OTW 248 - FAAB #2; March 29, 2026

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 FAAB season officially begins Jacob deGrom scratched; Jacob Latz opportunity Tanner Bibee shoulder inflammation concerns Mickey Moniak IL → impact on Jake McCarthy, Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle TJ Rumfield early playing time in Colorado Christopher Morel IL → Griffin Conine, Davidson De Los Santos Milwaukee injuries: Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn Playing time shifts: Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers, Sal Frelick, David Hamilton Tommy Pham signs with Mets (minor league deal) Rehab updates: Zack Wheeler Bullpen alert: Carlos Estévez struggles → KC closer speculation (Lucas Erceg, John Schreiber) 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 Bryce Matthews – speculative add with 40+ SB upside if role expands 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 Favor hitters with early-week volume advantages 5. Pitching Volume (W, K) (58:00) Two-start targets: Chris Bassitt Zach Eflin Breakout watch: Joe Boyle (improved control) Deep streamers: Davis Martin Justin Verlander (widely available in 12s) Taijuan Walker (risky Coors start) Strategy: balancing early aggression vs ratio protection 6. Pitching Ratios (ERA, WHIP) (1:10:00) Reliever targets for ratio + strikeout boost: Erik Sabrowski – elite stuff, improving control Strategy: Prioritize multi-inning relievers Target teams with heavy bullpen usage Use relievers to stabilize early ratio volatility 7. Closers (Saves) (1:18:00) Philly bullpen uncertainty: Jordan Romano vs alternatives Angels speculation: Reid Detmers long-term closer upside Texas chaos: Robert Garcia, Chris Martin, committee risk Minnesota: Cole Sands emerging option Kansas City: post-Estévez meltdown watchlist 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 Strategy: prioritize upside over replacement-level veterans early 9. Closing Comments (1:28:00) Stay patient—don’t overreact to small samples Avoid unnecessary drops this early Build long FAAB waterfalls Focus on opportunity + upside without forcing moves Proud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network