Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – August 10, 2026

Justin Mason: Chat will begin at the top of the hour. In the meantime, please follow me on all my social media’s (twitter, tiktok, facebook, youtube, bluesky, and instagram) at JustinMasonFWFB! I am doing regular podcasts on the FWFB podcast as well as three episodes a week for the Sleeper and the Bust so definitely make sure you are subscribed there as well! You can also join the Sleeper and the Bust discord! https://discord.gg/ar7XUV9T

Churlayla: Joey Loperfido. Why doesn’t he get more run in MLB?

Justin Mason: He is bad versus lefties, a mediocre defender, a mediocre hit tool. All he does is walk.

Churlayla: What’s your take on Boston Smith? Pretty wild batting profile. 28%k, 20%bb, every 3rd or 4th hit is a dinger it seems.

Justin Mason: I honestly, don’t know enough about him to give a good take.

AU86: Please rank ROS: Lombard, Culpepper, Genao, Basabe – need SB/OBP/Runs (redraft)

Justin Mason: Lombard, Culpepper, Basabe, Genao

vermontdisciples: sorry Holmes/Braves, Leahy, Singer, Pederson/Cubs thank you

Justin Mason: Leahy, Holmes, Singer, Peterson

Dr. Funk: Have you ever had a shot at a perfect roto season? I’m sitting at 132/140 points and feel like I could make a move to sweep the league. But is that just a silly dream with no actual prize, or does it immortalize me in league lore?
It’s a keeper league, so buying could hurt me long term. I could also sell a premium SP and try to turn him into a 2-for-1 with better long-term value. Heart says go for the sweep!

Justin Mason: Ive never actually done it but ive come close. IF it hurts you long term, I probably wouldnt do it tbh

AU86: who gets more SBs ROS – Lombard or Culpepper?

Justin Mason: Lombard

Paul: Dean Kremer goes against his old BAL team and he looked pretty good in his first start as a Twin.  Sit or start this evening?

Justin Mason: I am starting him in some deeper leagues, but I am pretty nervous about it. I dont think I would do it in a shallow league.

AU86: 13 team mixed 6×6 redraft using QS and K/9.  Please rank: Jump (ATH), Lopez (ATH), Ginn (ATH), Jobe (DET), Bradford (TX)

Justin Mason: Jobe, Jump, Bradford, Ginn, Lopez

HappyFunBall: Greetings Justin! 12x OBP/SLG, need a travel day fill-in:
K. Karros @ARI (Soroka)
G. Mitchell @SDP (Mize)
K. Culpeper v.BAL (Rogers)
J. Sanchez v.BOS (Gray)

Justin Mason: Mitchell

The K-Man: Okay, update to Clay Holmes nickname. How are we not doing, “Adobe Abodes”?

Justin Mason: Point awarded!

JoeG414: Need to drop one is a Saves only Roto  Tanner Scott , Y.Cano or S.Cruz ? TY

Justin Mason: Cano

InsertWittyNameHere: I remember a few years back we were all wondering when you’d be doing weekly chats like Paul, now you’re like clockwork. Greatly appreciate you! Foolishly looking ahead to next year, but what have you learned this year that you’ll be thinking about during the off season?

Justin Mason: Thank you!

Justin Mason: Obviously, I will be doing my apology tour series after the end of the season where I will deep dive into the things I have learned, but I think I the thing I have learned this year is that I should not have tried a Labadini in LABR lol

AU86: how much difference ROS between Lombard and Culpepper?

Justin Mason: I think there is a sizable difference in terms of upside. I really am high on Lombard and paid a lot for him in FAAB last night.

Hazmat Corntail: When are we stashing Justin Martinez?

Justin Mason: now

Hazmat Corntail: Nasim Nunez is a hold in ___ leagues

Justin Mason: most

box12: Lile or Carrigg this week

Justin Mason: Lile

The K-Man: if you’re fighting for playoff life in final 2 weeks of regular season and need minor miracles…rather start AAA Kade or IL Snell this week?

Justin Mason: Snell

Justin Mason: I think Kade is up next week

BurtReynolds: Who do you think has the better close to the season, Kyle Tucker or Jose Ramirez?

Justin Mason: Tucker

box12: pick two between varland detmers gore this week

Justin Mason: Detmers

AU86: Saves+Holds with K/9 format – pls rank -D Smith (SF),  Zeferjahn (CHC), Natera (LAA), Joyce (LAA), S Cruz (KC)

Justin Mason: Zeferjahn, Cruz, Joyce, Smith

AU86: M Vargas/Urena for K Tucker/McLean – which side you got ROS?

Justin Mason: Tucker side

InsertWittyNameHere: Jeff said last night he’s crazy and is still starting Kyle Tucker when my options are Riley Greene, McCarthy and Bleday until Soto comes back.  You agree?

Justin Mason: I agree

JoeG414: Zack Gelof or TJ Rumfield ?  Gelof should be back from the IL this week, I need to drop one. 12T Daily moves roto

Justin Mason: Gelof

AU86: need to drop MI for bid on Lombard/Culpepper…J Wilson or G Torres?

Justin Mason: Torres

Greg Pope: Ranger Suarez lost his 2 step and hasn’t gone 5 innings since he got back from injury. Use him in a nice matchup at TOR or take a chance with a Hunter Dobbins 2 step (PHI, at CHC) in a 15 teamer?

Justin Mason: Suarez for me

JoeG414: For this week the two best : Jobe vs CHW. Clay Holmes vs STL. S.Baz vs Twins.  JT Ginn vs Tex. Roto. TY

Justin Mason: Holmes and Jobe

seymour114: Cats league. My opponent has 10 scheduled starts and 2 relievers. I have 9 scheduled starts and 3 relievers. I could swap in Woo for Lambert to bring me to 10 and 3 but both Woo’s starts are on the road where he’s been terrible. Thoughts?

Justin Mason: I think I would stick with Lambert

AU86: Saves+Holds format – drop D Williams NYM) for D Smith (SF)? Natera (LAA)? Cruz (KC)?

Justin Mason: No

David Chenok: Would you start Leahy home bs Phi?

Justin Mason: I am

Ragbrai: Anyone of interest yet to get a call up this year?

Justin Mason: I think Kade Anderson is the main one. Hard to know who else will be up, but there will be a wave next week.

Don: Last move for ROS….pkup Max Meyer or Glasnow ROS. worries Max IGS; Glasnow 6 man rotation.   8tm h2h points.   Drop Cantillo,B.Miller, or Guerrero (benched for Murakami)

Justin Mason: I would go Glasnow. Drop Cantillo

Paul: Since Cazone had his 2 HR game on 7/28, he’s started to tail off (along with the rest of Seattle’s O) Drop him for Heriberto Hernandez?

Justin Mason: sure

seymour114: I have to bench one of Royce, Canzone, Muncy, and Jazz this week. Am I crazy to sit Jazz? I don’t strictly need the steals.

Justin Mason: I think I am sitting Canzone

seymour114: Also wanted to say thanks. I look forward to these chats every week. Both for the strategy help and because it’s valuable to see what other people are thinking and doing. You’re the man.

Justin Mason: Thank you! I really enjoy doing these!

MF Luder: Do you think Quinn Matthews will be back up in the next week or 2? Additionally on the same subject, do you think Hunter Dobbins is good enough to maintain a spot in St Louis the rest of the season?

Justin Mason: I think he is likely back next week, but I did drop him in multiple leagues because im not willing to wait or risk that he’s not back at this point.

AU86: Need IP and K/9 as well as OBP – would you deal DeGrom + M Vargas for N McLean + K Tucker?

Justin Mason: I am ok doing that.

Hazmat Corntail: Are you still in on Drohan? Very mixed results lately

Justin Mason: I am. I like the skills

Ragbrai: Our trade deadline was yesterday. Wire is empty still really no way to improve things. I’m in a tight race for first. What official or unofficial things can I do to make sure my team stays healthy? And  ruling out any ‘sacrifices.’

Justin Mason: You must cut off the stitches of a baseball during the upcoming eclipse and then light it on fire.

Justin Mason: Point awarded

InsertWittyNameHere: What’s your read on this Monasterio guy? Never heard of him but whoa he’s on a heater.

Justin Mason: 29 year old super utility guy that was with the brewers a few years back. Doesn’t have much power or speed, but has a good hit tool. He will cool off, but you cna ride the hot streak for now.

Paul: I’ve acquired all these pitchers, who’ve performed well up to this point.  With the playoffs starting in a couple of weeks, could you rank the level of trust in :
Christian Scott
Jackson Jobe
Sean Manaea
Brandon Pfaadt
Nick Lodolo
Dean Kremer

Justin Mason: Scott, Pfaadt, Jobe, Lodolo, Manaea, Kremer

AGC: What’s the analysis of Raleigh?  I know once I drop him, he’ll catch fire.

Justin Mason: So, I get a lot of heat for talking so much about contact skills and approach. This is the downside of guys who aren’t great at making contact in the zone. The weird part for Raleigh has been the O-Swing. He has swung outside the zone more than any time in his career since after his rookie season. There is nothing in the profile that tells me he is going to turn it around outside of just his career track record.

Whaleman: Carmen M-Pitt-added him to rotation.  I could use a couple of good starts but I’m wondering if I should cut bait. My whip and era are pretty good.  I have Soroka who is due back today.  Switch out?

Justin Mason: I would rather have Soroka

HappyFunBall: Jake McCarthy, undrafted free agent fantasy MVP? How is he doing this?

Justin Mason: He has always had good underlying skills and I think the combination of regular playing time and Coors has unlocked it.

Ragbrai: Any word on Wood? They say slight injury but that’s a troublesome area. Which is more likely, back soon or shut down for the season?

Justin Mason: I think shutdown is more likely. Typically these injuries take 4-6 weeks to return from and that would put him back sometime in early to mid September, but at that point, do they just shut him down?

HappyFunBall: You don’t mess with the Drohan

Justin Mason: Point awarded

CT9: Hey Justin. 12tm 7×7 roto keeper. I’ve fallen pretty far out of 1st and really need to make up HR, RBI, SB, and BBs with batting, then ratios + QS on pitching. I was offered their non-keeper Y. Alvarez + B. Singer for my J. Wood + L. Henderson, both keepers. I feel like that’s a steep cost for me, and wouldn’t do it if Wood was healthy. But obliques are finicky, and I don’t think they will push him even it is actually “mild.” Is this a flags fly forever trade or am I just getting desperate?

Justin Mason: If youre pretty far out of first, then I would keep my keepers and start thinking about next year.

Justin Mason: Those two are going to be too valuable for the future

MF Luder: Pick 2 keepers for a dynasty league; Bryce Eldridge, Jackson Holliday, Austin Riley, Chase DeLauter

Justin Mason: Eldridge and DeLauter

jamield: good morning form Maine! 12 team mixed H2H, in need of corner ROS.  any dark horse candidates? Bericoto? Tawa? Schanuel?  Endy R and Valencia don’t seem to have full time jobs  Thanks Justin

Justin Mason: Tawa out of that group. He is playing every day and seems to have some big moments for the Dbacks

jsweets2112: Is the Mayo Man finally figuring it out?

Justin Mason: Nah, he is still the guy he has been, but on a little bit of a heater since the break. The underlying skills are still the same

MFG: L. Hicks or H. Ramos ROS?

Justin Mason: Hicks

Salty: I know families used to sometimes host minor league players that were not from the area for which they played and get income from that.  Any thoughts on hosting one of the pillow fighters the next time the championship comes back to your area?  You can maybe even make a few extra bucks if you agree to spar with them.  Just make sure it’s BYOP.

Justin Mason: I wish I had the extra room.

Justin Mason: Point awarded!

yochuckie: Have to drop one of Varland, Duran or Baker. Saves only

Justin Mason: Varland

CarMars Favorite: what’s Gavin Williams upside ROS? I flipped Jake McCarthy for him and I’m praying for continued dominance.

Justin Mason: He has SP1 upside.

Some Guy: Tigers are stretching out Drew Anderson 앤더슨 as a starter. Is there anything actionable here in AL only W+QS league? Or wait and see how everything shakes out first?

Justin Mason: I think they are, but it might be a bit before he is going five innings regularly.

Hazmat Corntail: If I stash Martinez now, I have to drop one of Cano, May, Holmes…who would you drop? (Saves and Holds league)

Justin Mason: May

AU86: next 4 projected starts for each (please rank): Ginn (TX, @KC, MIN, @TX), Jump (TX, @KC, MIN, BAL), J Lopez (TX, @HOU, MIN, @ TX), Jobe (CWS, @PIT, TB, @MIN) – need QS and K/9 –

Justin Mason: Jobe, Jump, Ginn, Lopez

Scotty G: Do you think Zac Veen is worth a stash in a redraft league? He has 24 homers in AAA

Justin Mason: I dont think so. If he was coming up, I think he’d be here already

Scotty G: Someone rage dropped Devin Williams this week in a S+H league? Obvious pick up?

Justin Mason: YES!

Scotty G: Reports are Musgrove’s velo is up, and he threw 42 of 53 pitches for strikes in his last rehab outing. What can we expect from him this year and next year?

Justin Mason: I think he will be incosistent this year as most guys are when they return. I want to see him pitch well in spurts first, but for next year, I am intrigued if he looks good.

seymour114: Kyle Harrison is scheduled for the Tuesday start. Do you also think he gets the Sunday start at the Dodgers?

Justin Mason: If he is healthy

sactown 2: Is Jared jones a drop for daily streamers

Justin Mason: I dont think so

Ragbrai: Who gets more saves this year Weaver or D Smith?

Justin Mason: Weaver

Justin Mason: Need more questions!

Ragbrai: Is Ford going to be anything next year for the Nats?

Justin Mason: I think he will get an opportunity to be, but the underlying statcast metrics dont give me a lot of hope for fantasy.

Ragbrai: Next year Eldridge Or Waldschmidt in 5×5?

Justin Mason: Eldridge

Some Guy: Is Spencer Jones worth a flier if I have a stable batting average floor and need power? Or other possible targets in AL only? It’s

Justin Mason: I think he is definitely worth a flier

InsertWittyNameHere: It’s that time of year when everyone with no shot of winning is focusing on football…my league caught someone cheating this year and gave him the business.  Have you ever gone through something like this and what happened?

Justin Mason: I have come across a few cheaters in my day. I have zero tolerance for it.

Ragbrai: Better to keep Manaea and/or Singer in a NL 5×5 with SOLDS or cut one or both for a RP?

Justin Mason: In NL Only, I am probably keeping both.

Paul: Is Payton Tolle a sell high with innings concerns?  H2H categories redraft league.  Thanks for answering all my questions!

Justin Mason: I dont think the Red Sox are shutting him down in the middle of a race

Ragbrai: In fantasy baseball how long do you hold a grudge against a ‘friend’ that traded with your nearest competitor? Just to end of season, through the off season or until next year’s trade deadline?

Justin Mason: Forever. Dont let it ruin your working relationship in the league, but your friendship is over

Justin Mason: Point awarded

Scotty G: Roupp’s strike-throwing seems to have regressed his last few outings. Just a blip or should we be worried?

Justin Mason: both? This is who he is. When he struggles repeating mechanics, he will miss the zone and walk too many guys, but when he is on, he looks like a stud.

Whaleman: Blake Tidwell- should we be excited?  Great park to pitch in.

Justin Mason: Nah

Ragbrai: Manaea seems to be pitching better. Does this continue ROS or just on a heater?

Justin Mason: I think it is just a heater, but guys can carry those heaters through a six week stretch so I am riding it.

jamield: What are chances Charlie Condon gets called up and plays regularly, presumably after the 15th?

Justin Mason: 60%

AU86: expectations ROS for Lombard – 5 HR/5 SB?

Justin Mason: Ill go 5/7

sactown 2: Is Boyd a fair trade for Bauers?

Justin Mason: Yeah, thats fair

CT9: To clarify on my “fallen pretty far out of 1st” in my roto, I’m still in 2nd and there’s still a pathway to get there. Just a lot more difficult since the other team acquired Ohtani and Tatis for peanuts last week and had already made up 10 spots in both ERA and WHIP in 5 weeks. I was up 30pts on them 8 weeks ago, I’m now down 9. It’s just juggernaut that I’m trying to decide is worth mortgaging the future to take on

Justin Mason: Im not mortgaging my future in that scenario

AU86: Genao or Basabe ROS?  need SB/OBP

Justin Mason: Genao

Some Guy: Is this just a lost year for Vladdy or is there some hope for a turnaround? Is he a buy low target for next year?

Justin Mason: I think he is a buy low guy for next year. Ill do a deep dive in the offseason, but there isn’t a ton wrong with him and Ill take the discount.

clydethedog: any long term concerns for Skenes?

Justin Mason: I am a bit concerned with the fall off this season.

Ragbrai: ROY in both leagues?

Justin Mason: Murakami and Stewart

jamield: H2H pts heavily weighted towards IP and Ks: Jobe or Clay holmes ROS?

Justin Mason: Jobe because of the ks

sactown 2: Would you start Mahle vs NYM or May @ SD this week.

Justin Mason: May

Jim Perley: Been holding on to Colt Emerson all year in an AL only keeper league (could keep for $8 next year). He looks pretty overmatched but most experts still gushing about his potential. Time to cut bait for the likes of Grissom or CES, or keep holding?

Justin Mason: hold

Ragbrai: Do Brewers have the pitching to make a deep run in the playoffs. Last year’s buzz saw LA looks even tougher.

Justin Mason: I think they do, but man this team would look better if they had gotten Skuibal

sactown 2: Sorry for all the questions but a lot going on this week.

Justin Mason: Never be sorry! Love the questions especially at this time of year when people have tuned out for football

JoeG414: Joshua Baez huge FAAB target for next week? Should get recalled this weekend

Justin Mason: I believe he will be!

Ragbrai: Does it seem like ROS projections at this point are fairly similar? When looking at trades last week it was hard to find true upgrades.

Justin Mason: Most projection systems are always going to be fairly similar especially on fangraphs because they typically use the same sources for playing time.

sactown 2: Need to take Holmes off IL would you drop him or J. Jones

Justin Mason: Jones

Some Guy: Should I trust Bryce Miller at yankee stadium this week?

Justin Mason: I am

Sully: Just traded Jump to get H Brown in an AL-only W + 0.5 QS league.  How’d I do?

Justin Mason: Amazing

rrich468: Who are the lowest ranked middle infielders you would drop Gunnar for in a 10 team redraft with about 40 MI rostered?

Justin Mason: Im not dropping him

Sully: Does Nate Lowe keep hitting thru ROS?

Justin Mason: I think he could. I wouldnt bet on it, but he will get the oppurtunity in Cleveland

AU86: expectations for Wood and Soto ROS?  do you expect both to produce in Sept?

Justin Mason: I dont think Soto comes back. Wood probably makes it back for the last couple of weeks.

Justin Mason: Both teams are going to be careful with them

Sully: With HRs and RBIs my major concern, rank these hitters ROS: Lombard, M Clark, Garcia Jr, L Hicks

Justin Mason: Garcia, Hick, Lombard, Clark

Justin Mason: Need more questions!

Sully: Who would you have ROS: Wesneski or J Lopez?

Justin Mason: Wesneski

clydethedog: NL Only 5 x 5, cost is the same but Paul Skenes has 1 more year of being a keeper, Skenes for PCA straight up a good deal?

Justin Mason: I think so

Hazmat Corntail: I just looked; Dustin May has shoved against the Padres this year. His 1-hitter CGSO was against them. Worth hanging on until after he faces them on Wed?

Justin Mason: yes

Some Guy: Will the A’s shut down Nick Kurtz for the year?

Justin Mason: Probably

sactown 2: Last one-Drop Max Muncy(LAD) for steamers both hitters and pitchers. 10t h2h redraft with OBP. I have 3rd covered with Durbin.

Justin Mason: I am keeping him in most formats. a 10 is debatable

Nickname (required): My McGonigle for their McLean? Keeper league. both will cost $5 next year.

Justin Mason: I am good with that

Sully: Save and Hold league, rank these: Yennier Cano, Samy Natera, Steve Okert

Justin Mason: Cano, Natera, Okert

Ragbrai: Winn droppable for Betts when Wood comes back?

Justin Mason: yes

Scotty G: In his two starts back with Philly, Andrew Painter has given up a run in the first inning and then been lights out the rest of the game. Are you buying?

Justin Mason: I am

Justin Mason: I grabbed him in a few leagues last night

_David_: Is it worth paying $23/$300 to keep Jhoan Duran in a 10 team dynasty NSVH with $5 inflation cost?

Justin Mason: absolutely

liambailey@me.com: Dodgers muncy or Austin Riley? 12 team head to head. Rostering genao for kulpepper for upside, could drop one of them as well.

Justin Mason: Riley

clydethedog: why are some teams so secretive when it comes to injuries (a la dodgers with w. smith)?

Justin Mason: They dont want to give other teams information that could be used against them

Sully: For ROS, is Sandoval a legit SP or are we still worried about BBs while he rounds back into form?

Justin Mason: I am still worried about them, but I am using him this week

Ragbrai: Have you ever had a tie in a league or was there a tie breaker used? If so what was it?

Justin Mason: I have had ties and usually most categories won was the tie breaker.

LiveChicken: Thinking of taking the leap and dropping Peralta for Jump in a dynasty H2H. Peralta has fallen off a cliff this year. Will Jump vault my team to new heights?.

Justin Mason: No

Ton: Griffin Jax cooked for this year?

Justin Mason: I think so

Ragbrai: Top 5 pitchers in each league for next year?

Justin Mason: AL
Schlittler, Gilbert, Rasmussen, Brown, Degrom

NL
Skubal, Mis, Yamamoto, Sanchez, Wheeler

sactown 2: Is I. Happ’s hot streak sustainable?

Justin Mason: I think it can be for a bit.

NicklePickers: Are any of these guys keepers in AL only, OBP: Schanuel $7, Evan Carter $13, Culpepper $10?

Justin Mason: Culpepper could be

clydethedog: will Josue De Paula break with the big leagues team next year (assuming there is a season)? Chances he is stashed in AAA

Justin Mason: I think he should be able to.

HappyFunBall: Murakami over McGonigle? Really?

Justin Mason: It’s close and I almost said McGonigle, but if the White Sox make the playoffs, I think that helps Murakami

AU86: Does Bradford stay in TX rotation ROS?

Justin Mason: yes

Ragbrai: Will these chats continue all offseason?

Justin Mason: Absolutely!

Justin Mason: Maybe take a week or two off here and there, but I do these all year

NicklePickers: I​n a starts limit AL only, trying to lower ratios, would you rather have a better MR like Kevin Kelly or a less good but potential multi-inning follower like Bello?

Justin Mason: Give me the more talented guy. Typically, I want the follower, but I dont want Bello

AU86: Start Fright Night with Freddy @ ATH tonight?  Need IP and…QS (lol)

Justin Mason: nope

Nickname (required): you really don’t have Skenes as a top 5 NL pitcher next year???

Justin Mason: I debated it, but the NL is insanely good.

Krog: Do you think the Mets will cap Mclean’s innings or possibility shut him down in September?

Justin Mason: I think there is a good chance he does get shut down or limited at some point.

Ragbrai: Did the Brewers lose out on Skubal because as far as we know their offer didn’t include pitching?

Justin Mason: I think that is the theory.

AU86: prefer Bradford over Jump or Ginn ROS?

Justin Mason: Over Ginn, but not Jump

sactown 2: Just p/u Soderstrom for the home week but we have cooling trend here in Sactown. Good move?

Justin Mason: I think so

Sully: Got $24 left in AL-only W + 0.5 QS league.  $0 bids available.  Pitching cats are what I need.  How much do I spend on Foster Griffin?

Justin Mason: probably 18-20

Justin Mason: Thats my time! please follow me on all my social media’s (twitter, tiktok, facebook, youtube, bluesky, and instagram) at JustinMasonFWFB! I am doing regular podcasts on the FWFB podcast as well as three episodes a week for the Sleeper and the Bust so definitely make sure you are subscribed there as well! You can also join the Sleeper and the Bust discord! https://discord.gg/ar7XUV9T

Sully: Thanks for all the answers!

Justin Mason: thank you!