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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