MLB.com Fantasy Baseball 411

The Milwaukee Brewers added two big outfielders to their lineup. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down how they expect these moves will affect Christian Yelich (:55), Lorenzo Cain (5:35) and the returning Brewers outfielders in 2018. (7:05) Now that the Marlins' roster has been stripped down, where do Lewis Brinson (11:45), J.T. Realmuto (14:20) and Justin Bour (15:45) fit into the upcoming fantasy drafts? They also discuss the Mets re-signing Jose Reyes (16:50) and the team's unsettled closer situation (18:55), talk about Manny Machado moving from third base to shortstop (21:45), answer fans' Twitter questions (22:55) and begin to break down their tier system for the best starting pitchers at the top of draft wishlists. (27:20)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down where new Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk fits into Toronto's lineup and if this move raises his fantasy value. Now that Grichuk is out of St. Louis, who is in line for more playing time in the Cardinals' outfield? (6:38) Austin Jackson joins the Giants' outfield in San Francisco, will this increase his at-bats from last season? (8:44) Leach and Zinkie also discuss some top prospects that could find early playing time (13:45) and sleeper draft picks from the starting rotation. (30:10)

Former National League MVP Andrew McCutchen is moving across the country to play right field in San Francisco. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss how this affects McCutchen's profile in 2018 drafts. Pittsburgh also shipped out Gerrit Cole to the Houston Astros. Does Cole's move to the World Champs change his outlook for next year and how does this affect other potential starters in Houston? (9:12) Now that Addison Reed has landed in Minnesota, does he record more saves than Fernando Rodney in 2018? (17:49) Other topics discussed this week include Curtis Granderson to the Blue Jays (20:30), Washington re-signing Howie Kendrick (22:44), Adrian Gonzalez heading to the Mets (27:42) and draft sleepers from the outfield and bullpen. (29:55)

Jay Bruce is returning to his former team after signing a new three-year contract with the New York Mets. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss how Bruce's possible move to first base not only affects him, but teammates Dominic Smith and Michael Conforto as well. Toronto traded for infielder Yangervis Solarte, how will the team manage playing time between him, Troy Tulowitzki and Devon Travis? Will newly acquired Joakim Soria be the closer for the White Sox? Plus, Leach and Zinkie also break down some of the league's biggest sleepers at catcher and the infield positions.

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie start off by discussing Wade Davis and where he ranks among other closers around the league. Where does Japanese import Yoshihisa Hirano fit into the Arizona bullpen? (9:30) Jhoulys Chacin has been added to the Milwaukee rotation, what can we expect from him in 2018? (12:55) They also discuss the hitters that could be drafted in the first round (19:55), break down if leagues should change some of the ways that they look at their statistical analysis (25:05) and if the lack of big save and win totals from last season should change how people draft in their 2018 fantasy leagues. (37:40)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie are back to break down the latest trades and transactions that have occurred since the beginning of the Winter Meetings. Can Marcell Ozuna continue his breakout performance in St. Louis? (:30) Where do the rest of the Marlins fit in now that their big stars are gone? (5:10) The Angels have a totally revamped their lineup. Where do recent acquisitions Zack Cozart and Ian Kinsler fit into this new powerful offense? (10:15) Sluggers Carlos Santana and Evan Longoria are moving to new teams, how will this affect their fantasy value? (15:10) Matt Kemp is a Dodger again. Will he play for them and does this open up a spot for top prospect, Ronald Acuna in Atlanta? (22:05) Other topics discussed this week include Stephen Piscotty in Oakland (27:45), Freddy Galvis moving to the Padres (29:10), Mitch Moreland back in Boston (31:30), the Indians grabbing Yonder Alonso to play first base (34:00), CC Sabathia returning to the Yankees (36:55), Zack Britton's achilles injury (39:20), and Fernando Rodney closing games for Minnesota. (41:25)

Now that Giancarlo Stanton and Shohei Ohtani have decided where they are going to play in 2018, it's time to find out how their decisions will affect next year's draft. Fantasy expert Fred Zinkie and MLB.com fantasy writer Al Melchior break down where Stanton fits in the first round pecking order with all of the other MVP caliber position players (:45), analyze how it affects his new Yankee teammates (5:15) and examine the rest of the Miami lineup (11:20). They also discuss the unique Shohei Othani situation with the Angels (15:10), Dee Gordon's trade to the Mariners (23:20), Tyler Chatwood joining the Cubs rotation (27:50), along with the additions of Brandon Morrow to the Cubs, Luke Gregerson signing with the Cardinals and Chris Iannetta catching on with the Rockies. (31:25)

Shohei Ohtani has narrowed his list down to seven teams, but which destination would have the biggest impact on fantasy drafts? MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down where they would like to see Ohtani land and if he will produce more as a pitcher or a hitter. They also discuss the recent transactions around the league including Welington Castillo to the White Sox (5:55), Mike Minor's deal with the Rangers (8:20), the Cardinals signing Miles Mikolas (12:00), the Rangers' one-year deal with Doug Fister (17:55), the non-tender candidates that were not offered contracts by their former team (23:30), if the trade of Brad Boxberger to Arizona cements Alex Colome as the closer in Tampa Bay (27:55) and if Aledmys Diaz can find playing time in Toronto. (38:40)

Where could superstar slugger Giancarlo Stanton land this offseason? Will Shohei Ohtani blow up next year's draft? On this episode of the Fantasy 411 podcast, MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie pay tribute to the late great Roy Halladay, break down the possible destinations for Stanton (4:10), discuss how Shohei Ohtani will affect fantasy leagues as a pitcher that could also bat in everyday lineups (8:30) and analyze which players are likely to repeat their 2017 success.

George Springer took home the World Series MVP Award after slugging five home runs, including four in the last four games, but where does he stack up against the competition in 2018 fantasy drafts? On this episode of the Fantasy 411 podcast, MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss how to value the standouts from the World Series and project where they should be taken in 2018 drafts. Listen as the duo breaks down the performances of Springer (:35), Yu Darvish (4:30), Kenley Jansen (10:30), Rich Hill (13:20), Ken Giles (15:20) and Justin Verlander (17:20). They also take a look at the top-tier free-agent pitchers (21:45), a trio of Royals that could leave Kansas City (23:17) and if Tyler Chatwood or Carlos Gonzalez are more valuable if they exit Colorado (29:33).

Major League Baseball's best and brightest have been producing in big spots so far this postseason. Fantasy expert Fred Zinkie and FanRag fantasy baseball writer Al Melchior explain how a big postseason from a star player can affect where they are drafted the following year. Position players discussed this week are Jose Altuve (2:35), Aaron Judge (7:30), Marwin Gonzalez (12:33), Greg Bird (16:18) and Yasiel Puig. (18:45) They also break down postseason pitchers Jon Gray (23:30), CC Sabathia (29:15), Dallas Keuchel (32:40), Jose Quintana (37:00) and Yankees reliever David Robertson. (39:40)

Baseball may have just wrapped up the 2017 regular season, but it's never too early to start looking toward next year's fantasy drafts. MLB.com's fantasy expert Fred Zinkie and FanRag fantasy baseball writer Al Melchior begin to break down how players like Xander Bogaerts (2:25), Yu Darvish (3:40) and Sonny Gray (5:30) can improve their draft stock for 2018 with a good postseason performance. Should Mike Trout be the first pick in every draft? (8:55) Are Francisco Lindor and J.D. Martinez worthy of a first-round pick? (10:30) Where do Kris Bryant and Charlie Blackmon rank on a long list of power hitters? (20:15) Who is the top ranked pitcher going into next season? (29:10) Fred and Al answers these questions and more in this edition of the podcast.

Former MVP Andrew McCutchen may be playing his last few games as a member of the Pirates. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie examine McCutchen's up-and-down season and explain why his numbers may not warrant a high draft pick in 2018. Leach and Zinkie also spend time wrapping up the season of the surprising American League steals leader (7:30), debating if Justin Verlander should be drafted ahead of Madison Bumgarner next season (17:42) and discussing if Mike Minor is ready to be a closer. (31:00) Later in the show, Fred is joined by Yahoo fantasy writer Scott Pianowski to talk about the strategies they used this season in their Yahoo Friends and Family League. (35:10)

With the regular season winding down to just a few games remaining on the schedule, MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie take a look at a list of hitters, including a former MVP and a power hitting rookie, (11:07) that could help teams close out this final week along with a prediction at what type of numbers these players could produce in 2018. Leach and Zinkie also discuss if Corey Kluber has pitched his way into the first round of fantasy drafts (25:42), Marco Estrada re-signing with the Blue Jays (30:33) and Zach Britton being shut down for the rest of the season. (39:00)

The Cleveland Indians have become the talk of baseball after reeling off 22 consecutive wins. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down how Cleveland's hot-hitting duo of Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor should be used in the remaining weeks of this season as well as where they rank in 2018 fantasy drafts. The guys also discuss rookie sensation Rhys Hoskins' future home-run potential (9:40), big-name players that should be drop candidates (18:40), if Arizona's Robbie Ray has reached ace-level status (21:45) and the ever-changing Angels bullpen. (35:20)

Arizona's J.D. Martinez became just the 18th player in Major League history to hit four home runs in a single game. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie explain why Martinez is a perfect player to hit in the confines of Chase Field and where he ranks on draft boards for 2018. (:44) Matt Olson and Jorge Polanco are riding hot streaks, should they be picked up in all leagues for the last few weeks of the season? (8:35) Ian Happ and Delino DeShields are a pair speedy players that are available that can help any team in steals. (15:18) Starting pitchers discussed this week include White Sox prospect Lucas Giolito, inconsistent Orioles starters Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman along with Red Sox ace Chris Sale. (21:13) The crew also weigh in on closers Blake Parker, Kelvin Herrera and Aroldis Chapman. (35:45)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie are back this week to discuss if picking up a versatile player like Kevin Kiermaier late in the year is better than hanging onto him throughout the season (:15), what lineups are good targets to stream your starting pitchers against (4:20), if Aaron Judge's sore shoulder is a major red flag (12:50), and the expectations for possible September callups Ronald Acuna, Willie Calhoun and J.P. Crawford. (19:45) Need another starting pitcher for the stretch run? Leach and Zinkie compare and contrast highly-rated prospect Lucas Giolito, Phillies rookie Mark Leiter and Rays left-hander Blake Snell. (26:35) Is Blake Parker the answer to the Angels season-long question at closer? The crew talks closers in L.A. and Colorado along with explaining the merits of dropping Aroldis Chapman for the rest of the season. (42:58)

The Twins are still very alive in the playoff race and they also have some of the most interesting players when it comes to fantasy baseball. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down how you should play the power-hitting Miguel Sano and speedy outfielder Byron Buxton. Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson have rebounded from a couple of bad first halves, but where do they rank when thinking about the 2018 season? (5:05) Curtis Granderson has moved from the Mets to a contending team, but how much playing time should he expect to get in the Dodgers outfield? (10:50) Leach and Zinkie also discuss what to do with some big name starting pitchers (12:50) and playoff-contending bullpens in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Colorado. (23:52) Later, Yahoo Sports fantasy writer Scott Pianowski joins Fred Zinkie on the show to break down if rookie Rhys Hoskins is worth a pickup as an outfielder, what ace will be drafted first in 2018 and who has better fantasy value between Nolan Arenado and Chris Sale. (39:47)

How do you handle an injured superstar? MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie weigh the pros and cons of dropping Bryce Harper now that he is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Giancarlo Stanton is on one of the biggest power surges of all-time, but where does he rank when thinking about drafting for 2018? (5:21) Is it the right time to drop Miguel Cabrera and Dustin Pedroia after down years at the plate? (10:53) Eddie Rosario is having a nice breakout season and could be picked up off waiver wires as a good all-around player. (14:40) Leach and Zinkie also discuss what top prospects they are most excited about (25:28), if starters Parker Bridwell or Trevor Bauer are worth taking a chance on (28:40) and whether Aroldis Chapman should be benched after some shaky performances. (41:20)

Where does Jay Bruce fit into the Indians' outfield? MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss if Bruce can continue his power-hitting ways at Progressive Field and if he will stay in the lineup when others return from the disabled list. (:15) Should Mets prospect Dominic Smith or Phillies prospect Rhys Hoskins be added to your lineup over some struggling veteran first basemen? (2:00) Other prospects discussed that were promoted include Amed Rosario, Ozzie Albies (12:22), Brandon Woodruff and Reynaldo Lopez (27:10). Joey Gallo is crushing home runs this season but hitting for a low average. How should he be handled when trying to balance production? (20:30) Trying to find an ace pitcher without paying an ace price? Leach and Zinkie breakdown Luis Severino, James Paxton and Zack Godley as inexpensive options. (29:06) They also give the latest updates on the closing situations in Atlanta, Minnesota, Oakland and Washington. (32:50)