The Cut List - Time to Let Go? Who to Consider Dropping for Fantasy Baseball (Week 18)

The Cut List for Week 18 of 2025. Jamie 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 18 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.

We'll examine players worthy of a drop, those worth monitoring for potential replacements, and individuals on the hot seat who are worth holding onto ... for now. Those of you experienced Cut List readers will know I'm a strong advocate for not making knee-jerk reactions. A bad week or two shouldn't be a reason to push the panic button and dump someone.

As the season rolls on, there will be stronger cases to drop underperforming players. If there's ever 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). Maybe you'll see them included next week. All stats and rostered rates (taken from Yahoo!) reflect when this piece was written.

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Worth Dropping and Replacing?

Jacob Wilson - SS, Athletics - 72% rostered

This isn't to say Wilson isn't a very good hitter. I'm not even suggesting he isn't a potential .300 hitter in 2026 and beyond. But rostering Wilson is a prime case of something that you need to take into consideration at this stage of the season: What do you need to help your team?

Wilson is more of an example of a player who only helps in one category. Wilson ranks second among shortstops in batting average. But that's about all he's offering above and beyond other shortstops. Below shows his rank at the position for each of the five main fantasy scoring categories.

You can argue that Wilson has been worth rostering for his RBI (44), too. But Wilson has only driven in five runs over the last 30 days. There are 48 shortstops with more RBI in that period. That's largely due to Wilson's struggles, as he's hitting .173/.243/.255 since June 16.

Those struggles have also seen Wilson move down the order, with him hitting sixth on Friday. Wilson didn't start Saturday's game. A move down the order will hurt Wilson's value further. There's nothing to suggest that Wilson won't continue at the everyday shortstop moving forward.

I do expect Wilson's batting average to improve. But even in a hitter-friendly ballpark, all Wilson would provide is a good batting average with some counting stats. He's certainly made the most of Sutter Health Park, hitting .341/.396/.489 at home this year.

Wilson hasn't barreled a ball since June 5. With a 2.1% barrel% (sixth percentile), it's not a part of his game that makes him a successful hitter. Nor is making hard contact, as evidenced by Wilson's 25.3% hard-hit% (fourth percentile).

They will suppress Wilson's ability to hit for power. With a .439 slugging percentage and .365 xSLG (expected slugging percentage), Wilson has been outperforming his expected power numbers. We can also see that with his 10 home runs and 7.3 xHR (expected home runs).

Verdict: Wilson's batting average should rebound. Even if it does, he lacks enough power or speed to help with homers and steals. His RBI and run totals are just about enough to keep him relevant. Unless you need the batting average help and expect a return to form, Wilson isn't worth holding.

Bryson Stott - 2B/SS, Philadelphia Phillies - 51% rostered

Tweak a few words, and Wilson's analysis can be attributed to Stott. The only difference is that Stott is only helping with stolen bases, not batting average. His .232/.305/.340 slash line, seven homers, 41 RBI, 42 runs, and 16 steals is evidence of that.

Like we did with Wilson, the table below shows where Stott ranks for each of the five main scoring categories at each position. The batting average is only among qualified hitters.

The Phillies' offense has helped Stott tally a decent number of RBI. Even then, he's barely remained an option at second base. Stott isn't someone who will be used primarily as a shortstop on successful rosters. Even at second base, there will likely be better options.

Stott started the year well. In April, he hit .297/.374/.436. Seven of his 16 stolen bases came in the first month of the season. Since May 1, Stott has hit .203/.275/.299 with a 61 wRC+. Stott has also been hitting eighth or ninth since the All-Star Break.

Verdict: In deep leagues, Stott can still be a viable second baseman. Especially if you're looking for stolen bases. Outside of that, it's difficult to see where Stott can help fantasy managers. I'd have no issue looking to replace him in any format.

Hold For Now

Jesus Luzardo - SP, Philadelphia Phillies - 84% rostered

It's fair to say that Luzardo's first year in Philadelphia has been a bit of a roller coaster. After his 11th start of the season, Luzardo had a 2.15 ERA. Then came back-to-back hammerings, which saw Luzardo's ERA skyrocket to 4.46.

Since then, Luzardo's starts have been incredibly inconsistent. Following 6 2/3 shutout innings on June 22, Luzardo allowed seven earned runs in seven innings across his next two starts. Luzardo bounced back with seven shutout innings on July 9.

In his two starts since July 9, Luzardo allowed 10 earned runs (9 2/3 innings). He walked a season-high five batters against the Red Sox on Wednesday. It was also the 11th time in 21 starts in which Luzardo struck out at least seven batters.

But if we look at Luzardo's cumulative ERA and xFIP this year, the inconsistent results haven't been completely justified. Obviously, the lack of control in some starts will impact that. But outside of the free passes, Luzardo has been more consistent than his ERA suggests.

We can also consider Luzardo unlucky this year. His 3.26 xFIP and 3.51 SIERA tell us that Luzardo's 4.58 ERA is unwarranted. Of the 61 qualified pitchers, only three have a bigger difference between their ERA and xFIP, and only four have a bigger difference between their ERA and SIERA.

If we look at Luzardo's upcoming schedule, it's an appealing one. His next four starts are scheduled to be against the White Sox, Orioles, Rangers, and Nationals. All four teams rank in the bottom 10 for wRC+, and only the Nationals (18th) don't rank in the bottom 10 for runs scored.

That alone is worth hanging onto Luzardo for. He can't be trusted to put in four straight quality starts. But it wouldn't be a shock if he did. If Luzardo gets knocked about over the next three weeks, then it's probably worth moving on for the final six weeks of the season.

Zach McKinstry - 2B/3B/SS/OF, Detroit Tigers - 65% rostered

McKinstry has been one of the most added players off waivers this year. In 96 games, McKinstry has eight homers, 32 RBI, 49 runs, and 16 steals with a .268/.349/.441 slash line. While he's put up solid numbers, McKinstry's biggest asset has been his versatility.

As well as being eligible to fill in at all but two fantasy positions, McKinstry has had at least one at-bat in all nine spots in the batting order. As useful as that versatility can be, its worth will diminish as the season progresses.

But McKinstry has been more than just a bench option to fill in where necessary. He's been worth rostering as a hitter. If we compare where McKinstry ranks at each of the four positions he's eligible, we can see that. Other than at shortstop, McKinstry has been a worthwhile fantasy option.

McKinstry's main fantasy asset has been his batting average. While he doesn't have a standout scoring category, McKinstry also isn't hurting you anywhere. Like the Tigers, McKinstry has been struggling of late. Over the last 14 days, he ranks 407th among all hitters.

If we stretch it out to the last 30 days, McKinstry ranks as the 52nd hitter. A reminder of how volatile things can be in small samples. McKinstry won't be a 'league-winner'. But he can still provide value as a utility option, especially in deeper leagues when waiver wire options are limited.

On the Hot Seat

Dylan Cease - SP, San Diego Padres - 97% rostered

Cease was the 10th starting pitcher drafted most on average (according to Yahoo!). As a late SP1, he's failed to come close to providing value. After 21 starts, Cease has a 3-10 W-L record, 4.59 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 144 Ks (113 2/3 innings).

Even with an elevated ERA, just three wins seems a bit harsh. There are 133 eligible starting pitchers with more wins than Cease. Of those pitchers, 32 have a higher ERA than Cease. He hasn't helped himself in that regard, completing six innings just eight times.

Cease has failed to get through five innings on six occasions. That's largely down to his stuff, which has contributed to the number of strikeouts Cease has tallied. Only three pitchers have struck out more batters than Cease in 2025.

Like Luzardo, Cease can consider himself unlucky this year. He's sporting a 3.37 xFIP and 3.35 SIERA. Among the 61 qualified starters, they both rank 14th, while Cease's ERA ranks 48th. Like Luzardo, few pitchers have a bigger difference between their xFIP and SIERA compared to their ERA.

Unlike Luzardo, Cease's xFIP and ERA have been consistent for much of the season.

Although it has less significance at this stage of the season, Cease has been one of the most reliable pitchers when it comes to health. He's made at least 32 starts in each of the last four seasons. Cease will make it five consecutive years of 32 or more starts if he can remain healthy in 2025.

With everything we've covered, it seems like Cease is a more certain hold than a Hot Seat candidate. That is true to some extent, as I wouldn't advocate dropping Cease right now. However, there is a caveat.

Cease's biggest fantasy asset is strikeouts. There will come a point when you will either be unable to make up or lose ground in the category. If at that stage, Cease still has a 4.50 ERA or worse, and isn't picking up any wins, then you may need to consider moving on from him.

For now, even with a somewhat tough schedule ahead, Cease is worth hanging onto in all formats. There may come a time in a few weeks when that changes. Until then, keep racking up the strikeouts Cease gives you and hope his luck changes.

Reader Requests

As always, we're keen to hear who you want us to analyze. If there is anyone you want to include on next week's Cut List, drop their names on the Reddit thread or in the RotoBaller Discord chat rooms. Alternatively, you can reach out to me on X, and we'll endeavor to cover some requests each week.

Teoscar Hernandez - OF, Los Angeles Dodgers - 95% rostered

It may seem strange for Hernandez to be requested, given his numbers this year. After 84 games, Hernandez has 16 homers, 62 RBI, 44 runs, and five steals with a .255/.293/.465 slash line. That's enough to rank 33rd among outfielders. The concern has been his recent numbers.

Hernandez started the season on fire. As we can see from his monthly numbers, things have not been going well for a while.

The observant among you will notice that Hernandez only had 59 plate appearances in May. That was due to a groin strain, sending him onto the IL (injured list). That appears to be where the struggles started. Since returning from the injury, Hernandez is hitting .213/.266/.372 (51 games).

More recently, Hernandez missed a couple of games after fouling a ball off his foot on July 5. The All-Star break seemed to come at the perfect time for Hernandez to rest and recuperate. Hopes that the break would cure his struggles were all fantasy managers were pinning their hopes on last weekend.

It's a very small sample, of course, but Hernandez is hitting .240/.321/.520 in the seven games since the break. Friday's home run was his first since June 21. He followed that up with a solo shot last night.

If the break allowed Hernandez to get a little healthier, he could still finish the season as a very productive hitter. This weekend's series has at least reminded fantasy managers of what Hernandez is capable of. It's also acting as a reminder that he is worth holding onto.

Marcell Ozuna - DH, Atlanta Braves - 82% rostered

It's been a bad year for Ozuna as he heads into free agency this offseason. In 95 games, Ozuna has 13 homers, 42 RBI, 37 runs, and no steals with a .232/.358/.384 slash line. There are some factors we need to consider when assessing Ozuna.

Firstly is the hip injury he's been dealing with throughout the season. Surgery would sort it, but Ozuna has been vocal about staying on the field as long as he can. It was mainly impacting his running rather than his hitting.

In the last few days, Ozuna has stated he now feels fine physically. Whether or not that's the truth or just a ploy to try and reassure teams thinking of trading for Ozuna that he's healthy remains to be seen. That takes us to the possibility of a trade.

The Braves will likely be looking to move Ozuna, given his contract expires at the end of this year. They also have Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy swapping between catching and DH (designated hitter) duties. But Ozuna can decline any trade if he wants to.

A reminder: Marcell Ozuna is in the last year of his deal with the Braves and he is constantly mentioned as a possible trade target -- but what is not mentioned is that he has 10-5 rights and can veto any deal. He controls this process.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 22, 2025

Whether or not Ozuna gets traded will mean nothing if he doesn't start hitting. The biggest problem if he remains in Atlanta is playing time. Since the All-Star Break, Ozuna has started two games. That's due to the Braves mainly using Baldwin and Murphy as their DH when either of them isn't catching.

It may also be because the Braves want to ensure Ozuna doesn't aggravate anything before a possible trade. Unless he stays in Atlanta, we won't know if they will continue with the Baldwin/Murphy DH tandem or if Ozuna starts seeing more playing time.

For now, it's worth holding Ozuna and seeing how the next few days play out. If he stays with the Braves and still isn't playing regularly, then he's a drop in all formats. If Ozuna does get traded, giving it a couple of weeks to see if he can get his bat going seems like a decent idea.

Shea Langeliers - C, Athletics - 76% rostered

Langeliers has emerged as one of the better power options at the catcher position. The Athletics' backstop hit 51 homers in the last two seasons (272 games). Only Cal Raleigh hit more home runs at the position in that time.

An oblique strain meant Langeliers missed almost the entirety of June. So it's a testament to his production and the weakness of the position that Langeliers still ranks eighth among catchers. Last night's home run saw him move up from 11th place, again showing the lack of depth at the position.

Langeliers struggled when he first returned from the IL. He hit .167/.189/.389 in the 10 games between his return from injury and the All-Star Break. Since the break, Langeliers has homered four times and is hitting .400/.436/.829 in nine games.

While you may think he's being helped by the Athletics' home ballpark, that's not the case. Langeliers is hitting .214/.258/.357 at home and .283/.348/.594 on the road. Only four of his 16 homers have been hit at Sutter Health Park.

There aren't many catchers I'd rather roster than Langeliers for the remainder of 2025. Unless you're fine with power and need batting average help, making Alejandro Kirk (possible injury aside) or Ivan Herrera viable options, Langeliers is someone I'd be hanging onto.

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