OTW 249 - FAAB #3; April 5, 2026

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 Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCASTProud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.