OTW 243 - Opportunity is Knocking; Drafting AVG and Playing Time

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 framingOverview of batting average landscape in 2026 drafts, league-wide trends, and how average scarcity shapes roster construction.8:00 – Early-round batting average anchorsPlayers discussed: Luis Arraez, Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, Bobby Witt Jr., Mookie Betts, Julio RodríguezDiscussion 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 riskPlayers discussed: Kyle Schwarber, Matt Olson, Pete Alonso, Elly De La Cruz, Oneil CruzConversation around batting average volatility, strikeout rate concerns, and how much risk managers can absorb depending on early roster builds.40:00 – Mid-round average stabilizersPlayers discussed: Steven Kwan, Nico Hoerner, Bryson Stott, Jeff McNeil, Xander BogaertsFocus on contact skills, lineup role, and identifying players who can quietly support average while contributing across categories.58:00 – Bounce-back and growth candidatesPlayers discussed: CJ Abrams, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr., Bo BichetteEvaluating BABIP regression, age curves, and approach adjustments that could lead to batting average improvements in 2026.1:10:00 – Late-round average targets and fadesPlayers discussed: Luis Rengifo, Thairo Estrada, Brice Turang, Jake McCarthyHow 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 thoughtsKey takeaways on balancing floor and ceiling in batting average builds, understanding roster synergy, and planning category targets before draft day. Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin HastingSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.