2249 - Fantasy Questions of the NL Central

Fantasy Baseball Live – October 19, 2025 @ 3 pm ETSegment 1: ALCS and NLCS GamesSegment 2: Fantasy Questions of the NL CentralChicago Cubs1.Matt Shaw played ok, but honestly, did he live up to the hype – he hit .226 with a .295 OBP, 13 home runs, 17 stolen bases.a.What’s his stat line in 2026 – HR, SB, BA, OBPi.Tim’s response - .240 BA, 17 HR, 24 SB2.Michael Busch was great in 2025 with 34 home runs and a .261 batting average, .343 OBP. However, he hit .207 vs. left-handed pitches and only 4 of his 34 home runs. Are you worried that he’ll fall into a platoon roll? Does it matter?a.Tim’s response. Doesn’t matter. He’s a Top 10 first baseman3.Cade Horton was one of the leagues breakout rookie pitchers, posting a 2.67 ERA but only striking out less than 7.5 per nine.a.How should I think about him for next season. A number _________ pitcheri.Tim: Three starter with upside4.Danie Palcencia had 22 saves in 2025. Do you consider him a top 10 closer?a.Tim: No, still likes Porter Hodge5.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors) – Tim’s response belowa.Moises Ballesteros - Light #1 or strong #2 catcherb.Jaxson Wiggins – Draft and Hold LeaguesCincinnati Reds1.In the first half, Elly De La Cruz hit 18 home runs, stole 25 bases and hit .284. In the second half, with fewer at-bats, he hit 4 home runs, stole 12 bases and hit .236. How worried are you coming into drafts this season?a.Tim’s response – Not overly – should get 20 home runs and as many stolen bases as he wants. There could be 20-23 upside.2.Gavin Lux hit five home runs, stole one base. He did hit .269 with a .350 OBP. He’s a fantasy dud, right?a.If so, then there are two duds on that squad. Ke Bryan Hayes and Lux. Not a good feeling going into the season, no?i.Tim’s response - Lux is a dud! It’s not a good feeling with Hayes.3.Where did the stolen bases go for Spencer Steer? He had 25 in 2024 and 7 last year. Baseballsavant shows his sprint speed at 66th, down for 73 in 2024a.Will the speed return in 2026?i.Tim’s response – 11 stolen bases. Kind of.4.Stat line for Chase Burns – Wins, ERA, Ksa.Tim’s response – 90’s IP, 6 wins, 3.90, 110K5.Is Tony Santillian really the closer for the Reds? Are you trusting him?a.Tim’s response - Yes, he likes the setup. Doesn’t think they will resign Emilio Pagan6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors) – Tim’s responsea.Noelvi Marte – if he can control the strikezone better, Tim likes him a lotb.Andrew Abbott – Probably will fall and he might be targetMilwaukee Brewers1.Jackson Chourio stat line for 2026 – HR, SB, and BAa.He’s a ____________ round pick?i.27 HR, 21 SB, .270 BAii.Late first, early second2.Andrew Vaughn showed flashes in 2025, hitting 14 home runs in 112 games. He hits lefties better than righties though - .313 vs. .230 but has power against both.a.How should I think of Vaughn at the draft table? A bit of a sleeper or a sucker pick?i.Tim’s response – Is bullish. Hit 20 home runs, drive in 70.3.William Contreras over/under – 25 home runs.a.Tim’s response – just under4.Jacob Misiorowski stat line for 2026a.Games started, Wins, ERA, Ki.Tim’s response – 120 IP, 12 wins, 3.65, 145 K5.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors) – Tim’s response is belowa.Abner Urbie – Tim wants him in all his league.b.Logan Henderson – If healthy, could be somebody – In Draft and Holds, after round 40c.Caleb DurbinClose5.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Close