The Cut List - Time to Let Go? Who to Consider Dropping for Fantasy Baseball (Week 26)

September 22, 2025

The Cut List for Week 26 of 2025. Jamie looks at every team's final week schedule and analyzes potential fantasy baseball busts, overvalued players, and injured players who you may want to consider dropping.

Welcome back to The Cut List as we head into Week 26 of the 2025 season. For every add, there is usually also a drop. For those unfamiliar, this is our weekly article examining players whom fantasy managers might consider cutting from their teams and struggling players who warrant a closer look.

As we're into the final week of the MLB regular season, we're not looking at specific players. Instead, we'll be taking a whistle-stop tour of each team's schedule and what (if any) impact it could have on your fantasy rosters. As well as some players you may want to consider dropping, of course.

If there's someone you want me to take a look at, drop their name on Reddit, the RotoBaller Discord chat rooms, or reach out to me on X (@Baseball_Jimbo), and we'll be happy to help as always. All stats and rostered rates (taken from Yahoo!) reflect when this piece was written.

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General Advice

There are some basic things to remember if your fantasy leagues play the final week of the season.

• Start your studs. Unless you know for sure they won't play much this week, you're still starting your best players.
• Equal schedules. This year, every team plays six games in the final week, so you won't gain an edge rostering someone who is set to play an extra game.
• Things change. While we've mentioned some teams' likely matchups, they can and will change. Especially for the final series of the season.
• Rotations will be flexible. Teams looking to plan their postseason starting pitchers will skip or shorten starts to ensure they have the rotation they want for the playoffs. Keep in mind what each team is playing for.
• Smaller MLB rosters. Don't forget, teams only carry 28 players on their rosters. No longer will we see teams rest their entire lineups, so don't panic-drop a hitter because you think they'll only play once or twice this week.
• Monitor your opponents' rosters. Especially in head-to-head leagues. As an example, you might be in a matchup with someone who has one closer while you are rostering four. Once you have a solid enough lead in saves, you can drop them for other players who can help you more.
• Have fun. It's been a long season, which I'm sure has had plenty of ups and downs. But it's easy to forget this is just a game we play because we enjoy it. Don't lose sight of that in the next few days.

On to the team-by-team guide. We've listed every team's schedule for next week. We look at the fantasy impact of each schedule for certain players. Remember, this is just a guide to be used as a starting point. Make sure to check things as the week progresses, as things are certain to change.

American League East

Baltimore Orioles

Week 26 schedule: vs. TBR (3), at NYY (3)

With their six-man rotation, the Orioles aren't set to have any two-start pitchers next week. Jackson Holliday has been "nicked up," something worth keeping an eye on this weekend. Adley Rutschman is set to return from injury, but I wouldn't count on him as a fantasy option in anything except two-catcher leagues.

Ryan Mountcastle leading off while Jackson Holliday is nicked up, Mansolino said. Mountcastle had a finger issue last two days. #Orioles

— Rich DubroffMLB (@RichDubroffMLB) September 18, 2025

Boston Red Sox

Week 26 schedule: at TOR (3), vs. DET (3)

Lucas Giolito gets two starts next week. But the Red Sox may tweak things with a possible playoff run on the horizon. Boston will want Garrett Crochet to pitch in the opening game of their likely Wildcard Series. But with nothing secured yet, Boston won't be able to cut short his final regular-season start.

Roman Anthony won't appear before the postseason, so don't expect him to be activated off the injured list (IL) this coming week. Ceddanne Rafaela has been ice-cold lately. His defense will keep him in the lineup, but his offensive struggles mean Rafaela is someone you want to consider replacing.

New York Yankees

Week 26 schedule: vs. CHW (3), vs. BAL (3)

The Yankees could win the AL East or miss the playoffs entirely. As a result, their rotation could be very fluid. As things currently line up, Luis Gil gets two starts. Given he's the likeliest to miss out on a rotation spot in the playoffs, Gil should start both games and is an appealing option for the final week.

Ben Rice has been preferred to Paul Goldschmidt against right-handed pitching (RHP). The Yankees are set to face four righties and two lefties next week, so Goldschmidt's at-bats will be limited. He's not someone to rely on next week. Rice continues to be one of the unluckiest hitters in baseball.

Tampa Bay Rays

Week 26 schedule: at BAL (3), at TOR (3)

With nothing to play for next week, the Rays may opt to skip Ryan Pepiot's final start. He missed some time earlier this month due to fatigue and was hit hard on his return. Today's performance may dictate what happens next weekend. Ian Seymour is set for two starts and makes a nice streaming option.

Back tightness meant Junior Caminero missed some time this week. He returned to the lineup on Saturday. If he's healthy, you start him. But if there is any recurrence of the problem or any signs of physical struggles, the Rays will shut Caminero down. In daily lineup leagues, ensure you have a backup plan.

Toronto Blue Jays

Week 26 schedule: vs BOS (3), vs TBR (3)

The Blue Jays could clinch the number one seed in the American League early next week. With Trey Yesavage joining the rotation, no one in Toronto is set for two starts in the final week. Chris Bassitt went on the IL yesterday, so he will not pitch next week. He needs to be dropped and replaced.

Bo Bichette won't return before the postseason. Anthony Santander is set to return from the IL for the final week of the season. Having missed so much time and with nothing much to show from his rehab assignment, starting him in your lineups is a big risk and only worth it if you're in desperation mode.

Bo Bichette — who leads the Blue Jays this season in hits, RBI and batting average — will miss the remainder of the regular season with a knee injury.

No timeline on the star shortstop’s return is available at this time. The Blue Jays are hopeful that he will be back for… pic.twitter.com/0leo4eSPej

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 16, 2025

American League Central

Chicago White Sox

Week 26 schedule: at NYY (3), at WAS (3)

Shane Smith is the two-start pitcher for the White Sox next week. It's a bit of a risk starting him despite a solid season. Smith's first start is at the Yankees, and the final start will likely be abbreviated. He's only someone I'd consider in deeper leagues. It's highly unlikely we'll see Luis Robert Jr. return next week.

Will Venable on Luis Robert Jr. potentially returning from a hamstring injury: "We're not sticking the fork in him yet, but we acknowledge we're probably running out of time here."

More on the White Sox center fielder below: https://t.co/pGq6c90tMC

— Jack Ankony (@ankony_jack) September 10, 2025

Cleveland Guardians

Week 26 schedule: vs. DET (3), vs. TEX (3)

The Guardians have dragged themselves back into the playoff hunt, and their postseason fate will likely be determined by their series with Detroit to start the week. The Guardians have tinkered with their rotation recently. As things currently stand, Gavin Williams is set for two starts.

Steven Kwan has been running more lately, with seven of his 21 stolen bases this season coming in September. He could have more plate appearances than anyone else in the final week of the season and should still be started regardless of opponent.

Detroit Tigers

Week 26 schedule: at CLE (3), at BOS (3)

The Tigers' lead in the AL Central has diminished. They could miss out on the playoffs completely if they struggle in the final week. Jack Flaherty will play a big role in determining how the season ends for the Tigers. He is set to start twice and has been better recently.

Flaherty has a 2.70 ERA in his last four starts. But he's also got a 4.17 xFIP and 4.63 SIERA in those outings. Flaherty is a risky play given he's also just faced the Guardians. He walked four batters and gave up three hits, but only allowed one run over five innings. Flaherty has also pitched better against better opposition.

Jack Flaherty’s 2025 splits

vs current postseason teams:
39.0 IP | 1.85 ERA | 1.00 WHIP | 11 BB | 49 K

vs non-postseason teams:
65.2 IP | 6.85 ERA | 1.52 WHIP | 23 BB | 67 K pic.twitter.com/RKkvlVlGhx

— DataBase Hit (@DatabaseHit) September 12, 2025

Kansas City Royals

Week 26 schedule: at LAA (3), at ATH (3)

It's been a disappointing season for Cole Ragans. While he's scheduled for two starts next week, I wouldn't bank on it. After missing more than three months due to injury, Ragans is unlikely to pitch in the season finale.

If he does, it'll be a short outing, and Ragans only pitched 3 2/3 innings on his return this week. Ragans was impressive on his return, but there's no reason for the Royals to push him next week. They'll want to ensure their ace is fully healthy heading into the offseason.

Cole Ragans is making his first start in over 3 months.

He struck out Randy Arozarena, Cal Raleigh, and Julio Rodríguez on just 11 pitches in the 1st inning! pic.twitter.com/62OzK4OYfE

— MLB (@MLB) September 17, 2025

The Royals have arguably the best hitting schedule remaining. They have an even split of LHP and RHP lined up against the next week. Although Maikel Garcia has struggled a bit lately, he's got a 142 wRC+ against lefties this year and is still worth starting given the matchups.

Minnesota Twins

Week 26 schedule: at TEX (3), at PHI (3)

The Twins have been rolling with a six-man rotation. That is set to continue next week, meaning no two-start options. Joe Ryan is lined up to face the Phillies next Friday, and that is not an appealing proposition. Especially as he's got a 7.33 ERA over his last six outings, and was hit hard again yesterday.

The Phillies could still be battling for the number one seed in the National League. Philadelphia's lineup has enough depth that even if they rest a couple of hitters, Ryan is a risky option. In shallow leagues, you may want to look for an alternative unless things change and Ryan faces the Rangers instead.

Pablo Lopez left Friday's game early with forearm tightness. He was placed on the IL yesterday, ending his season. Minnesota could revert to a five-man rotation, but it's more likely they just fill Lopez's spot and keep everyone on the same schedule.

American League West

Athletics

Week 26 schedule: vs. HOU (3), vs. KCR (3)

Mason Barnett is the Athletics' two-start pitcher for the final week. Unless you're playing in a 'players named Mason Barnett only' league, he's not someone you should consider. Luis Morales has been solid, but his 4.40 xFIP and 4.38 SIERA (3.08 ERA) suggest he's been fortunate so far.

Morales has the Royals, who have been a top-10 offense against RHP since August 1. He's only a deep league option. Luis Severino has a 6.51 ERA at home this year. He's made it clear how much he dislikes pitching at Sutter Health Park and should be avoided.

Given how hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park has played, there's no reason to shy away from starting any Athletics hitters next week.

Houston Astros

Week 26 schedule: at ATH (3), at LAA (3)

The Astros are locked into a tight fight with the Mariners for the AL West crown. It's a tussle that is set to go down to the wire, and Cristian Javier's two-starts will play a big part in things. He's had mixed results after returning from Tommy John surgery (TJS). With one start at the Athletics, Javier is a risky option.

Yordan Alvarez was placed on the IL, retroactive to September 16. That does mean he could return for the final series against the Angels. But that's not something you should be counting on, especially if the Astros' fate has been confirmed by then.

The Astros announced that Yordan Alvarez has been placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to September 16th.

Alvarez sprained his left ankle on September 15th vs Texas and was previously considered day-to-day. pic.twitter.com/KhQW9pLmam

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 19, 2025

Los Angeles Angels

Week 26 schedule: vs. KCR (3), vs. HOU (3)

After a seven-game stretch in which Yusei Kikuchi put up a 7.49 ERA, he's only allowed three earned runs in his last two outings (11 2/3 innings). Kikuchi gets the Royals next week in a so-so matchup. He's still worth starting in deeper leagues.

Kenley Jansen missed this weekend's series in Colorado due to his heart condition. There's no reason to believe he won't return next week, with his omission a precaution due to the altitude of Coors Field. Mike Trout will be hoping Coors Field can reignite his offense.

Trout is hitting .217/.333/.333 this month, and recently admitted he's still experiencing some discomfort from the knee injury that saw him miss most of May. Trout hit his 400th career home run yesterday. The Angels may opt to give him more rest down the stretch, and he is replaceable.

Zach Neto is eligible to return from the IL next week. However, the Angels are set to keep the shortstop sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Zach Neto (hand) is expected to be held out the rest of the season, Ray Montgomery said. But Nolan Schanuel is starting a rehab assignment tomorrow with Triple-A Salt Lake.

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) September 16, 2025

Seattle Mariners

Week 26 schedule: vs. COL (3), vs. LAD (3)

Bryce Miller gets the two-start week for Seattle as the Mariners look to pip the Astros to the AL West title. A home start against the Rockies is worth starting anyone for. But that may mean you're locked into starting Miller against the Dodgers. It's probably a risk worth taking.

There's a chance that Miller skips the second start or at least has the outing shortened if there's nothing on the line in the final game. Miller has struggled since returning from injury, with a 5.34 ERA (six starts). He's only completed six innings once. In daily lineup leagues, you play him against Colorado only.

Bryan Woo tossed five shutout innings against the Astros on Friday. However, he didn't start the sixth inning after feeling pectoral tightness. Woo appears to have avoided a serious injury, and the Mariners will determine whether to put him on the IL before their series with the Rockies.

Bryan Woo has minor inflammation in his right pectoral. He’s considered day to day (like us all). Mariners have some flexibility with an off day on Monday.

— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) September 20, 2025

Woo has been the Mariners' best starter this year, with a 2.94 ERA (30 starts). He will be looked at as a key piece of the Mariners' potential postseason rotation. The next couple of days will dictate what Seattle does, but it's too risky to have Woo in your weekly lineups.

Texas Rangers

Week 26 schedule: vs. MIN (3), at CLE (3)

Merrill Kelly has a 4.06 ERA (nine starts) since joining the Rangers at the trade deadline. Tuesday's outing was his worst since joining Texas, but he gets two decent matchups next week. I'd expect Kelly to bounce back against the Twins and should still be rostered.

Wyatt Langford sat out the last two games with side tightness. He did pinch run yesterday, suggesting he could return to the lineup today. Given he has had two separate IL stints with oblique strains this year, it's something that needs to be monitored closely.

Wyatt Langford out tonight with side tightness. #Rangers are hoping it’s a one-day thing but will give him as much time as he needs.

— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) September 19, 2025

National League East

Atlanta Braves

Week 26 schedule: vs. WAS (3), vs. PIT (3)

Chris Sale's schedule means he's lined up for two starts. Given the way the Braves' season has gone, I'm not sure we'll see Sale starting next weekend. If he does pitch, it's unlikely Sale goes more than a couple of innings. He's worth starting, no matter the workload, given the opposition.

After looking like he was rescuing a lost season, Michael Harris II is having another down month. He's hitting just .152/.171/.182 in September. After what we saw in the first half of the season, it's tough to back Harris II next week. Even with favorable matchups, he's replaceable.

Miami Marlins

Week 26 schedule: at PHI (3), vs. NYM (3)

Ryan Weathers is pencilled in for two starts next week. Considering the opponents and the fact that he's only recently returned from a three-month layoff with a shoulder injury, Weather isn't someone you can trust. Sandy Alcantara is also a risky option for the final week.

He's pitched better as the season progressed. But Alcantara will face the Phillies, a team he's struggled against this year. He has allowed 12 runs in 13 innings (three starts) against Philadelphia. That includes four runs in six innings on September 6. Starting Alcantara likely depends on your team's status.

Xavier Edwards has missed time this week with a wrist injury. He's been struggling for a few weeks, hitting .165/.218/.214 since August 16. Edwards is someone you should be looking to replace in all leagues. After struggling in July and August, Agustin Ramirez has picked things up of late.

Ramirez is hitting .311/.360/.533 with two homers and four doubles since September 9. He's also got two stolen bases in that time. If you held him until now, Ramirez is worth rostering for the final week.

New York Mets

Week 26 schedule: at CHC (3), at MIA (3)

The Mets are fighting to hang on to a playoff berth. They've had to rely on rookie pitchers to keep their season from collapsing. However, it's David Peterson who is set for two starts next week. The second one is largely dependent on whether or not the Mets secure a spot in the postseason before the final day.

They will likely want Peterson to start a game in the Wildcard Series, so next Sunday's start could be skipped altogether. Given that Peterson has given up 21 earned runs in his last four starts (17 1/3 innings), he's not someone you want to rely on next week.

Philadelphia Phillies

Week 26 schedule: vs. MIA (3), vs. MIN (3)

The Phillies might still catch the Brewers for the number one seed in the National League. It's more likely that they will be locked into the number two seed before they host the Twins to end the season. As a result, they may tinker with their pitching to ensure they line up their rotation for the NLDS.

Trea Turner is looking like he'll be available for the playoffs. It remains to be seen if he'll return from the IL before the end of the regular season. Unless we get confirmation that Turner will play in the Marlins series, he isn't someone you should be rostering in weekly lineup leagues.

Good news on Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. He is making good progress with his hamstring issue and is expected to be back before the playoffs start pic.twitter.com/Y7vLzSddCc

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 17, 2025

Nick Castellanos continues to spend as much time on the bench as he does in the outfield. He even sat out Monday's game against a leftie. With only one likely LHP set to face the Phillies next week, Castellanos is a drop in all league sizes.

Washington Nationals

Week 26 schedule: at ATL (3), vs. CHW (3)

MacKenzie Gore's last start of 2025 will be against the Braves. As a team, Atlanta is hitting .277/.340/.416 with a 110 wRC+ against LHP since August 1. Gore's last start was against the Braves, blanking them over 5 1/3 innings. He's also got a 2.84 ERA over his last six starts. Gore is worth starting, but doesn't come without risk.

James Wood has struggled recently. He's actually been scuffling for some time, hitting .216/.302/.344 since July 1. It's a similar story for CJ Abrams, who is hitting .234/.283/.375 since July 1. Both should be considered expendable for next week in redraft leagues.

National League Central

Chicago Cubs

Week 26 schedule: at NYM (3), at STL (3)

The Cubs are almost certain to be the number four seed in the National League. That will mean a wildcard series against the AL West winners. They will likely tinker with their rotation and possibly shorten the starts for Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd. Both are still worth rostering in most leagues.

Kyle Tucker is seemingly not close to a return from the IL. Given he's yet to start running, Tucker's return to the Cubs lineup next week is not a given. In weekly leagues, you can't start him, knowing you will at best get three games.

Craig Counsell hopes Kyle Tucker will start running next week at Wrigley Field. pic.twitter.com/jMa1PpqBBw

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 19, 2025

Cincinnati Reds

Week 26 schedule: vs. PIT (3), vs. MIL (3)

With the Reds still hanging around in the wildcard race, Brady Singer is in line for two big starts next week. Singer has a 2.28 ERA since August 1 (nine starts). He is a must-start next week. Even if his final start of the season is skipped, facing the Pirates is worth rostering Singer for.

Since returning from a blister issue in late August, Nick Lodolo has struggled. He's got a 5.95 ERA in those four starts, but has a 3.98 xFIP and 3.73 SIERA. Since August 1, the Pirates have a .709 OPS against LHP, making Lodolo worth starting in all leagues.

Elly De La Cruz has struggled in September, hitting just .185/.293/.308. That's after he hit .224/.256/.319 in August. You're still starting De La Cruz as he could single-handedly win any fantasy manager a matchup in any given week.

Milwaukee Brewers

Week 26 schedule: at SDP (3), vs. CIN (3)

The Brewers will be keen to lock up the number one seed in the National League. If they do (or slide into the number two seed), Freddy Peralta's second start next week will more than likely be skipped or significantly shortened. The Brewers' entire rotation might be shaken up a bit.

After another rough outing on Friday, it looks like Jacob Misiorowski is headed to the bullpen for the final week. He's not worth rostering in anything but deep leagues. Even then, it's only worth hanging on to Misiorowski if you need strikeouts.

The Brewers will weigh the possibility of pitching Jacob Misiorowski out of the bullpen during the final week of the season, Pat Murphy said. They’re trying to find the right playoff role for him and “he’s not doing great on the front end here.”

— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) September 20, 2025

William Contreras suffered a huge scare yesterday, leaving the game early with an arm injury. X-rays came back negative, and he is set to be fine for next week. Still worth monitoring things and possibly picking up someone you can replace him with as a safety net.

Something to watch over the next week is whether or not Christian Yelich plays the outfield or not. He's only got 19 appearances as an outfielder, so Yelich is set to be a DH-only (designated hitter) option next season in many formats.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Week 26 schedule: at CIN (3), at ATL (3)

The Pirates are set to face three LHP next week. Oneil Cruz is hitting .177/.301/.274 since returning from a concussion on August 26. He only hit .191/.281/.352 from May 1 until his concussion, so that isn't a reason for his struggles. Cruz has just had a very disappointing season.

Cruz is also a .172/.248/.314 hitter against LHP in his career and has a .103/.226/.178 slash line against them this year. Unless you are desperate for stolen bases, Cruz holds no value over the final week of the season. Especially as he may only play three games.

Bryan Reynolds is another who has had a down year. August was his best month of the season, but Reynolds is hitting just .228/.353/.368 in September. He's not someone I'd be looking at as a starting option next week.

St. Louis Cardinals

Week 26 schedule: at SFG (3), at CHC (3)

After a rough start to September (giving up seven runs in six innings against the Athletics), Sonny Gray has a 3.31 ERA in his last three appearances. Gray is set to end the season against the Giants, who have scored the third most runs this month. It's still worth starting Gray.

Willson Contreras was placed on the IL earlier this week. That all but ends his season, with the Cardinals having no reason to bring Contreras back early. A reminder, Contreras will not have catcher eligibility next season.

Willson Contreras is heading to the IL with a right shoulder strain meaning that his season has come to an end. #ForTheLou

Contreras' 2025 Stats: .257 AVG, 20 HR, 80 RBI, .791 OPS, 0.1 WAR, 119 wRC+.

How do you evaluate Contreras' season? pic.twitter.com/cfdqs7VDOH

— Ethan Hannaford (@echann7) September 17, 2025

National League West

Arizona Diamondbacks

Week 26 schedule: vs. LAD (3), at SDP (3)

Brandon Pfaadt is set to start two games next week. He had his best start of his career earlier this week, tossing a complete game shutout against the Giants. Pfaadt had a 6.31 ERA in his 10 previous starts, but his 3.81 xFIP and 4.17 SIERA suggest he was unlucky during that stretch.

The matchups mean Pfaadt is far from a lock to provide solid results. But if he can use the momentum of this week's outing, Pfaadt could be a deciding factor in some fantasy leagues.

An unbelievable performance on the mound from Brandon Pfaadt! 👏 pic.twitter.com/G6lMsEpw5w

— MLB (@MLB) September 17, 2025

Colorado Rockies

Week 26 schedule: at SEA (3), at SFG (3)

My grandmother always used to tell me, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything". I'll apply her advice here.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Week 26 schedule: at ARI (3), at SEA (3)

The Dodgers are likely to be locked into the number three seed and will host a Wildcard Series. Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are due to pitch against Arizona and will be the likely three to start the Wildcard Series. That should mean their starts aren't skipped, but they may be cut short.

If you were hoping to get Will Smith back next week, you need to make other plans. Smith has all but been ruled out of the regular season and his postseason status is also in some doubt.

Will Smith went for more scans. He has a hairline fracture in his hand. “Doubtful” he’s back for regular season, Dave Roberts, and “up in the air” that he will be ready for the start of the postseason.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 20, 2025

You're still starting all of them. Someone you're not definitely starting is Teoscar Hernandez. After homering three times and going 11-for-28 last week, Hernandez has two hits in 20 at-bats this week. He's still hitting in the heart of the lineup, but in shallower leagues, there should be better options on waivers.

San Diego Padres

Week 26 schedule: vs. MIL (3), vs. ARI (3)

Nick Pivetta has had the best season of his career. With the Padres most likely heading to a Wildcard Series, Pivetta will probably have his second start of next week skipped. That will ensure he can start San Diego's first postseason game. You still start Pivetta for the Brewers games.

A foot injury has sidelined Xander Bogaerts since late August. He was hitting well before the injury and is now set to return on Monday. If you've held on to Bogaerts, it's worth activating him for the final week, even if he gets a rest day and starts five games.

Rain in Arizona washed out Xander Bogaerts’ on-field work today.

He is expected to rejoin Padres on Monday for start of the final homestand.

— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) September 19, 2025

San Francisco Giants

Week 26 schedule: vs. STL (3), vs. COL (3)

Justin Verlander is set for two starts next week. He plans to return in 2026, so next Sunday won't be Verlander's farewell appearance. Given the matchups the Giants have, their entire rotation is worth consideration.

Justin Verlander says he definitely plans on pitching in 2026 after his sensational second half.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 17, 2025

However, Robbie Ray is someone I'd avoid unless you're desperate. Ray has an 8.13 ERA in his last six starts. If he were facing the Rockies, I'd be more inclined to start him. The Cardinals have been a middling offense against LHP recently, which is enough of a concern to replace Ray.

I'd also be looking for an alternative to Heliot Ramos. He's hitting .186/.260/.286 in September and has slightly better numbers on the road than at home this year. Ramos is someone I'd only start in deeper leagues.

Reader Requests

I wanted to finish by thanking everyone who has read, commented, and engaged on The Cut List this year. This weekly article is for the readers, and it wouldn't be what it is without you sending in your requests and queries each and every week. So thank you to you all.

You can still reach out to me and the RotoBaller team if you have any specific queries or questions. Drop your question on the Reddit thread or in the RotoBaller Discord chat rooms. Alternatively, you can reach out to me or the RotoBaller MLB team directly on X.

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