On The Wire - Adam and Kevin break down a heavy week of injuries, prospect call-ups, and bullpen chaos while identifying key FAAB targets and streaming options. They emphasize adapting early to category needs and navigating a thinning pitching landscape in Week 6.

00:00 | Intro + Injury Landscape & IL Strategy
Players: Josh Hader, Blake Snell, Carlos Rodón, A.J. Puk, Félix Bautista

• Widespread injuries and IL management challenges
• Strategic adjustments and workload edge

06:30 | Mets Injuries + Ronnie Mauricio Opportunity
Players: Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Ronny Mauricio, Bo Bichette, Brett Baty, Marcus Semien

• Lindor timeline concerns
• Mauricio as everyday SS replacement

12:30 | Mets Pitching + Christian Scott Debate
Players: Christian Scott, David Peterson, Kodai Senga

• Scott’s debut struggles vs. upside
• FAAB expectations

17:30 | Rangers Injury + Replacement Watch
Players: Wyatt Langford, Ezequiel Duran, Alejandro Osuna

• Langford IL stint
• Monitoring short-term fill-ins

21:30 | Phillies Notes + Catcher Situation
Players: J.T. Realmuto, Garrett Stubbs, Rafael Marchán, Felix Reyes

• Realmuto injury fallout
• Reyes emerging role

25:30 | Royals Injuries + Playing Time Shifts
Players: Maikel Garcia, Jonathan India, Michael Massey, Salvador Perez, Carter Jensen

• India losing relevance
• Massey/Jensen gain opportunity

30:00 | Mariners + Athletics Updates
Players: Brendan Donovan, Leo Rivas, Denzel Clarke, Colby Thomas, Zack Gelof

• Replacement-level bats
• Gelof deep-league intrigue

34:30 | Marlins Speed + Dodgers Bullpen Chaos
Players: Esteury Ruiz, Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, Edwin Díaz

• Ruiz situational steals
• Dodgers closer committee

39:30 | Orioles Updates + Prospect Watch
Players: Jackson Holliday, Jeremiah Jackson, Adley Rutschman, Samuel Basallo, Taylor Ward

• Holliday setback concerns
• Lineup juggling in Baltimore

45:00 | Orioles Pitching + Twins Call-Ups
Players: Dean Kremer, Brandon Young, Connor Prielipp, Mick Abel, Royce Lewis

• Prielipp vs. other young arms
• Lewis return outlook

50:30 | Prospect Pitchers Wave
Players: Payton Tolle, Eduardo Rivera, Didier Fuentes, JR Ritchie, Riley Cornelio

• Ranking young pitchers
• Weak SP market discussion

57:30 | Additional News + Returns
Players: Kirby Yates, Lucas Giolito, Zack Wheeler

• Yates closer speculation
• Giolito landing spot
• Wheeler return

1:02:30 | Hitting FAAB Targets (Power & Speed)
Players: Trevor Larnach, Nolan Arenado, Brice Matthews, David Hamilton, Jonny DeLuca

• Power bats heating up
• Speed streamers

1:09:00 | Schedule + Opportunity Targets
Players: Spencer Horwitz

• Teams with favorable schedules
• Volume-based hitters

1:13:30 | Pitching Targets + Streaming Landscape
Players: Yusei Kikuchi, José Ureña, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Young

• Thin pitching pool
• Streaming challenges

1:18:30 | Ratio Relievers + Save Speculation
Players: Ben Brown, Jakob Junis, Daniel Lynch IV, Drew Pomeranz, Chase Silseth

• Shift toward relievers
• Save-chasing strategy

1:23:30 | Wild Card + Deep Prospect
Players: Hunter Greene, Pedro Ramirez

• Stash strategy
• Ramirez breakout

1:26:30 | Strategy Takeaways + Outro

• Early category management
• Incremental gains approach
• FAAB and roster discipline

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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0:00 – Intro / Episode 250 / Baseball Travel Talk

8:00 – Reds Struggles & Early News Notes

15:00 – Blue Jays Trade & Playing Time Shifts

22:00 – Astros Injuries & Rotation Opportunities

32:00 – Orioles Rotation & Depth Moves

38:00 – Brewers Injury Fallout (Yelich IL)

45:00 – Cleveland Bullpen & Spec Saves

50:00 – Diamondbacks & Catcher Playing Time

58:00 – White Sox Call-Ups & FAAB Targets

1:08:00 – Rehab Updates & Stash Decisions

1:18:00 – Additional News (Injuries & Playing Time)

1:30:00 – Player Recommendations by Category (FAAB Core)

1:45:00 – Ratios, Bullpens & Speculative Adds

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire - A jam-packed early-season episode breaks down a wave of MLB injuries and their fantasy ripple effects, with a heavy focus on actionable FAAB targets. The hosts analyze playing time shifts, category-specific pickups, and strategy for both standard leagues and special formats like Razzslam/Cutline

0:00 – Intro and News

• Heavy early-season injury/news dump replaces traditional mid-show topic
• Key players discussed:
  • Mookie Betts (injury, Dodgers replacements: Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland)
  • Juan Soto (calf injury; Mets fill-ins: Tyrone Taylor, Jared Young)
  • Alejandro Kirk (thumb fracture; catching fallout)
  • Byron Buxton (minor injury update)
  • Sal Frelick (Brewers OF shuffle: Luis Matos, Garrett Mitchell, Brandon Lockridge)
  • Jordan Lawlar (fractured wrist)
  • Pavin Smith (IL) → opens door for José Fernández, Adrian Del Castillo
  • Mickey Moniak return (Rockies playing time outlook)
  • Justin Verlander (IL; Tigers rotation implications)
  • Cade Horton (IL; Cubs replacement candidates: Colin Rea, Ben Brown)
  • Cody Ponce (ACL) + Patrick Corbin signing
  • Johan Oviedo (IL; drop discussion)
  • Zach Eflin (elbow concern; Dean Kremer vs Cade Povich speculation)
  • José Buttó (IL; Blade Tidwell opportunity)
  • Prospect extensions/debuts: Konnor Griffin, Colt Emerson, Cooper Pratt

~33:00 – Razzslam / Cutline FAAB #1

• Strategy for first FAAB run in best ball formats
• Aggressive spending encouraged (up to ~60–75%)
• Focus on replacing injured/non-playing assets
• Importance of long waterfall bids
• Roster construction discussion (pitcher/hitter balance, positional coverage)

~47:00 – Power Categories (HR, RBI)
Targets discussed:

• Austin Hays
• Jordan Walker
• Joey Loperfido
• Rhys Hoskins
• Luke Raley
• Mark Vientos

Focus on platoon advantages and favorable weekly matchups

~54:00 – Speed Categories (R, SB)
Targets discussed:

• Troy Johnston (leadoff opportunity emerging)
• Mickey Moniak (volume + Coors effect)

Emphasis on lineup position + matchup-based streaming

~59:00 – Opportunity (AB, AVG)
Teams with 7-game weeks highlighted
Targets discussed:

• Lenyn Sosa (White Sox vs LHP-heavy schedule)
• Jerar Encarnacion (Giants 1B opportunity)
• José Fernández / Alex Freeland (injury-driven playing time)

~1:05:00 – Pitching Volume (W, K)
Targets discussed:

• Dean Kremer / Cade Povich (Orioles rotation opening)
• Martín Pérez (matchup-based streamer)
• Jansen Junk (two-start week)
• Colin Rea (Cubs replacement option)

~1:10:00 – Pitching Ratios (ERA, WHIP)
Targets discussed:

• Keaton Winn (Giants high-leverage reliever, ratios + upside)

Strategy: early-season ratio stabilization via relievers

~1:12:00 – Closers (Saves)
Bullpens discussed:

• Royals: Lucas Erceg, Matt Strahm, John Schreiber (Carlos Estévez injury context)
• Rays: Brian Baker vs Griffin Jax situation
• Diamondbacks: unstable; long-term AJ Puk stash
• Angels: Jordan Romano vs Kirby Yates

Focus on role clarity, usage patterns, and speculative adds

~1:18:00 – Wild Card (Stashes)
Targets discussed:

• Max Muncy (Athletics everyday role, balanced production)
• Leo De Vries (future stash; elite prospect watch)

Additional discussion: Dodgers pitching usage (six-man rotation, spot starts)

~1:22:00 – Closing Comments

• Reminder to submit FAAB early (holiday weekend)
• Don’t overreact to slow starts—bench stars if needed, don’t drop them
• Importance of maintaining full active lineups in all formats

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire - Opening weekend chaos fuels the first true FAAB run of the season, with injuries, surprise playing time, and bullpen shakeups creating immediate waiver opportunities. Key targets across power, speed, and pitching are discussed, along with early-season strategy on how aggressive to be

1. Intro and News (0:00)

Opening Day scheduling frustrations and early-season quirks

Playing time shifts: Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers, Sal Frelick, David Hamilton
Tommy Pham signs with Mets (minor league deal)

2. Power Categories (HR, RBI) (20:00)

Rhys Hoskins – everyday role in Cleveland, undervalued power
Miguel Andujar – steady playing time in San Diego
Mark Vientos – platoon-dependent value
Matt Wallner – power upside if playing time stabilizes

3. Speed Categories (R, SB) (32:00)

David Hamilton – elite SB upside with newfound playing time
Jake McCarthy – everyday leadoff vs RHP
Jake Meyers – underrated speed contributor
Nasim Nuñez – deep league SB target

4. Opportunity (AB, AVG) (45:00)

Schedule notes: AZ, ATL, NYM, SF with 7-game weeks
Casey Schmitt – everyday role + multi-position eligibility
Nathan Lukes – hitting near top of TOR lineup vs RHP
Joey Loperfido – emerging playing time in Houston

5. Pitching Volume (W, K) (58:00)

Two-start targets:

Chris Bassitt
Zach Eflin

Davis Martin
Justin Verlander (widely available in 12s)
Taijuan Walker (risky Coors start)

6. Pitching Ratios (ERA, WHIP) (1:10:00)

Reliever targets for ratio + strikeout boost:

Erik Sabrowski – elite stuff, improving control

Prioritize multi-inning relievers

7. Closers (Saves) (1:18:00)

Philly bullpen uncertainty: Jordan Romano vs alternatives

8. Wild Card (Stashes) (1:25:00)

Bryce Eldridge – potential early call-up
Dylan Crews – stash if dropped
Alex Freeland – short-term upside with path to more

9. Closing Comments (1:28:00)

Stay patient—don’t overreact to small samples

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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Episode Breakdown

0:00 – Intro, NFBC weekend, and episode setup

Players discussed: none

8:00 – FAAB rules, roster strategy, and stashing players

Players discussed: Jared Jones, Zack Wheeler, Carlos Rodon, Konnor Griffin

20:00 – Early-season strategy: avoiding zeros and bullpen value

Players discussed: Brad Keller, Jeremiah Estrada, Garrett Clevenger, Taylor Rogers, JoJo Romero

32:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Catchers)

Players discussed: Harry Ford, Carter Jensen, Samuel Basallo, Freddy Fermin, Keibert Ruiz

45:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Outfielders)

Players discussed: Justin Crawford, Carson Benge, Dylan Beavers, Johan Rojas, Luis Robert Jr., Juan Soto, Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Jorge Polanco, Mike Tauchman, Tyrone Taylor, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Taylor Ward

1:02:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Starting Pitchers)

Players discussed: A.J. Blubaugh, Robbie Snelling, J.R. Ritchie, Konnor Griffin, Sal Stewart

1:15:00 – Wild card stashes and speculative adds

Players discussed: Anthony Volpe, Kirby Yates, Reid Detmers, Robert Stephenson

1:24:00 – Final strategy thoughts and roster construction

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire - In this episode of On The Wire, hosts Kevin Hasting and I break down the Saves category and how to approach closers in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts. We discuss draft strategy, bullpen volatility, and how to identify which closers are worth paying for versus targeting value later in drafts. We also look at several bullpens that could produce surprise saves and highlight relievers who could emerge during the season.

Whether you prefer paying up for elite closers or waiting and building a bullpen through value picks and waiver wire churn, this episode will help you navigate one of fantasy baseball’s most unpredictable categories.

Episode Breakdown

0:00 – Intro and episode overview

Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader

3:00 – Draft philosophy for saves

Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Mason Miller, Ryan Helsley

11:30 – The elite closer tier

Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, Félix Bautista

23:00 – Mid-tier closers with strong job security

Players discussed: Tanner Scott, Robert Suarez, Kenley Jansen, David Bednar, Yohan Duran

36:30 – Riskier closers and uncertain bullpens

Players discussed: Luke Weaver, Andrew Kittredge, Jeremiah Estrada, Matt Brash, Cade Smith

50:00 – Late-round saves targets

Players discussed: Matt Brash, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, Garrett Whitlock

1:02:00 – Speculative relievers and potential breakout arms

Players discussed: Jeremiah Estrada, Dylan Lee, Aroldis Chapman, Matt Brash, Hunter Gaddis

1:11:30 – Final saves strategy thoughts

Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, Tanner Scott

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Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball category preview series with a deep dive into ERA and WHIP, examining how fantasy managers should approach ratio protection in modern drafts. The discussion covers early-round aces, workload considerations, command-driven breakouts, and how to balance strikeout upside with ratio stability.

They also explore how bullpen arms, mid-rotation starters, and late-round targets can quietly influence ratio outcomes over a full season.

0:00 – Intro and ratio category overview

6:30 – Elite ace foundations

Discussion focuses on command profiles, workload reliability, and which aces provide the strongest WHIP floors entering 2026 drafts.

20:00 – Strikeout aces vs ratio risk

Adam and Kevin debate pitchers with elite strikeout upside but varying WHIP and ERA volatility, and when risk becomes acceptable depending on roster construction.

34:00 – Mid-round ratio stabilizers

Focus on pitchers who may lack elite strikeout totals but consistently support strong ratios through command, ground balls, or efficiency.

48:00 – Breakout candidates and skills growth

Evaluation of pitchers showing improving command metrics, pitch mix development, and potential ERA/WHIP growth entering 2026.

59:00 – Bullpen impact on ratios

Discussion on using elite relievers to stabilize ratios, protect WHIP, and offset volatile starting pitchers.

1:07:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts

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Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire - Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting continue their 2026 fantasy baseball draft preview series by shifting focus to pitching volume categories — Wins and Strikeouts.

The discussion centers on why fantasy managers must actively chase volume, how innings pitched drive both categories, and which late-round starters and speculative arms can help managers compete without paying early-round pitching prices. The hosts also explore streaming strategy, team context, bullpen support, and how draft construction impacts in-season flexibility.

Below is a breakdown of the episode with estimated timestamps and players discussed.

00:00 – 09:00 | Intro + Draft Season Philosophy

Topics

Draft season approach and league activity

Why Wins remain a category you must intentionally target

Relationship between innings pitched, team quality, and fantasy success

Players Mentioned

Tarik Skubal

Paul Skenes

Garrett Crochet

09:00 – 22:00 | Why Volume Matters for Wins & Strikeouts

Topics

Correlation between workload and strikeouts

Importance of pitching deep into games

Team offense and bullpen effects on wins

Drafting SP tiers vs elite aces

Players Mentioned

Yusei Kikuchi

José Soriano

Reid Detmers

Luis Severino

Mitch Keller

Brandon Pfaadt

22:00 – 38:00 | Mid-Round Targets for Strikeout Volume

Topics

Targeting pitchers projected for stable rotation roles

Using projections vs role certainty

Drafting innings over pure ratios in this build

Players Mentioned

David Peterson

Clay Holmes

Will Warren

38:00 – 52:00 | Late-Round Wins & Strikeout Targets

Topics

Endgame starters who stick in rotations

Opportunity-driven pitching value

Accepting ratio risk when chasing volume

Players Mentioned

Will Warren

David Peterson

Cade Cavalli

52:00 – 1:05:00 | Streaming Strategy & Roster Management

Topics

Streaming pitchers to capture breakout arms early

Building ratio cushions to allow aggressive streaming

Managing roster churn early in season

Players Mentioned

Justin Verlander

Seth Lugo

Michael Wacha

1:05:00 – 1:11:29 | Final Targets + Draft Takeaways

Topics

Early-season matchup plays

Why reserve-round pitchers matter

Maximizing roster flexibility for volume accumulation

Players Mentioned

Cade Cavalli

Justin Verlander

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball draft prep with a deep dive into the batting average category and how it interacts with roster construction. They discuss stabilizers versus risk bats, early-round foundations, and where drafters can find hidden average upside without sacrificing power or speed.

The episode focuses on balancing category floors with ceiling plays, identifying players who can buoy team batting average, and highlighting potential landmines that could drag teams down in 2026 drafts.

0:00 – Intro and category framing
Overview of batting average landscape in 2026 drafts, league-wide trends, and how average scarcity shapes roster construction.

8:00 – Early-round batting average anchors
Players discussed: Luis Arraez, Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, Bobby Witt Jr., Mookie Betts, Julio Rodríguez

Discussion centers on foundational hitters who provide strong average without sacrificing counting stats, and how early picks set the tone for category flexibility later in drafts.

23:00 – Power bats with average risk
Players discussed: Kyle Schwarber, Matt Olson, Pete Alonso, Elly De La Cruz, Oneil Cruz

Conversation around batting average volatility, strikeout rate concerns, and how much risk managers can absorb depending on early roster builds.

40:00 – Mid-round average stabilizers
Players discussed: Steven Kwan, Nico Hoerner, Bryson Stott, Jeff McNeil, Xander Bogaerts

Focus on contact skills, lineup role, and identifying players who can quietly support average while contributing across categories.

58:00 – Bounce-back and growth candidates
Players discussed: CJ Abrams, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr., Bo Bichette

Evaluating BABIP regression, age curves, and approach adjustments that could lead to batting average improvements in 2026.

1:10:00 – Late-round average targets and fades
Players discussed: Luis Rengifo, Thairo Estrada, Brice Turang, Jake McCarthy

How to approach batting average late in drafts, when to chase category protection, and when to accept volatility.

1:20:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts
Key takeaways on balancing floor and ceiling in batting average builds, understanding roster synergy, and planning category targets before draft day.

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball category preview series by focusing on the speed categories — Runs and Stolen Bases. They discuss how stolen bases remain scarce across player pools, how lineup context influences runs scored, and how to balance early-round five-category stars with mid- and late-round speed options. The episode highlights reliable contributors, category specialists, and draft strategy considerations to help managers build competitive speed totals without sacrificing roster balance.

They break down elite speed anchors, mid-round stabilizers, and late-draft specialists while emphasizing the importance of playing time, lineup position, and category targets when constructing fantasy rosters.

Episode Topics and Timestamps

0:00 – Intro and category strategy overview
Speed scarcity in modern drafts and roster construction goals.

6:30 – Early-round speed anchors
Players discussed: Bobby Witt Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Corbin Carroll, Julio Rodríguez, Elly De La Cruz, Trea Turner, Mookie Betts

24:00 – Mid-round speed contributors
Players discussed: Oneil Cruz, CJ Abrams, Nico Hoerner, Bryson Stott, Andrés Giménez, Tommy Edman, Ha-Seong Kim

49:00 – Late-round speed targets and specialists
Players discussed: Esteury Ruiz, Jon Berti, Victor Scott II, Brice Turang, Garrett Hampson, Jake McCarthy

1:13:00 – Runs category deep dive
Players discussed: Kyle Schwarber, Marcus Semien, Steven Kwan, Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman

1:28:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts
Final takeaways on balancing stolen bases and runs in 2026 fantasy drafts.

Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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