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The Cut List (Week 21): Players To Consider Cutting Bait On

There are only six weeks left in the regular season, meaning the playoffs are either starting or only a couple of weeks away. Needless to say, it's no time to hold onto guys out of sentimental value.

And with that, if you have someone who is really becoming a waste of roster space, it's time to get rid of him. The longer you hang on, the lower your chances are of making the playoffs and winning your leagues. In that spirit, I'm doing away with the Reverse Jinx section just to stress the urgency of playoff time. Let's take a look at who can be cut.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

 

Week 21 Players to Consider Cutting

1) Vince Velasquez (PHI, SP)

Droppable in All Redraft Leagues

The man we call "VV" has been getting destroyed lately. It's a far cry from his start to the season where he was unhittable. Over the last three starts he's been awful. The strikeouts are still there - but at what cost? He's given up eight homers and 20 earned runs in that span. I think it's time to move on in redraft leagues because he is a prime shutdown candidate given his previous season's innings total.

2) Aaron Judge (NYY, OF)

Droppable in Shallow Redraft Leagues

It's tough to judge Judge on such a small sample size, but now is not the time for blind patience. It's worth noting that the big right fielder has struggled at first at each level before eventually busting out. That trend appeared to be over when he made a big splash in his first at-bat. However, it looks like pitchers are starting to adjust to him a bit. The closest comparison I can think of is a Pedro Cerrano style of player. Yes, I try to work Major League references in as much as possible. My point is that I think off-speed pitches will give Judge a lot of issues. Obviously hang on in dynasties or if you're desperate for power, but he might not contribute that much ROS.

3) Steven Matz (NYM, SP)

Droppable in Shallow Redraft Leagues

This season has really just been a disaster for the Mets. Pitching was supposed to be their bedrock, but it's eroded a bit thanks to injuries. Steven Matz hit the DL retroactive to August 14, so he'd be eligible to return August 30th. However, this is far from a lock. Shoulder issues are tricky, and if we're being honest here - the Mets don't look like they are going to make the playoffs. Those factors could lead to the Mets deciding to cut their losses and prepare for next season. Normally I would be a little more patient here, as he was pitching very well until the injury. But it's fantasy playoffs time, and if there's someone out there who can help you now - make the move.

More Options (Redraft Leagues): Michael Brantley, Homer Bailey, Scott Kazmir, Joe Ross, Tyler Austin, Marcus Semien, Zach Davies

 

Hot Seat - Sending Warning Signals?

So these are some guys you shouldn't cut just yet, but who may be sending out warning signals (either obvious slumps, or more under-the-radar concerns):

1) Miguel Sano (MIN, 3B/OF)

After bursting onto the scene last season, Sano has had a fairly disappointing 2016 season. He's good for power, but a lot of his bombs don't give you much value. His average sits at a pedestrian .241 and he only has 50 RBI on the season. Not only that but he's been banged up for a decent portion of the season. The power upside makes him worth hanging onto, but it's getting late early and I wouldn't blame anyone for ditching him for a hot waiver pickup. Being 0-for-16 in as many AB doesn't help his case right now either.

2) Max Kepler (MIN, OF)

I'm going for a Twin killing here. Listen, I loved this guy when he was on fire and hitting bombs with runners on base. That said, he's cooled off over the last two weeks. Kepler has no homers, and only four RBI during that time. He could very well get hot again and make us all sorry for doubting him. The truth is though, his pace before was a bit unsustainable and his team frankly isn't that good. So while I'm not saying to ditch him just yet, he needs to show fantasy owners something ASAP to justify keeping him.

 

Graveyard - Previously Disposed Of

Jeff Samardzija, James Shields, Francisco Liriano, Lucas Duda, Matt Harvey, Joe Panik, Trevor Rosenthal, Travis Shaw, Jhonny Peralta, Trayce Thompson, CC Sabathia, Steven Moya, Tyler GlasnowDanny Espinosa, Will Harris, Brad Ziegler, Huston Street, Steve Cishek, Jonathan Papelbon, Hector Rondon, Tyler Clippard, Jeremy Jeffress, Taijuan Walker, Sonny Gray, Jason Heyward, Trevor Story, Michael Saunders, Nick Castellanos, Jurickson Profar, Aaron Nola, Jimmy Nelson, Danny ValenciaGiancarlo Stanton, Luis Severino

 

Zombies - Resurrected and Living Well

Lorenzo Cain (KC, OF)

The last reverse jinx of the season worked! LoCain has been playing insane baseball lately. Okay maybe not insane but hey at least that rhymed right? Seriously though, Cain has hit a little over .500 since August 14th, with eight RBI in that span, and six runs scored. It looks like his injury is behind him and hopefully he can help those who have stuck with him win a fantasy title.

 

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