would you rank Rice, Manzardo, and Herrera this week?  (One UT spot)

Justin Mason: Rice, Manzardo, Herrera

King: Happy Monday Justin! NL-only, 1C keeper league. I have both William Contreras $17 and Alvarez $4. Trade one of them this offseason?

Justin Mason: I would trade alvarez

ECR: Who’s the better OF dynasty asset: Andy Pages vs. Jordan Beck

Justin Mason: PAges

Sporer: Can you believe in my latest OOTP build, Otto Lopez turned into a god!

Justin Mason: Point awarded!

Danger Zone: Eury is … not helping my ratios. Daily moves. Would you support a sit vs. DET, start vs. WAS? Risky bizness.

Justin Mason: that is exactly what I would do

fjd: The 2024 White Sox formally request an apology from every writer who anointed the 2025 Rockies the worst team of all team back in May. Ineptitude that is that consistent for six whole months is extremely hard to achieve!

Justin Mason: We truly saw something special last season. Point awarded!

Need Pitching: Made the H2H 6×6 categories playoffs (2nd place) and have a bye this week.  Thinking of dropping Tolle and Chandler.  I mainly target saves and pitching ratios (the league counts K/BB) and let my hitters do most of the work.  Please rank Ober, Castillo, Weathers, Wells, Littell, others of that ilk, or a good RP, for the weeks of Sept 14-28.  We have limited moves, so “stream based on matchup” is not an answer for this league.

Justin Mason: Castillo, Wells, Ober, Weathers, Littell

Brayan Bello’s Safari Planet: Worth hanging onto Brayan Bello with two tough starts coming up (vs NYY, @TBR) or would you drop for either of Cade Povich or Tyler Wells (both vs PIT then @CWS)

Justin Mason: I dont think I am dropping him personally but if I did it would be for Wells.

Ampersand: Got eliminated yesterday and just need to vent – my team batted .276/.362/.515 before June 30th and .224/.315/.370 after. Everyone forgot how to hit all at once. Wood, Elly, Acuna, Seiya, Merrill…

Justin Mason: One of the reasons I dislike H2H formats.

jerry: you taking the chance on eury two start this week? 12 team playoffs, semi finals. pitching isn’t my strength

Justin Mason: really depends on the other options, but I would lean no.

Bottom of the Barrell: Any thoughts on Andrew Alvarez? Getting Pirates at home this weekend

Justin Mason: The stuff is not very good and he’s got a 2.6% K-BB through his first two starts. I dont think there is much reason to start him even in a good matchup.

jerry: how do you generally feel about punting on an entire category like saves? I’ve got a playoff opponent starting 3 closers, all mine just got hurt. thinking about just going for QS and Ks

Justin Mason: Probably a good idea

jerry: need one utility spot filled this week – jackson holliday, carp, nate lowe, d beavers

Justin Mason: Holliday

Guest: my roto team is just hemorrhaging and I really don’t feel like there’s anything I can do about it. no question and no laugh inducement, just vent, go me

Justin Mason: There aren’t many worse feelings than this. I am dealing with it in a league and it kills me

1-1: What does Mickey Moniak’s 2026 look like in your crystal ball?

Justin Mason: I definitely need to do a deep dive this offseason, but things are surprisingly good under the hood. made strides in contact. Still needs to work on his swing decisions, but he should have a regular role in Colorado. I am tempted to say we could see something similar to this next year.

kersh: are you starting pagan as a closer this week?

Justin Mason: depends on if I have other options, but probably.

larry: Who do you like for 2nd base ros. 12t h2h cat. L. Garcia, McNeil, O. Lopez, Durbin or Baty. Thank you

Justin Mason: Baty

RAGBRAI: Is a $28 Chourio in and NL 5×5 reasonable for a keeper fee. $260/23 players. 5 OF.

Justin Mason: Yes

lwomack58: E. Perez has a 2.25 era with a .214 wOBA at home. Two start week are at home with Was and Det. Pick him up with these ratios or stay away based on latest trend?

Justin Mason: It’s a risk because we have seen recently the struggles of guys coming off of TJ with him, but it really depends on your other options. I wouldnt be rolling him out in a lot of shallower formats.

RAGBRAI: Who gets the saves in Chicago ROS? Committee?

Justin Mason: I am going to lean Kittredge, but it could be keller.

Speedy Soto: Hey Justin.  Please pick one pitcher to keep for ‘26 all same round: Gilbert, Sale or Woo.  Thanks

Justin Mason: Woo, but it is close

bdubs: It’s getting desperate – I’m desperate – out there for steals. Pls rank ROS: Caballero, JLowe, Lile?

Suggest dropping Will Smith given these available catchers on the wire? Pls rank to replace him if yes: Dingler, Baldwin, Teel

Justin Mason: Ok, for this week you want Lile because the Marlins are the worst team in baseball in holding runners, but rest of the season Caballero, Lile, Lowe. Not dropping Will Smith.

Guest: 9 team 5×5 NL only roto – Don’t judge, we’ve kept this league going since 1991 🙂

Looking to next year with a 12 keeper cap and debating if any of the following are worth it: B. Ashcraft ($10) Marsee ($10) Sears ($2) Saalfrank ($10) Keller ($9) Singer ($6)

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Justin Mason: Marsee for sure. Singer and Ashcraft are maybes

Andrew: How are you feeling about Andrew Abbott against SD? I thought maybe he’s running out gas in the second half, but he pitched 140 IP last year and the strikeouts are still good

Justin Mason: I think the regression is finally catching up with him. I am probably not starting him in a shallower format. In a deeper one, you probably have to.

kersh: h2h playoffs round 2 – 12 team. rank for this week
kershaw,warren, priester, messick,

Justin Mason: Priester, Messick, Warren, Kershaw

JoeG14: Daylen Lile on fire. Anything here ? Deep mixed roto

Justin Mason: I actually really like him. He was overshadowed by other prospects in Washington, but he was a borderline top 100 guy himself. He is more of an accumulator with good speed, but he can struggle defensively. Great stream this week with the Marlins on the docket because they are by far the worst team in baseball in preventing stolen bases.

Speedy Soto: Profar is a top _ OF next year.  Between the PEDs and the suspension, I am not sure how to value him

Justin Mason: 25? I am not sure how to until I do his projections to be honest.

Hazmat Corntail: Hey Justin, thanks for doing these…how are you feeling about Addison Barger looking toward next year? Seemed like a good fit for my dynasty team at 3B but he’s fallen into a hole in the 2nd half

Justin Mason: Underlying numbers are still pretty good in the second half. His biggest issue is he has started swinging outside the zone more so he needs to just be a bit more patient. I am still a buyer.

Bog: What are your thoughts on Joel Peguero? His Stuff+ numbers are crazy but he’s never had the K% to match

Justin Mason: Stuff numbers are pretty amazing, but I dont see much here outside of potentially being a pretty good middle reliever.

Yogi: Prospect hunting for next year — with an eye on ROS. Who you like? Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, Luis Morales, Cade Horton. Thanks Justin.

Justin Mason: Love all these guys. McLean is my favorite of the bunch followed by Tong, Morales and Horton, but I dont think you can go wrong here by picking up and of them.

Guest: Would you throw Darvich in h2h cat. league?

Justin Mason: With the Rockies away from Colorado, I would.

2 Many Catchers: Rebuilding Dynasty Roto team about 1-2 years from competing with Francisco Alvarez, Rushing, and Basallo. Which one do you attempt to flip this offseason?

Justin Mason: Alvarez or Rushing.

JoeG14: Watch Baty this week ; faces 5 leftys this week

Justin Mason: Oh damn. Got to sit him this week then.

Nate the great: Hi Justin.  How do you value Eovaldi for next year between his age, injury and the fact that he generally fades in the second half.  Is this year an outlier?

Justin Mason: He obviously wont be this good, but he has pretty much been a very good pitcher when on the mound. You just cant count on him for more than 130-140 innings. I also wouldnt draft him until we have news on the shoulder.

blackjack: What type of future does Robert Hassell have?  Is he a solid regular or a reserve?

Justin Mason: A reserve

Hammer time!: Noah Cameron has 2 starts are we riding or dying?

Justin Mason: We are riding

blackjack: Will Dalton Rushing break through next year?  What type of role will he have with the Dodgers?  Or will he be traded?

Justin Mason: I think he needs a trade to have value. It wont come in LA.

jerry: any world where you start a hot nate lowe over a cold tork?

Justin Mason: Not for me.

Mark: 14 team dynasty, OBP league.  Jordan Walker seems like a lost cause and it seems that I have better options.  Keep him for next year?

Justin Mason: I dont think you need to.

Yuuuuge: Points league, who should I start out of these three:  Waldrep vs HOU, Morton @ MIA, Singer @ ATH

Justin Mason: Morton and Waldrep. I am not risking singer in Sacramento.

RAGBRAI: Offense is floundering when I need them most. I threw a water cooler fell of Gatorade at my computer and went on a rant. Anything else I can do to fire them up the last three weeks?

Justin Mason: Maybe some positive reinforcement. I have been watching Ted Lasso and am on Season 2, so maybe you could bring in a sports psychologist? Point awarded.

Adenolith: No question, just depression today. 104 innings, 68 earned runs in the first round playoff matchup. Only had to beat a 4.2 ERA and 1.3 WHIP and missed them both by a huge margin. Kirby, Ryan, and Hoffman were big contributors, but basically everybody crapped the bed. Oof…

Justin Mason: Again, this is why I dont like H2H.

Hammer time!: Shawn Armstrong do we trust him to be an effective closer?

Justin Mason: I think so especially in deeper formats.

Xena lawler princess: Will Lawler ever get a long enough leash?  So frustrating trying to evaluate him.

Justin Mason: He will next year I think. I would be surprised if they dont open up a spot for him.

Nick: Head 2 head points, rank 2 start Elder, one start Rogers, Horton, Messick or Priester

Justin Mason: Rogers, Preister, Messick, Horton, Elder.

Rogers that: What’s the truth about Trevor Rogers? Am I really starting him home/away vs the Yankees? Is he a $10 keeper in al only?

Justin Mason: I dont buy this to this extent either, but I don’t know how you dont start and keep him considering what he has done this year. I might try and flip him in the offseason, but you are starting him here.

Yuuuuge: What’s your outlook for James Wood for 2026 given how badly he tanked in 2nd half? Is he weak balsa or sturdy oak?

Justin Mason: I think this is indicative of the profile. He will have huge highs and low lows, but the overall numbers at the end of the season will be worth it depending on the price. I worry he will go a bit too high for me in 2026, but he will be on my board.

Roy Kent: F******ck!

Justin Mason: Point awarded!

Justin Mason: It’s such a good show

Justin Mason: Also, if you enjoy Ted Lasso, check out Shrinking

Mother Tucker: What to do with Tucker in a weekly lineup league? I’m in my H2H categories playoffs and can’t afford a zero. I think I gotta sit for Manzardo (great matchups this week)?

Justin Mason: I couldn’t do that, but it honestly might be the right call

blackjack: Does Robby Snelling start the year with the Marlins next year?  How will he do?

Justin Mason: I dont see Snelling as an elite pitcher but more of a middle of the rotation innnings eater type. I also dont see them starting with him in the rotation next year unless he blows people away in Spring.

Miller Time: Drop one in a 12T 5×5 roto league: Bryce Miller, Cade Cavalli, Brayan Bello, Ryne Nelson

Justin Mason: Cavalli

jerry: playoff opponent in h2h has no 2 start pithcers. i have 1 very questionable 2 start, and 2 lock 2 starts. is that enough to just ignore the questionable one?

Justin Mason: I think so

jerry: is will warren an asset moving forward? or a team streamer?

Justin Mason: He’s an asset especially on a good yankees team that will give him run support.

Nick: Thank you

Justin Mason: You’re welcome

jerry: perdomo – reasonable to expect he can recreate 80% of this next year?

Willie Stargell: What do you think Geraldo Perdomo will be in 2026 and 2027? Can keep him in a 10 team NL league for one more year at $4 or extend him for an additional $5 a year with a rather harsh no-cut provision?  Thoughts?

Justin Mason: Maybe the power isn’t quite as good, but I buy everything else and the Diamondbacks are believers with the extension. I wouldnt do the extra five for 2027, but I would be excited to keep him or draft him next year.

Nick: In that previous list where would 2 start Bergert rank?

Justin Mason: Probably towards the top. Love what he has done in KC.

2 start rank: eury or will warren this week?

Justin Mason: Warren

Willie Stargell: Thanks so much Justin!  Really appreciate the chats and you sharing your knowledge.

Justin Mason: Thank you! That’s my time for today. 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!