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Welcome back to The Cut List for Week 26. This is our weekly article looking at players whom fantasy managers might be considering cutting from their teams and struggling players who need a closer look. We'll look at players who are worthy of a drop, players who are worth monitoring for replacing, and someone on the hot seat who is worth holding onto...for now.
With just two weeks left of the regular season (and only one week of fantasy baseball for many), we're mixing things up a bit. Rather than covering 10 players, we're going to have a whistle-stop tour of each team, looking at their schedules and the most relevant information for our fantasy teams.
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. At this stage of the season, no one is safe from the chop but we still need to avoid making moves for the wrong reasons. All stats and rostered rates (taken from Yahoo!) reflect when this piece was written.
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General Advice
Gone are the days when teams have 40 players on their active rosters at this stage of the season. They still carry 28 players so they can give a bit more rest to some regular starters. It's less impactful to our fantasy teams and we no longer see teams bench their whole lineup the day after clinching a playoff spot.
Don't get too cute with your lineups because of the number of games the team plays. You're not going to want to bench Yordan Alvarez for Joey Meneses because the Astros play six games and the Nationals play seven. By all means, use the number of games as a deciding factor if you're torn but not as the main focus.
In daily roster change leagues, it's obviously easier plotting out your lineups but still ensure you're keeping an eye out for the next few days and not just each day at a time. If you can, make moves with the future games in mind and not just focus solely on the next game.
Teams out of contention or already sealing a postseason berth will be far more inclined to not start any player with a slight injury or issue that they would normally play through earlier in the season. So make sure to check your lineups right up until the lock time (whether it's weekly or daily).
Those teams with playoff spots clinched will be looking to get their starting rotation lined up and ready for the playoffs. This is especially prevalent for the teams who will be playing in the Wild Card Series (teams seeded between third and sixth). They will want to ensure their best starters pitch in the three-game series.
Don't get too cute. Just because the Pirates have three games at Great American Ball Park, it doesn't mean I'd be rushing out to add Connor Joe to my lineups. And I wouldn't be adding him for Josh Naylor because the Guardians have a homestand at their more pitcher-friendly ballpark.
Focus on your team but monitor your opponents in head-to-head leagues. As an example, if you are 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.
In roto leagues, ratios are far less likely to change than counting stats. A player hitting .200 over the next week will not drag down your whole season-long batting average too much. Someone hitting four homers with a .200 batting average next week will likely be more beneficial than someone hitting .350 with no homers.
Lastly, 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. You can see from each division's standings what they are playing for and the fantasy impact the next week could have.
American League East
| Team | W | L | Win PCT | GB | WCGB |
| Orioles | 92 | 56 | .622 | - | - |
| Rays | 92 | 58 | .613 | 1.0 | +9.5 |
| Blue Jays | 82 | 67 | .550 | 10.5 | - |
| Yankees | 76 | 73 | .510 | 16.5 | 6.0 |
| Red Sox | 74 | 75 | .497 | 18.5 | 8.0 |
Baltimore Orioles
Week 26 schedule: at HOU (3), at CLE (4)
Ryan Mountcastle injured his shoulder and has missed the last three games but has avoided the IL so far. Heston Kjerstad was called up but has started just once in three games since receiving the promotion. It looks like Ryan O'Hearn will continue to start at first base against right-handed pitchers (RHPs). Given the Orioles are lined up to face six RHPs this week, O'Hearn is a decent option if you need to replace Mountcastle.
Felix Bautista has a partial tear of his UCL but is ramping up for a return. The Orioles haven't ruled him out from pitching again this year. While that may not be in the regular season, he's still worth stashing on your IL if you can. I'd hold Yennier Cano until such time Bautista does return. John Means is the only starter currently set for two starts next week, although the first comes against the Astros so he isn't a lock to be rostered.
Boston Red Sox
Week 26 schedule: at TEX (3), vs. CWS (3)
The Red Sox are set to face just one LHP next week. That might not bode well for Adam Duvall, who has been struggling of late (hitting .097/.125/.194 in September). That should have been a good thing for Triston Casas. Unfortunately, the slugger was placed on the IL with a shoulder injury he experienced on Friday. He will miss next week at least and is droppable.
Trevor Story has also been struggling and has a .167/.184/.313 slash line in September. Story does have eight stolen bases in 32 games since returning from injury. The White Sox have allowed the most stolen bases this year (158), so he could nab a couple more steals if you are looking for steals at this late stage.
Chris Sale (4.66 ERA) looked like his old self yesterday, shutting out the Blue Jays over six innings and striking out 10. He gets the White Sox next week, so I'd be holding him for that. Kutter Crawford is an interesting option for two starts next week. If he can navigate the Rangers on Monday, he should have no problem with the White Sox next weekend. James Paxton won't pitch again this year and should be dropped.
In the bullpen, Kenley Jansen was placed on the COVID-19 IL and can't return until Wednesday. He's also been battling a hamstring injury so we may not see him again this year. If you can put him on your IL, do so. Chris Martin should replace him for saves and is the one I'd look to add if I needed the saves.
New York Yankees
Week 26 schedule: vs. TOR (3), vs. ARI (3)
The Yankees rookie call-ups have all struggled. That is apart from Jasson Dominguez, who was placed on the IL with a UCL injury and will miss the remainder of 2023. Anthony Rizzo is done for the season, so he doesn't need to be stashed anymore. You're still starting Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres. If you've rostered Anthony Volpe and Giancarlo Stanton to this point, you're starting them both.
Carlos Rodon has been better of late (sans the outing against Detroit) and is worth holding if you've stuck by him. Nestor Cortes was transferred to the 60-day IL, ruling him out of a return this year. Luis Severino's resurgence was ended by an oblique strain and he too won't pitch again this year. Clarke Schmidt is the two-start option next week but has allowed three earned runs in each of his last three starts (16.1 IP). He's a risky option.
Tampa Bay Rays
Week 26 schedule: vs. LAA (3), vs. TOR (3)
The Rays look set to face four LHP this week. That means Brandon Lowe and Luke Raley might sit more than they start. Lowe has a 53 wRC+ (56 plate appearances) and Raley collided with a staff member in practice on Saturday, leading him to be scratched from the lineup. I'd be fine dropping both of them in weekly lineup leagues. I'd hold Lowe if you play the final week of the season.
Taj Bradley has a 5.06 ERA from his three starts (16.0 IP) since returning to the majors. He's set for two starts next week, including one against the Angels. He is a boom-or-bust option. Aaron Civale has a 5.33 ERA in his last five starts (25.1 IP) but also has 37 Ks. He's not completed six innings in any of those starts but has reached 5.0 IP in his last seven starts. I'd still roster him to face the Angels next week.
Toronto Blue Jays
Week 26 schedule: at NYY (3), at TB (3)
Matt Chapman's return might be treated with apathy among fantasy managers. But he's back from injury and will be a regular starter again, so concerns about a loss of playing time to Cavan Biggio can be cast aside. The Blue Jays could face six RHPs this week, so Biggio might still find his way to regular at-bats. Daulton Varsho has better numbers against LHP (99 wRC+) than RHP (74 wRC+). If you're expecting a big end to the season from Varsho, you may be disappointed.
Yusei Kikuchi is set for two starts next week but has a 5.68 ERA in his last five starts (25.1 IP). The first is against the Yankees, who have an MLB-leading 148 wRC+ against LHP since August 1. The Rays have a 111 wRC+ against LHP in that time, so it's not a slam-dunk two-starter for him and could even be a trap.
American League Central
| Team | W | L | Win PCT | GB | WCGB |
| Twins | 78 | 71 | .523 | - | - |
| Guardians | 71 | 78 | .477 | 7.0 | 11.0 |
| Tigers | 69 | 79 | .466 | 8.5 | 12.5 |
| White Sox | 57 | 92 | .383 | 21.0 | 25.0 |
| Royals | 48 | 101 | .322 | 30.0 | 34.0 |
Chicago White Sox
Week 26 schedule: at WAS (3), at BOS (3)
Luis Robert Jr. and Eloy Jimenez appear to be healthy for the run-in. They have a hitter-friendly week coming up but outside of that pair, Andrew Vaughn would be the only White Sox hitter I'd be comfortable rostering. Yoan Moncada has been swinging a hot bat of late. He's got a .300/.340/.500 slash line this month (14 games), so I'd be fine rolling with Moncada for the week also.
Mike Clevinger is the only pitcher I'd be confident using this week. He was set for a two-start week but now looks like he'll only face the Nationals. Dylan Cease can rack up the strikeouts but will still harm your ERA and WHIP. He's set to face the Red Sox next weekend and could easily wind up going 5.0 IP with 12 Ks while allowing six earned runs. There really isn't anything else of fantasy note with the White Sox.
Cleveland Guardians
Week 26 schedule: at KC (3), vs. BAL (4)
The Guardians start the week with a very friendly schedule. That being said, Steven Kwan isn't a must-roster option in roto leagues. His batting average isn't going to be a big factor at this stage and if you don't need the runs (and few steals) he offers, you can sacrifice him. With six of the seven matchups set to be against RHP, Josh Naylor is a must-start while Will Brennan is a decent deeper league option.
Lucas Giolito had a 7.48 ERA in his five starts before Friday. Seven shutout innings against the Rangers puts him in good stead to face the Royals next week. He's now racked up 24 Ks in 17.0 IP since joining the Guardians. Gavin Williams has struggled a bit lately, only tallying 15 Ks in his last five starts (21.1 IP) along with a 5.06 ERA. He's facing the Orioles next week, so he could boom or bust. It is worth monitoring how he looks today against the Rangers.
Detroit Tigers
Week 26 schedule: at LAD (3), at OAK (4)
The Tigers having seven games in two of the more pitcher-friendly ballparks isn't ideal. However, Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter hit most of their homers on the road. Torkelson also has a 132 wRC+ on the road (88 wRC+ at home). Carpenter has a 124 wRC+ on the road (138 wRC+ at home). Riley Greene is set to miss the remainder of the season, so he is droppable. As is Javier Baez, who hasn't been startable for most of 2023.
Other than the Dodgers series, the Tigers have a pitcher-friendly schedule. Eduardo Rodriguez, Reese Olson, and Tarik Skubal are set to have to face them. Rodriguez and Olson should also face the A's to end the week, making them both worthwhile starters. Given their remaining schedule, Alex Lange is still someone I'd roster for saves, albeit reluctantly.
Kansas City Royals
Week 26 schedule: vs. CLE (3), at HOU (3)
Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez remain the only two Royals hitters I'd be happy to start. Perez took a ball to the face yesterday and is considered day-to-day. It looks like he's avoided a concussion and IL stint but I expect he will miss today's game. It'll be prudent to monitor the news out of Kansas City today.
MJ Melendez had a 120 wRC+ in August, the only month he's had a better than 100 wRC+. He only has to face two LHPs this week. Given Melendez has a 45 wRC+ and .208/.252/.300 slash line against lefties, the four games against RHPs aren't enough to offset things and make him a viable option in most leagues.
Cole Ragans is the only member of the rotation I'd start with any confidence. He does have to face the Astros, who tagged him for five runs yesterday (6.0 IP). Ragans still managed to strike out seven Astros batters. Brady Singer has a 10.00 ERA from his last four starts (18.0 IP) and a 5.51 ERA on the season. I wouldn't be confident starting him against anyone right now. Even with a two-start week, he is a drop candidate.
Minnesota Twins
Week 26 schedule: at CIN (3), vs. LAA (3)
Byron Buxton is hopeful of a return this season but he's had to receive a cortisone shot to try and recover from his knee injury. Given his performances this year and the Twins being locked in as the number three seeds in the American League, I'd drop him if I need the spot his occupying.
Carlos Correa has also had a bad year and continues to deal with plantar fasciitis. He missed two games this week and there's a chance he sits frequently leading into the playoffs. The three games at the Great American Ball Park are appealing but if he only starts twice (or even once), he's barely startable. I'd have no issue in dropping Correa at this stage.
The Twins recalled Bailey Ober for Friday's start, which does throw up some question marks for their rotation's remaining schedule. It appears as though Ober will remain in the rotation and is worth a speculative add. Dallas Keuchel might appear from the bullpen against the Reds but Ober is likely to start the Wednesday game.
Pablo Lopez, Sonny Gray, and Joe Ryan are still definite starts for this week (Ryan is expected to make two starts). Kenta Maeda has a 5.64 ERA over his last six starts (30.1 IP). If you're only playing this week, I'd still be reluctant to start him at the Reds, which makes him droppable in most leagues.
American League West
| Team | W | L | Win PCT | GB | WCGB |
| Astros | 83 | 66 | .557 | - | - |
| Rangers | 82 | 66 | .554 | 0.5 | +0.5 |
| Mariners | 81 | 67 | .547 | 1.5 | 0.5 |
| Angels | 68 | 81 | .456 | 15.0 | 14.0 |
| Athletics | 46 | 102 | .311 | 36.5 | 35.5 |
Houston Astros
Week 26 schedule: vs. BAL (3), vs. KC (3)
The Astros head into the final playoff push with a healthy and productive offense. Collectively, they have a 130 wRC+ this month that leads the league. Jeremy Pena has disappointed many fantasy managers for much of this season. He's hitting .316/.350/.386 in the final month and has scored 11 runs. He's regularly hitting second in the lineup but much like Kwan, he is only helping in batting average and runs.
Cristian Javier, J.P. France, and Hunter Brown have all struggled of late. France is set to face the Royals next week, so he is still worth holding. However, it comes with risk. Javier is set to face the Orioles. I'm not sure I'd be using him for that start, so he is droppable. Brown also faces the Orioles but is lined up for two starts in the final week, making him worth holding if you play beyond next weekend.
Los Angeles Angels
Week 26 schedule: at TB (3), at MIN (3)
It looks like it is an ignominious end for Shohei Ohtani's time with the Angels. The UCL injury that's prevented him from pitching has ended his season after he was placed on the IL this weekend. Sadly, he can be dropped. It's telling that of the eight most rostered Angels hitters in fantasy, only Brandon Drury and Logan O'Hoppe are not on the IL.
Carlos Estevez remains the Angels' closer. It may be difficult to get many save chances given their schedule in Week 26. I'd still be rostering him if I needed the saves. Patrick Sandoval is currently lined up to face the Rays next week. I'd certainly be looking at alternative options than him given his 7.00 ERA in his last six starts (27.0 IP).
Oakland Athletics
Week 26 schedule: vs. SEA (3), vs. DET (4)
Esteury Ruiz continues to be a part-time starter. He does still steal bases at will, with six this month despite starting just eight games. There's still a chance he can make my preseason bold prediction come true. Trevor May has been excellent lately with 11 consecutive scoreless outings (10.1 IP). He's tallied seven saves in that run and with four games against the Tigers, he could add a couple more to his 19 total saves this season.
Seattle Mariners
Week 26 schedule: at OAK (3), at TEX (3)
Ty France was listed as a drop in the Week 18 edition of The Cut List. Since then, he's been hitting .255/.376/.352 (48 games) and isn't someone I'd be banking on despite some nice matchups this week. Eugenio Suarez continues to hit just enough home runs to stay relevant. Other than in head-to-head leagues, his batting average won't cause much harm next week.
George Kirby has struggled of late. His 171.2 IP this year is a career-high and might help explain his 6.00 ERA from his last five starts (27.0 IP). He has a 3.96 xFIP and 3.89 SIERA in those five starts and faces the Athletics next week, so I'd hold. Bryce Miller will start against the Rangers next week. He's a risky option and starting him will depend on your team's circumstances.
Texas Rangers
Week 26 schedule: vs. BOS (3), vs. SEA (3)
The Rangers received positive news for a pair of injured hitters. Josh Jung is set to return with Monday a possibility. Adolis Garcia is in line to return next weekend against the Mariners. If you've been patient with both, you are set to be rewarded. Leody Taveras returned to the lineup yesterday after suffering from a sore hand. Evan Carter might stick around in the lineup even when Garcia returns but his playing time could be in jeopardy.
The Rangers received crushing news earlier this week with Max Scherzer set to miss the remainder of 2023. He can be dropped. Nathan Eovaldi continues to ramp up following his injury. He threw 73 pitches last time out so ~90 next week is feasible, which makes him worth holding. Jon Gray has allowed three or more earned runs in his last five starts (7.17 ERA). He's not someone I'd have confidence in against the Red Sox next week.
National League East
| Team | W | L | Win PCT | GB | WCGB |
| Braves | 96 | 52 | .649 | - | |
| Phillies | 81 | 67 | .547 | 15.0 | +4.0 |
| Marlins | 77 | 72 | .517 | 19.5 | 0.5 |
| Mets | 68 | 80 | .459 | 28.0 | 9.0 |
| Nationals | 65 | 84 | .436 | 31.5 | 12.5 |
Atlanta Braves
Week 26 schedule: vs. PHI (3), at WAS (4)
The Braves sealed their playoff spot earlier this week but the celebrations were short-lived. Ronald Acuna Jr. pulled up in Friday's game and fantasy managers anxiously await for news. The Braves called the move precautionary as he sat out yesterday's game. With the Braves sporting a healthy lead as the NL number one seed, they could be extra careful with the fantasy MVP this week.
Sean Murphy's playing time continues to frustrate. With seven games next week, he may only start three of them. Over the last 30 days, he's got a .196 batting average and is homerless. I wouldn't think twice about using his spot for streaming a pitcher or doing something else that will help your team.
Miami Marlins
Week 26 schedule: vs. NYM (3), vs. MIL (3)
Jorge Soler appears close to a return, so I'd still hold him if you have done this far. He's eligible to return at any point and could be activated at some point next week. Bryan De La Cruz left Friday's game with an ankle injury. The severity is unknown but he's not someone I'd be confident in rostering next week. The biggest injury issue for the Marlins remains that of Sandy Alcantara.
Alcantara has resumed throwing but it remains to be seen if he returns this year. Time may run out and any involvement for Alcantara will depend on whether the Marlins remain in the Wild Card hunt. David Robertson lost the closer role earlier this month and can be dropped in non-holds leagues.
New York Mets
Week 26 schedule: at MIA (3), at PHI (4)
Starling Marte is nearing a return but is only aiming for the final week of the season. He can be dropped in all leagues if you don't play beyond next Sunday. Francisco Alvarez has been alternating starts with Omar Narvaez. He's still in line to make four starts next week and is a decent power option.
Adam Ottavino looks like the Mets closer and has their last three saves. With seven games next week, I'd expect him to get one or two opportunities even on a bad team. Edwin Diaz continues to recover from his serious knee injury. While it'd be great to see him return to the mound this year, it might not be the best idea.
Philadelphia Phillies
Week 26 schedule: at ATL (3), vs. NYM (4)
Trea Turner went missing for the first four months of the season. He's making up for it now with 16 of his 26 homers this season coming since August 1. I sincerely hope no one did drop him. Three of the seven games for the Phillies are set to be against LHP. That would mean Brandon Marsh would start only four games and is only a deep league play.
Aaron Nola has been arguably the most frustrating starting pitcher in fantasy this year. He's scheduled to face the Braves next week so if your league ends in seven days, there is a case to drop him. Michael Lorenzen is set to move to the bullpen and piggyback with Cristopher Sanchez on Tuesday. That would be more intriguing if it wasn't against the Braves, so I'm still fine dropping him.
Washington Nationals
Week 26 schedule: vs. CWS (3), vs. ATL (4)
Joey Meneses is hitting .261/.320/.304 this month and only has five runs and four RBI to show for it. Even with seven games, he's someone I'd only start in deeper leagues. MacKenzie Gore and Josiah Gray have both had solid seasons. Gore may not return from the IL, so he isn't worth stashing. Gray gets to face the White Sox, so he is a good streaming option for the week ahead.
National League Central
| Team | W | L | Win PCT | GB | WCGB |
| Brewers | 84 | 64 | .568 | - | - |
| Cubs | 78 | 71 | .523 | 6.5 | +0.5 |
| Reds | 78 | 72 | .520 | 7.0 | - |
| Pirates | 69 | 80 | .463 | 15.5 | 8.5 |
| Cardinals | 65 | 83 | .439 | 19.0 | 12.0 |
Chicago Cubs
Week 26 schedule: vs. PIT (3), vs. COL (3)
Jeimer Candelario was placed on the IL earlier this week with a back strain. He can return in the middle of next week but we do not have any updates. Unless you have a spare IL spot, he can be dropped. Christopher Morel has a .244 batting average this month but has homered four times. As mentioned in the introduction, counting stats can generally do much more good than ratios can do bad at this stage. Morel can still provide value.
Adbert Alzolay also hit the IL earlier this week. Julian Merryweather and Michael Fulmer have both picked up a save in the last seven days but Fulmer went on the IL himself this weekend, effectively ending his season. Alzolay has begun throwing, so he could still return this season but isn't eligible to return until the final week of the season anyway.
Marcus Stroman returned from the IL on Friday, pitching in relief (2.0 IP). It's unclear what his role will be for the remainder of 2023. It's unlikely he can build up enough to warrant rostering, though.
Cincinnati Reds
Week 26 schedule: vs. MIN (3), vs. PIT (3)
Elly De La Cruz is hitting just .197/.291/.342 since August 1 (40 games). He does have 12 stolen bases in that time but has slipped down to seventh or eighth in the order this week. He's also sat twice in the last four days. De La Cruz isn't a must-roster but still carries the same upside he has had since his call-up. Matt McLain remains sidelined with an oblique injury. We've not heard any recent news but he could potentially return soon.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand remains a part-time player and is only rosterable in daily lineup leagues. The Reds might not face a single starting LHP in Week 26. That's not good news for Hunter Renfroe and Harrison Bader, who have been platooning. It is good news for Jake Fraley, who I'd consider using to replace either of their rightie outfielders.
After a rough first two games back from injury, Hunter Greene has been excellent in his last three starts (17.0 IP). He has a 1.59 ERA and 21 Ks in that time. He should face the Twins, who have a 26.8% K% against RHP since August 1 (fourth-highest). Greene could definitely rack up plenty more strikeouts next week. Andrew Abbott should face the Pirates next weekend, which makes him a viable option, albeit a risky one as he appears to be running out of steam.
Milwaukee Brewers
Week 26 schedule: at STL (4), at MIA (3)
Christian Yelich returned to the lineup on Friday after missing six games with his ongoing back issue. He was pulled from the game early, which was planned. But he retreated to the bench yesterday and it doesn't sound like he's fully healthy. The Brewers may be very careful with Yelich next week and I'm not sure I'd be relying on him in weekly lineup leagues.
Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta are all obvious must-starts. Peralta does appear to be the one with two starts next week. Adrian Houser returned from the IL on Thursday and is also in line for two starts next week. He does make an interesting streaming option as a result.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Week 26 schedule: at CHC (3), at CIN (3)
Oneil Cruz was finally ruled out from playing again this year. Any long-term stashers can finally cut ties in redraft leagues. Henry Davis has returned from the IL and is worth a punt if you need help at the catcher position. Mitch Keller has a 3.07 ERA from his last seven starts (44.0 IP). That includes an eight-run shellacking against the Braves. He starts at the Cubs next week. While I'd still start him, it's not a sure thing.
St. Louis Cardinals
Week 26 schedule: vs. MIL (4), at SD (3)
Nolan Arenado is hitting just .226/.305/.245 this month and .243/.299/.355 since August 1. He has scored 10 runs this month and is someone I'm still rostering. Nolan Gorman landed on the IL for the second time in recent weeks. He's in danger of missing the remainder of the season and isn't someone I'd count on returning in 2023.
Lars Nootbaar is hitting .170/.339/.298 in September. He continues to leadoff and providing he continues to get on base, will score a decent amount of runs. The Cardinals are only set to face one starting LHP in their seven games next week. That will harm Tommy Edman's value as he hits eighth in order against righties and top two against lefties. His 84 wRC+ versus RHP makes him a borderline option unless you need steals.
National League West
| Team | W | L | Win PCT | GB | WCGB |
| Dodgers | 90 | 57 | .612 | - | - |
| Diamondbacks | 78 | 72 | .520 | 13.5 | - |
| Giants | 75 | 74 | .503 | 16.0 | 2.5 |
| Padres | 71 | 78 | .477 | 20.0 | 6.5 |
| Rockies | 56 | 92 | .378 | 34.5 | 21.0 |
Arizona Diamondbacks
Week 26 schedule: vs. SF (2), at NYY (3)
Christian Walker is hitting .193/.270/.316 this month (16 games). He's one of only 19 players with 30+ home runs this year. Even with just five games scheduled, it's unlikely you'll have a better option available to you next week. If you picked up Jordan Lawlar in the hope he can be a late-season star, you've been disappointed. He hasn't started any of Arizona's last three games and can be dropped.
Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen both get to face the Giants. They both have an ERA of 4.50+ over the last 30 days. Kelly has a 2.81 ERA at home this year (80.0 IP). It's a similar story for Gallen, who has a 2.18 ERA at home (90.2 IP). I wouldn't overthink things and I'd be starting both of them next week.
Colorado Rockies
Week 26 schedule: at SD (3), at CHC (3)
The Rockies have six road games, which obviously means a big downgrade for their offense. Ryan McMahon has an 87 wRC+ on the road (104 wRC+ at home) and isn't worth starting this week. That makes him droppable if you don't have the final week to navigate. Although they are likely to face Blake Snell, they should miss the other Cy Young Award contender, Justin Steele.
Justin Lawrence lost the closer role, then Tyler Kinley blew a save and Lawrence got the closer duty when Kinley wasn't available. Kinley picked up a save yesterday but Lawrence could still figure into the late innings. Lawrence left Friday's game after injuring his ankle, but it doesn't look like he'll miss much time (if any). Kinley is the one I'd roster if I'm chasing saves.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Week 26 schedule: vs. DET (3), vs. SF (4)
Amed Rosario has only started one of the Dodgers' last seven games and should be dropped. James Outman has a .163 batting average in September but has homered three times. He still gets starts against LHP, so I'd be fine rostering him given he could finish up playing six times next week. J.D. Martinez has started seven of the eight games since returning from injury and is another player I'd look to keep rostered next week.
Lance Lynn has a 4.60 ERA in his eight starts since joining the Dodgers (47.0 IP). His last four starts have seen Lynn allow 20 earned runs (22.0 IP) and strike out just six batters. He has a 7.27 xFIP and 6.96 SIERA in those four starts. Despite having two starts scheduled next week, he's a big risk. Ryan Pepiot is also slated for two starts and despite allowing four earned runs in his last start (6.0 IP), I'm still confident with him next week.
Bobby Miller has also had a rough go of things lately. He's allowed three or more earned runs in his last five starts (32.0 IP), but still only has a 4.78 ERA in that time. He gets to face the Tigers as things currently stand and that's enough to make him very rosterable for next week. He's done enough this year to be the Dodgers' number-two starter heading into the playoffs.
San Diego Padres
Week 26 schedule: vs. COL (3), vs. STL (3)
After being the Padres' best hitter for parts of the season, Ha-Seong Kim has struggled lately. He's hitting just .167/.250/.167 in September but has still tallied seven stolen bases this month. Kim remains the leadoff hitter, so he still carries value heading into the final fortnight of the season. Jake Cronenworth doesn't look like he'll return this year from his wrist injury.
Yesterday, Josh Hader picked up only his second save in the last 30 days (7.0 IP). He's sporting a 3.86 ERA in that time. He's also been tagged with two losses and a blown save since August 18. The Padres do have a nice schedule this week, so I would expect him to pick up a save or two and I'd still be rostering him. Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish have both been ruled out from returning this year.
San Francisco Giants
Week 26 schedule: at ARI (2), at LAD (4)
Only the Angels (150) have scored fewer runs than the Giants (153) since August 1. That's harmed their hitters' fantasy value and explains why they don't have a single hitter ranked inside the top 180 over the last 30 days. Thairo Estrada and Wilmer Flores are the only Giants hitters I'd consider rostering. Even then, there could be better options available to you in shallower leagues.
Camilo Doval has a 7.56 ERA over his last 10 appearances (8.1 IP). He has three blown saves in that time but also has four saves. There has been nothing to suggest Doval won't continue as the Giants' closer, so I'd still be holding him. Kyle Harrison was sent back to Triple-A yesterday, effectively ending his season. He can be dropped in all redraft leagues.
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