Fantasy Baseball from Prospect361.com | MLB Fantasy & Prospect Advice

Segment 1 – News and Notes1.    The Dodgers made a splash by signing Kyle Tucker to the largest AAV in history – 4 years and $240 million with opt-outs after 2027 and 2028.8.a.    A lot of people are upset about the dominance of the Dodgers.  “They are ruining baseball!”  What say you?b.    Were you surprised that Tucker signed a shorter deal but for more money?c.    The odd thing is that he’s not even the best player on the team, maybe not even the top 3 players on the team.d.    I don’t see any playing time loss for anyone with the exception of a potential delay in the arrival of Josue DePaula or Zyhir Hope.  Do you see anything?2.    The Mets were spurned by Tucker and pivoted to Bo Bichette, signing him to a massive three-year, $126 million deal with a unique opt-out clause.  He can opt out after each year, and if he does, the Mets have to pay him a $5 million bonus. a.    $42 million a year for Bichette?  Thoughts on the signing?b.    He’ll likely play third base.  Who sits out of Baty or Vientos?c.    Also, I think Jett Williams needs to learn the outfield, plus, with the Mets not getting Tucker, Benge is still safe – for now.  Thoughts?3.    A small but interesting, three-way trade was pulled off by the Angles, Rays and Reds.  The Rays sent Josh Lowe to the Angels and Gavin Lux to the Rays, with the Reds acting as the intermediary. The Angels shipped RHP Chris Clark to Tampa Bay and LHP Brock Burke to Cincinnati.a.    Who’s value goes up more?  Lowe, Lux, or neither?b.    Does this open a chance for Jacob Melton in Tampa?c.    Will Lux ever be more than an afterthought?Segment 2 – Third Base Rankings for the 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?

Tim interviews Rich about the D-Backs and Rockies prospects

Fantasy Baseball Live – January 11, 2026 – 3:00pmMicrosoft TeamsPodcastSunday, January 11, 20263:00 PM - 4:30 PMhttps://teams.live.com/meet/9360960458392?p=wO31KjtHU9wOTPVZVJSegment 1 – News and Notes1.The Cubs trade for Edward Cabrera, sending OF Owen Caissie, SS/2B Christian Hernandez, and 2B/3B Edgardo De Leona.I wrote a long note to our Patreon members after the trade was finalized, so I won’t reiterate my views. But, what is your take?i.Does Eddie Cabrera go up or down in your rankings or stay the same?ii.I’m assuming Caissie goes up, as he should get a chance to play. What’s your take?2.The Cubs also make news, signing Alex Bregman to a long 5-year deal. This one has a lot of ramifications, as it was reported that the Red Sox really wanted to re-sign him.a.What happens to Matt Shaw? It’s been widely reported, and I’ve heard from my contact that the Cubs are not happy with Shaw. I’ve heard he’s difficult to work with, and the Cubs were not happy when he took a day off in September to attend the Charlie Kirk memorial. b.Who plays third for the Red Sox? Do they double down on signing Bo Bichette or go with some combination of Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell3.The Rockies acquire Jake McCarthy on Saturday for RHP Josh Grosza.I know it’s the Rockies, but does McCarthy get a jump in value? RosterResource lists him as the starting right fielder.b.It’s a bit of a bummer for Dynasty League owners waiting for Zac Veen and Sterlin Thompason to get a shot. It could even gum up the works for Cole Carrigg. Your thoughts?c.I saw Josh Grosz pitch with the Yankees last season in High-A. Fastball sat 93 to 94 MPH and was pretty flat with average secondaries. He does get a new lease with the Diamondbacks, but he’s not someone I’d be running out to grab in Dynasty Leagues.4.My draft has slowed to a crawl. I’ll share some of my mid-round picks.Segment 2 – Shortstop Rankings for the 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?

The following players are discussed:1. Leo De Vries (SS)2. Gage Jump (LHP)3. Tommy White (3B)4. Jamie Arnold (LHP)5. Wei-En Lin (LHP)6. Devin Taylor (OF)7. Henry Bolte (OF)8. Junior Perez (OF)9. Henry Baez (RHP)10. Daniel Susac (C)

Fantasy Baseball Live – January 4, 2026 – 3:00pmMicrosoft TeamsSegment 1 – Introduction and News and Notes – It was Asian Week1.The Astros sign to a three-year, $54 million contract with an opt-out after each season.a.Please tell us about him and give us a stat line for 2026 – GS, wins, ERA, Ks2.The Blue Jays sign Kazuma Okamato to a four-year, $60 contract – no opt outs.a.I can’t remember, was this the player you liked better than Murakami?b.Let us about him.3.The Angels sign Kirby Yates.a.Who is the closer in Los Angeles and does Yates have a chance for some saves?4.Mercifully, Anthony Rendon retired from baseball. a.He was paid $245 million and had 224 hits in 257 games for the Angels. Just wow!Segment 2 – Let’s review my first few rounds of my NFBC Draft and Hold Draft.Segment 3 – Second 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 players are discussed:1. Bryce Eldridge (1B)2. Josuar Gonzalez (SS)3. Jhonny Level (SS)4. Gavin Klien (2B)5. Luis De La Torre (LHP)6. Bo Davidson (OF)7. Carson Whisenhunt (LHP)8. Joe Whitman (LHP)9. Dakota Jordan (OF)10. Blade Tidwell (RHP)

Tim interviews Rich on the prospects of the Yankees, Rays and Blue Jays

Segment 1 – Fantasy Questions of the NL West – Diamondbacks and RockiesArizona Diamondbacks1.Geraldo Perdomo broke out in a big way in 2025 with 20 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and a .290 batting average. The data suggests being wary of repeats in power and speed. What do you say?2.Jordan Lawlar – AB, HR, SB, and BA3.Are the Diamondbacks going to go to war with Alek Thomas in center field and Blaze Alexander in left field? If so, do you have any interest in either?4.I’ve got Brandon Pfaadt wrong, as I thought he would be more than a 5.25 ERA pitcher. Any hope, or should I just move on?5.How many waiver wire articles will Kevin Ginkle make this year? – Over/Under - 26.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Colorado Rockies1.Brenton Doyle – HR, SB, and BA for 2026a.He’s going as the 37th outfielder off the board. We will look around to see if it’s too high or too low.2.Kyle Karros (574), Zac Veen (494) and Adael Amador (590).a.According to RosterResource, they all will start the year with a job. Order them in how you would draft them. Do you have any real interest in any of them?3.Victor Vodnik has the Closer gig, I think. Uhh…you interested?4.How many wins do the Rockies get in 2026 – they were 43-119 in 20255.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)Segment 2 – News and Notes1.The Athletics trade for Jeff McNeil, with the Mets receiving Yordan Rodriguez.a.a. The Mets pay 5.75 million of McNeil’s contract, and it appears he will slot in at second base. Any interest? Would you have rather seen Darrel Hernaiz get some at-bats?b.b. Yordan Rodriguez is a young 17-year-old RHP with a fastball that can touch the mid-90s.2.The Marlins sign Pete Fairbanksa.The Marlins needed a closer and signed Fairbanks. I guess they think they can compete. What say you?3.The Pirates sign Ryan O’Hearna.The Pirates are continuing to get better, maybe marginally, but this feels like what the Royals did two years ago when they signed several mid-level Major Leaguers and did ok. Your thoughts?

The following players are discussed:1. Ethan Salas (C)2. Kruz Schoolcraft (LHP)3. Kash Mayfield (LHP)4. Ty Harvey (C)5. Jorge Quintana (SS)6. Tucker Musgrove (RHP)7. Bradgley Rodriguez (RHP)8. Miguel Mendez (RHP)9. Tirso Ornelas (OF)10. Victor Lizarraga (RHP)

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)