X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

The Cut List (Week 4) - Time to Let Go?

Nate Green's list of busts and overvalued players who fantasy baseball managers may want to consider cutting and dropping for Week 4 of the season.

The season is about one-quarter over for the luckiest teams, who have played up to 14 games out of 60. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have played all of five. If only you could have known beforehand which teams would be asymmetrically affected by the current health situation.

But while we're dealing with small samples, they represent a significant portion of the season. The longer you hold onto a stale asset, the more it will hurt, even if you go just a week too long with them. So while it remains difficult to make decisions on what 2020 has shown so far, it still must be tried.

Usual reminders: Stats thru August 6. Recommendations are for mixed leagues -- redraft, unless otherwise noted, as keeper leagues have their own rules. Recommendations in one league size obviously apply to smaller leagues. You can also feel free to drop a shallower suggestion in a deeper league, but the dividing line is generally there for a reason. And, as usual, you can find ideas on how to replace your cut candidates at the Waiver Wire Pickups List/App.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

10-Team Cut Candidates - Shallow Leagues

Andrew Benintendi (OF, BOS)

Benintendi has the third-worst batting average in baseball this season among players with 20 or more at-bats, hitting 2-for-29 for a .069 average. It continues a downward trend for Benintendi, who declined significantly in all five fantasy statistics from 2018 to 2019. Now from 2019 to 2020, he's lost exit velocity (89.1 down to 83.8) and hard-hit percentage (37.8 down to 22.2). His walk rate provides some good news, but outfielders are plentiful, and until Benintendi shows signs of figuring things out, you can probably find a better one on the wire.

Miguel Sano (3B, MIN)

Sano is mainly rostered for homers, and he's producing in his main stat with three so far. Likewise, he has always been a batting average drain. This year has been no exception, and in fact worse than usual: 5-for-34 with 17 strikeouts. Despite the K's, he usually walks about one time in 10; this season, he has one total. That K-BB ratio shows a hitter who isn't seeing the ball very well despite the occasional connection.

Sano's .183 expected batting average by Statcast is in line with the .175 he posted when scuffling through 2018. Maybe you can swing a trade with a HR-desperate league-mate, but if not, batting average league teams don't really have the luxury of a Sano unless they really compensate elsewhere in the lineup.

Mike Minor (SP, TEX)

At 4.60, Minor's xFIP last year was a full run higher than his 3.59 ERA. So far this year he's actually improved the xFIP, which stands at 4.38 through three starts. But the results, no wins and a 6.89 ERA, have disappeared. One thing this indicates is the difficulty pitchers have in outrunning their xFIP over an extended period of time. If Minor is a true-talent 4.50 ERA pitcher--his 4.58 xFIP in 2018 is also consistent with this--that is difficult to use in shallow leagues, and the evidence of his career with the Rangers points to an ERA in something of that range despite good luck prior to 2020.

 

12-Team Cut Candidates - Deeper Leagues

Jean Segura (SS, PHI)

Segura has been a questionable fantasy player for more than just this season. After hitting .304 with 20 steals in 2018, he fell to .280 with 10 steals in 2019. So far in 2020, in just 24 at-bats he is hitting .182 without a steal. The at-bats are low because Philadelphia has missed so much time from coronavirus postponements. Even though they're playing again, those postponements may have affected hitting rhythm.

Segura does appear to be trying to stem the tide of his decline with an average launch angle so far of 19.9 degrees. His hard-hit percentage has also improved. On the downside, he has no barrels and an expected batting average of just .265. It's going to take time if the new approach succeeds, and he's never been the type of hitter who screamed out for hitting fly balls.

Edwin Encarnacion (1B, CHW)

The quality of Encarnacion's contact in early 2020 has been brutal. Here's someone who consistently averages 90 mph of exit velocity but is stuck at 80.1 mph so far this season. A .207 expected slugging percentage is particularly painful for someone known for his blasts.

Also painful: Encarnacion a shoulder injury, a possible excuse/explanation. If the team seemed prepared to put him on the IL, you could possibly stash him there and hope the rest helped. He's now missed four of five games and remains on the active roster, however. And at 37 years old, getting banged up is part of the deal now. As a 1B-only in terms of fantasy eligibility, there is little going for Encarnacion in 2020.

Tyler Chatwood (SP, CHC)

Chatwood became a popular acquisition after fanning 11 Pirates on August 1. He "rewarded" fantasy managers with a 30.86 ERA in 2 1/3 innings against the Royals in his next start. The good news was a 4-0 K-BB ratio.

Chatwood's story with the Cubs was a horrible 2018 of mostly starting followed by a more successful 2019 coming mostly out of the bullpen. If nothing else, the early 2020 returns show someone who resolved major control issues in '18: 95 walks in 103 2/3 innings. That said, Chatwood remains a complete wild card as a member of a starting rotation. With Cleveland up next, it may be wise to take a break.

P.S.: Matthew Boyd hasn't made his Friday start as of this writing. If it goes badly against the Pirates right after struggles with the Royals, take a close look at his place on your roster too.

 

14-Team Cut Candidates - Deep Leagues

Enrique Hernandez (IF/OF, LAD)

It's a matter of opportunity. Hernandez has only started about half L.A.'s games this year and when he does start, he is in the bottom third of the order. Not only that, Hernandez has hit poorly this season (.262/.279/.357). Usually in the upper 80's in exit velocity, he is at 84 mph so far this season, and his expected batting average is even weaker than .262 at just .190. The Dodgers have younger more exciting players who should get more time and better performances going forward.

Nomar Mazara (OF, CHW)

Mazara has only hit 12 times so far this season, which only began for him on August 3. In just his fourth game and third start, he got hit by a pitch and is now out of the August 7 lineup. It's difficult to use Mazara's 12 PA of a 71.7 mph exit velocity against him, or that he's only hit one baseball hard this season. But given that he lost so much time early in the season and now faces another impediment to playing time, it may not be too soon to move on from him. What he does produce even in the best of times has been middling at best.

Sean Doolittle (RP, WAS) and Hansel Robles (RP, LAA)

It usually becomes obvious when a relief pitcher is worth dropping. Doolittle lost his closing job sometime last season and has done nothing to get it back in 2020, with two of his performances this year out of three being underwhelming. Robles had saves to start the year, but didn't get the last save chance and is now likely on his way out according to Joe Maddon.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More 2020 Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF