Fantasy Baseball from Prospect361.com

The following players were discussed:1. Josue De Paula (OF)2. Zyhir Hope (OF)3. Eduardo Quintero (OF)4. River Ryan (RHP)5. Mike Sirota (OF)6. James Tibbs (OF)7. Charles Davalan (OF)8. Ching-Hsien Ko  (OF)9. Joendry Vargas (SS)10. Alex Freeland (SS)

Tim interviews Rich about the Orioles and Red Sox systems.

Segment 1 – Introduction and News and Notes1.Tim’s finished his draft:a.13 - Sal Stewart, 14 – Danny Palcencia, 14, Otto Lopez (MI), 16, Andrew Abbott, 17 – Robby Snelling, 18 – Riley O’Brien (St. Louis), 19 – Kodai Senga, 20 – Garrett Whitlock2.The White Sox win the Murakami sweepstakes, signing the Japanese 26-year-old to a two-year, $34 million contract.a.Thoughts?3.The Pirates acquire Brandon Lowe in a complicated three-way tradea.The Pirates, Rays, and Astros completed an involved three-team deal on Friday afternoon. Pittsburgh receives 2B Brandon Lowe, OF Jake Mangum, and LHP Mason Montgomery from the Rays. Tampa Bay receives OF Jacob Melton and RHP Anderson Brito from the Astros, while Houston acquires RHP Mike Burrows from the Pirates to complete the trade.4.The Orioles acquired Shane Baza.In return, the Rays receive two of their four top picks from July’s draft—OF Slater de Brun (one of my favorite players in the class) and catcher Caden Bodine—along with RHP Michael Forrett, OF Austin Overn, and a Competitive Balance Round A pick. All four players ranked inside my Orioles Top 20.5.The Padres re-sign Michael King for three years and $75 million with opt-outs after each year. The Padres were expected to reload a bit this season, but instead, re-signed King. Your thoughts?a.The Padres also signed Sung-Mun Song who posted a .315/.387/.530 slash line last year playing for the KBO with 26 home runs and 25 stolen bases. What can you tell us about him?Segment 2 – First Base Ranking for 2026 Season1.How are you approaching this position for your upcoming drafts?2.We will break down the top 15 to 20 in detail. Then, go through 20 to 30 in less detail. We will end by jumping around the remaining ranked players.3.Which player not in the Top 10 has a chance to emerge there next season?4.Which Top 10 player will not be there next season?5.Give me a couple of sleepers6.Give me one, maybe two guys you are just going to avoid drafting?Close

The following prospects are discussed:1. Ethan Holliday (SS)2. Charlie Condon (OF)3. Cole Carrigg (OF)4. Zac Veen (OF)5. Sterlin Thompson (OF)6. Roc Riggio (2B)7. Robert Calaz (OF)8. Roldy Brito (OF)9. Sean Sullivan (LHP)10. Max Belyeu (OF)11. Cristian Arguelles (OF)12. Kelvin Hidalgo (SS)13. Drew Romo (C)14. Ashly Andujar (SS)15. Braylen Wimmer (OF)16. Brody Brecht (RHP)17. Jared Thomas (OF)18. Sebastian Blanco (SS)19. JB Middleton (RHP)20. Andy Perez (SS)21. Benny Montgomery (OF)

The following players are discussed:1. Ryan Waldschmidt (OF)2. Slade Caldwell (OF)3. Tommy Troy (2B)4. LuJames Groover (3B)5. Jansel Luis (SS)6. Demetrio Cristantes (2B)7. Kayson Cunningham (SS)8. Mitch Bratt (LHP)9. Kristian Robinson (OF)10. Druw Jones (OF)

Fantasy Baseball Live – December 14, 2025 – 1.Let’s talk about your draft 2.What is the format – standard 15-team, BA, NO Draft and hold3.How did the first two rounds go?a.J-Rod - 6, Skubal - 7, Caminero - 9, De La Cruz – 10 (Down), Lindor – 13b.2nd Round – Gunnar, Vlad, Crochet, Kurtz, Schwarber4.How did your first handful of picks go?a.1st two picks – Tatis Jr. and Kyle Tuckerb.2nd – Woo and Wyatt Langfordc.3rd – Rice and Holidayd.4th – Baldwin and Brendan Woodruffe.5th – Matt Shaw and Addison Bargerf.6th – Lodolo and Drylan CrewsSegment 2 – News and Notes1.The Dodgers sign Edwin Diaz for three years and $69 milliona.Finally, the Dodgers get that lockdown closer they’ve been missing. Thoughts on the signing?b.The Mets signed Devin Williams as the supposed setup guy, but now he is the closer. Williams is the 11th best closer available. Is that too low, too high, or about right? Too high for Tim2.The Braves sign Robert Suarez for two-years and $16 million. They now have both Iglesias and Suarez manning the back of the bullpen. The Braves are saying that Iglesias will still be the Closer. Are you buying that? Tim says Iglesiasa.I’m assuming this kills the Mason Miller to the rotation?3.The Tigers re-sign Kyle Finnegan and then sign Kenley Jansen on Saturday to a one-year deal. Break down the Closer situation for the Tigers?a.Jansen – first, Vest, then Finnegan4.Kyle Schwarber signs back with the Phillies for 5 years and $150 million.a.What do you think of the deal?b.Do you believe the stories that the Pirates made a legitimate offer to Schwarber?c.The Orioles apparently offered him the same deal.5.The Orioles sign Pete Alonso to a 5-year, $155 million deal. Hmm. They’ve now signed two major right-handed power hitters. Clearly, that was an area they wanted to strengthen. What are your thoughts on the deal?a.Let’s sort out the playing time for the Orioles' infield?b. Do you think this deal will age well for Alonso? His defensive metrics are already declining, ranking as one of the least effective first basemen. When will he move to the DH role?6.The Mets respond to losing Alonso and sign Jorge Polanco to a two-year $40 million contract.a.Does he slide into the Mets starting DH? Did you like this trade off – Polanco for two years vs. Alonso for 5-years and 30 million a year?7.The Royals sign Lane Thomas to a one-year, $5.25 million deal. Can he bounce back to the player he was in 2023 when he hit 28 home runs and stole 20 bags?Segment 3 – Catcher Ranking for 2026 Season1.How are you approaching this position for your upcoming drafts?2.We will break down the top 15 to 20 in detail. Then, go through 20 to 30 in less detail. We will end by jumping around the remaining ranked players.3.Which player not in the Top 10 has a chance to emerge there next season?4.Which Top 10 player will not be there next season?5.Give me a couple of sleepers6.Give me one, maybe two guys you are just going to avoid drafting?Close

The following player are discussed:1. Trey Yesavage (RHP)2. Arjun Nimmala (SS)3. JoJo Parker (SS)4. Ricky Tiedemann (LHP)5. Johnny King (LHP)6. Yohendrick Pinango (OF)7. Charles McAdoo (3B)8. Greg Stanifer (RHP)9. Jake Cook (OF)10. Sean Keys (3B)

The following prospects are discussed:1. Theo Gillen (OF)2. Carson Williams (SS)3. Xavier Isaac (1B)4. Aidan Smith (OF)5. Daniel Pierce (SS)6. Santiago Suarez (RHP)7. Yoniel Curet (RHP)8. TJ Nichols (RHP)9. Brody Hopkins (RHP)10. Gary Gill Hill (RHP)

Tim interviews Rich about the Mets, Phillies and Nationals prospects

Fantasy Baseball Live – December 7, 2025 – 2:00 pmMicrosoft Teams:Segment 1 – Prospects – NL East – Mets, Phillies and NationalsQuick BreakSegment 2 – News and Notes•The Winter Meeting starts tonight. Will it be active or a yawn as it has been for the past few years?oLeading up to the meeting, there has been activity.•The Red Sox acquired Johan Oviedo and sent the Password (Jhostynxon Garcia) to the PiratesoWhat did you think of the deal?oDoes Garcia get enough playing time in Pittsburgh to warrant drafting? He was an afterthought before the trade (690 ADP)oWhat about Oviedo – any interest? (505 ADP)•The Rays sign Cedric Mullins to a one-year deal. oWill he play full-time?oHis ADP is 339 (23rd round) – 79th outfielder off the board. Too high, too low or just right•The Blue Jays sign Cody Ponce to a three-year deal. You briefly mentioned his name last week. I’m assuming you have an interest. Care to expand?•The Angles sign Alek Manoah to a one-year deal.oI thought he was done – maybe not. He is coming back from TJS. Any interest?•The Mariners acquire Jose Ferrer from the Nationals for catcher Harry Ford and Isaac Lyon.oWhat are your thoughts?Segment 3 – Fantasy Questions of the NL East – NationalsSegment 4 – Fantasy Questions of the AL East – Yankees, Rays, and Blue JaysNew York Yankees1.Jasson Domingues – AB, HR, SB, and BA – 350, 14, 19, .240a.He’s still going as the 45th outfielder off the board. However, there are brutal splits showing – .290 SLG vs. LHP, .420 vs. RHP2.Few players hit the ball harder than Ryan McMahon does (93.3 MPH exit velo) with decent loft. He walks a ton, but strikes out too much 32%. That is the definition of three-true-outcome player, however, he only hit 20 home runs last season, but 8 in 54 games after being traded.a.Is the dream over for 25 to 30 home runs or could it happen in 2026? 20 to 25 is more reasonable.b.He’s the 34th third baseman off the board (370 ADP). Am I crazy to think there is value in Draft-and-Hold leagues? Yes.3.Anthony Volpe will start the season on the IL after having shoulder surgery. There’s a ton of rumors surrounding his long-term role in NY.a.Is he worth a gamble in D&H Leagues – he’s the 29th shortstop off the board? Nob.Are you a buyer or seller in Dynasty Leagues? Seller at 70 cents4.Spencer Jones – stat line for 2026 – AB, HR, SB, BA, and strikeouts – 250 AB, 11, 15, .245, 100+ Ks5.Cam Schlitter is being drafted as 49th pitcher off the board (36th starter), so he’s look at as a strong #3 starter. Are you buying into this in 2026? – No. Total pass.6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)a.Austin Wells – as my second catcherb.Will Warren – ADP is 330, late #5, Tim likes him.Tampa Bay Rays1.What is more likely - Chandler Simpson steals 75 bases or Junior Caminero hits 50 home runs? Junior hits 50 home runs2.Stat line for 2026 for Jonathan Aranda – AB, HR, and BA – 500 AB, 22 HR, .275 BAa.He’s going as the 15th first baseman off the board. Are you interested?3.Carson Williams hit 23 home runs and stole 22 bases in the minor leagues, but struck out a third of the time, hitting .213. In 106 plate appearances in the Major Leagues, he hit .172 with a 41% strikeout rate, but hit 5 home runs and 2 stolen bases.a.Is he a full-time regular at some point, or is this the next Sam Hillard (who just signed in the KBO – if only he could hit? Maybe.b.His ADP is 432 and is the 39th shortstop off the board. Any interest? Only as a waiver wire pickup.4.Shane Baz is the 83rd pitcher off the board 64th starter – 15th round.a.His ERA last season was 4.87, but his xERA was 3.85. He has four really good pitchers (all above a 25% whiff rate), but nothing that breaches 30%. b.Having said all of that, do you have any interest?i.Tim like the upside.5.Which closers are you investing in early drafts for the Rays?a.Uceta6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)a.Tre’ Morgan

The following players are discussed:1. George Lombard Jr. (SS)2. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (RHP)3. Spencer Jones (OF)4. Carlos Lagrange (RHP)5. Dax Kirby (SS)6. Ben Hess (RHP)7. Bryce Cunningham (RHP)8. Chase Hampton (RHP)9. Dillon Lewis (OF)10. Kyle Carr (LHP)

The following players are discussed:1. Franklin Arias (SS)2. Payton Tolle (LHP)3. Connelly Early (RHP)4. Jhostnxon Garcia (OF)5. Kyson Witherspoon (RHP)6. Brandon Clarke (LHP)7. Dorian Soto (SS)8. Juan Valera (RHP)9. Yordanny Monegro (RHP)10. Luis Perales (RHP)

Tim interviews Rich about the Braves and Marlins prospects.

Fantasy Baseball Live – November 30, 2025 – 2:00 pmMicrosoft Teams:Segment 1 – Prospects – NL East – Atlanta Braves and Miami MarlinsQuick BreakSegment 2 – News and Notes1.Light week due to the holiday but we did have another big trade. The Rangers trade Marcus Seimen to the Mets for Brandon Nimmo. a.I wrote 1000 words about the deal to our Patreon members. What did you think of the deal?b.We just talked about the Mets last Sunday and I don’t know if this clarifies things or makes it more muddled. We will look at both the infield and outfieldc.We discussed Josh Smith getting time in the outfield last week, but assuming they don’t sign anyone, he should open as the starting second baseman. Thoughts on Josh Smith at second?2.The Blue Jays made noise by signing Dylan Cease for 7-years and $210 million. WOW. That’s a lot of scratch. Did you like the signing?3.The Orioles finally spend a little bit of money, signing Ryan Helsley to a 2-year, $28 million contract. It takes a big closer arm off the board. Your thoughts?Segment 3 – Fantasy Questions of the NL East – NationalsWashington Nationals1.James Wood hit 31 home runs last season, but only 7 in the second half. He’s the ninth outfielder off the board. Is that something that appeals to you?a.We will look at other outfielders going around him2.Dylan Crews – sigh.a.2026 stat line – AB, HR, SB, and BA3.I liked Brady House in the minor leagues and have him in one Dynasty League. I’m worried that his poor approach is catching up to him. In 74 MLB games, he walked eight times. a.Is this a growth stock or someone who will start the season in the minor leagues?b.The NFBC drafters are not bullish as he’s the 46th third baseman off the board (ADP of 598). Is that worth a pick in the low 30s in D&H Leagues?4.Daylen Lile showed flashes last season, posting a .299 batting average with nine home runs and eight stolen bases in 351 plate appearances.a.The NFBC drafters seem to think he’s a growth stock as he’s the 50th outfielder off the board. Is a strong #4 starter feel right or is that a bit too rich?5.Out of the Nationals starters, which pitcher intrigues you the most?6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Segment 4 – Fantasy Questions of the AL East – Orioles and Red SoxBaltimore Orioles1.After winning 91 games in 2024, the Orioles lost 87 games in 2025. Do they bounce back in 2026? How many games do they win?2.Samuel Bassalo – 2026 stat line - AB, HR, BA3.Gunnar Henderson hit 37 home runs in 2024 but only 17 in 2025. Exit velo is still 92.1 MPH (down slightly from 2024 – 92.8) but still in the top 10 percentile of the league. Over/Under 30 home runs in 2026?4.Nobody seems to be buying Coby Mayo’s late home run surge as his ADP is 480 and he’s the 31st first baseman off the board. Are you buying it?5.Trevor Rogers was a revelation last season, posting a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts. However, his xERA was 3.41 and he only struck out 8.8 per nine. He’s going as the 66th pitcher off the board, or the 50th starting pitcher. Are you comfortable taking him as a strong number four starter?6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Boston Red Sox1.Roman Anthony – 2026 stat line - AB, HR, SB, and BA2.I’ve longed been a fan of Marcelo Mayer, but his injury history is giving me pause. Plus, he wasn’t very good after getting the callup. Does he get 500 PA in 2026?a.He’s going as an after thought in drafts – 502 AB (34th round) or #33 third base. Any interest?3.Is Kristian Campbell a Red Sox on April 1?a.He’s going before Marcelo Mayer at 480. Any interest?4.Connelly Early (#81) or Payton Tolle (#137)5.Any reason to not think of Aroldis Chapman as a Top 10 Closer?6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Close

The following players are discussed:1. Sam Bassalo (C)2. Ike Irish (C)3. Wehiwa Aloy (SS)4. Nate George (OF)5. Dylan Beavers (OF)6. Austin Overn (OF)7. Slater de Brun (OF)8. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (OF)9. Luis De Leon (RHP)10. Caden Bodine (C)

The following players are discussed:1. Travis Sykora (RHP)2. Eli Willits (SS)3. Jarlin Susana (RHP)4. Luke Dickerson (SS)5. Coy James (SS)6. Seaver King (SS)7. Alex Clemmey (LHP)8. Yohandy Morales (3B)9. Brayan Cortesia (SS)10. Ethan Petry (OF)

Segment 1 – News and Notes1.We had our first significant trade of the season as the Orioles traded Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for Taylor Ward.a.Both teams are starved for pitching, and while G-Rod has never been healthy, he has good stuff with four years of team control. Taylor Ward becomes a free agent after this season.b.Unless the Orioles haven’t told us that G-Rod’s arm will fall off at some point next season, it’s hard not to like this for the Angels. I will say, the Angels did not do a physical. I’m thinking that was part of the deal – you’re buying low, so no give-backzy. 2.Raisel Iglesias signed back with the Braves. He had stretch where he was awful and lost his job. Is he the closer going into camp? Is he somebody you’re comfortable drafting as a closer?3.Non-tendered players – Surprised, any worries they will sign somewhere?a.Adolis Garica (OF, Tex)i.Who gets his playing time?b.Nathaniel Lowe (1B, Bos)c.Christopher Morel (DH, TB)d.Alek Manoah (Atl, RHP)4.Kazuma Okamoto was posted. What do we know about him?Segment 2 – Fantasy Questions of the NL East – Marlins, Mets, Phillies, and NatsMiami Marlins1.Jakob Marsee – Let’s hear it.a.AB, HR, SB, and BA – 12 HR, 35 SB, .2702.I know you’ve been a big fan of Connor Norby in the past. In a bit over a half-season, he went 8-8, making him a 15-15 player with a .250ish batting average. That’s not an awful player, but he’s been drafted as one. His ADP is 387, and he’s the 30th third baseman off the board.a.What are your thoughts on Noby this season? Are you interested?3.Kyle Stowers had his breakout last season, posting a .288 batting average with 25 home runs in only 117 games. He’s going as the 28th outfielder off the board.a.Would you feel good about him being your #2 outfielder?4.Sandy Alcantara was terrible last season, and now he’s the 66th pitcher off the board (50th starter). I think I recall you saying you wanted him to pitch poorly last year, so he would drop in 2026. Has he dropped enough for you to be interested?5.When Ryan Weather has played, he’s been ok. Unfortunately, he seems always to be hurt. He’s the 120th pitcher off the board (call it 85 to 90th starter) – your 6th starter. Is that someone who interests you at the moment, or is it a pass?6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)New York Mets1.The Mets appear to be moving on from Pete Alonso so they can move Vientos to first and Baty to third. Do you like this move or do you believe the Mets will keep Alonso?a.Baty’s ADP is 259 and Vientos is 256. Who would you rather have?2.Francisco Alvarez started to show signs of being an impact player, slugging 11 home runs in 76 games. He’ll just be 24 next season. Over/Under 20 home runs?3.Will Jeff McNeil be the full-time second baseman for the Mets in 2026? He’s on the last year of his contract?4.Kodai Senga posted decent numbers in 2025, posting a 3.02 ERA with 109 strikeouts and 55 walks. However, he spent time in the minor leagues and continues to struggle throwing strikes?a.Stat line for 2026: wins, ERA, and K’sb.There’s been rumors that the Mets will trade him this winter? What say you?5.Who will be the Mets closer in 2026?6.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Philadelphia Phillies1.The Phillies could lose several players to free agency, including Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto. Do they resign these guys or try to get younger?a.I guess the problem is, are there minor league players that can step in or do they need to dip into free agency?2.Related to #1, the Phillies team still has Harper, Turner, and Cristopher Sanchez, but overall, the team doesn’t look great. Dumbroski always finds a way, but is this a playoff contender for 2026?3.Andrew Painter – 2026 stats – IP, ERA, K’s4.Zach Wheeler is expected to be back by the end of May. Before the injury, he was one of the best pitchers in baseball, but he had TOS surgery, which doesn’t have a great track record for pitchers. He’s the 52nd pitcher off the board, or the 39th starting pitcher off the board. Do you feel comfortable with Wheeler being a stronger #3 starter on your team? He was a top 5 pitcher selected in 2025.5.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)

The following players are discussed:1. Aidan Miller (OF)2. Andrew Painter (RHP)3. Justin Crawford (OF)4. Arron Escobar (3B)5. Gabriel Rincones (OF)6. Griffin Burkholder (OF)7. Dante Nori (OF)8. Gage Wood (RHP)9. Jean Cabrera (RHP)10. Moises Chace (RHP)

Tim interviews Rich about the Royals and Twins prospects.

The following players are discussed:1. Nolan McClean (RHP)2. Jonah Tong (RHP)3. Jett Williams (SS)4. Carson Benge (OF)5. Brandon Sproat (RHP)6. A.J. Ewing (OF)7. Jacob Reimer (3B)8. Ryan Clifford (OF)9. Elian Pena (SS)10. Nick Morobito (OF)