👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

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.

 

Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)

Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

MarShawn Lloyd

a Dynasty Trade Target with Long-Term Upside?
Emanuel Wilson

a Low-Risk Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues?
Jalen Nailor

Seems Likely to Face Competition
Dylan Sampson

a Candidate for Standalone Value in 2026?
Jaylin Noel

Still the Texans' WR4 for 2026?
Keenan Allen

Remains a Free Agent in Early April
Juan Soto

Day-to-Day With Minor Groin Strain, No Decision on IL Yet
Anthony Edwards

Questionable for Sunday
Andre Drummond

Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond Join Starting Lineup Saturday
Marcus Sasser

Upgraded to Available
Atlanta Falcons

Mike Washington Jr. Visits With Falcons
Tobias Harris

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jalen Duren

Available Saturday
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals "Pushing Hard" for Jeremiyah Love
Paul George

Ready to Rock Saturday
Bruce Brown

Suffers Leg Injury Saturday
Shedeur Sanders

the Favorite to Win Browns QB Job?
Kirk Cousins

Could Make Starts for Raiders in 2026
Austin Reaves

Out for Remainder of Regular Season
Travon Walker

Jaguars Sign Travon Walker to Four-Year Extension
Nick Lardis

Available Against Kraken
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Won't Play Saturday
MLB

Cubs-Guardians Game Postponed on Saturday
Mookie Betts

Leaves Early With Back Injury
Tyler Kleven

Out Week-to-Week
Mason Marchment

Expected to Return Saturday
Aliaksei Protas

Returns on Saturday
Zach Hyman

Could Miss Two Weeks
Damon Severson

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
Jalen Duren

Added to Injury Report Saturday
Paul George

Probable Saturday
Tyler Herro

a Late Scratch Saturday, Simone Fontecchio Starts
Joel Embiid

Will Sit Out Saturday's Game
George Holani

Time as Seahawks RB1 Looks to Be Short-Lived
Justin Champagnie

Active Saturday
Bilal Coulibaly

Tre Johnson Available Against Heat
Harold Fannin Jr.

Is Harold Fannin Jr. a Top-Five Dynasty Tight End?
Tristan Vukcevic

Alexandre Sarr, Tristan Vukcevic Won't Play Saturday
Tim Hardaway Jr.

Upgraded to Available Saturday
Brenton Strange

Easily Overlooked Among Jacksonville Pass Catchers
Tyler Herro

Cleared to Play Saturday
Kendre Miller

a Dynasty Cut Candidate
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Can Marvin Harrison Jr. Deliver on Pre-Draft Hype in Year 3?
Marquise Brown

Outlook Dependent on Teammate's Trade Rumors
Darnell Mooney

Looking for a Fresh Start in New York?
Alejandro Kirk

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Thumb Fracture
Kansas City Chiefs

Makai Lemon Meets with Chiefs on Top-30 Visit
Christian Kirk

Could Still Produce in WR3 Role
Brashard Smith

Still Third on the Depth Chart?
Juan Soto

Mets Concerned About Juan Soto's Calf Injury
Joel Embiid

Records Double-Double Friday
CJ McCollum

Drops 25 Points in Blowout Win
Mitchell Robinson

Posts Double-Double as Starter
Wendell Carter Jr.

Posts Season-High 28 Points
Juan Soto

Removed with Calf Tightness
PHI

Daniel Vladar Defeats the Islanders
Matvei Michkov

Has Three-Point Game on Friday
Byron Buxton

is Day-to-Day with Forearm Contusion
Byron Buxton

Leaves on Friday After Being Hit by a Pitch
Cade Horton

Headed for Injured List Stint
Isaac Paredes

Placed on Bereavement List
Jordan Lawlar

Suffers Fractured Wrist, Set to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Alejandro Kirk

Having X-Rays on his Thumb
Cade Horton

Exits Friday's Start with Forearm Tightness
Chase DeLauter

Returns to Lineup on Friday After Injury Scare
Chris Duncan

Set For UFC Vegas 115 Main Event
Renato Moicano

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 115
Tabatha Ricci

Set For UFC Vegas 115 Co-Main Event
Virna Jandiroba

Looks To Bounce Back
Brendson Ribeiro

In Desperate Need Of Win
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Ethyn Ewing

Set For His Second UFC Bout
Rafael Estevam

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Patrick Kane

Becomes NHL's Highest-Scoring American
Elias Salomonsson

Lands in Concussion Protocol
Nick Lardis

Injures Left Hand Thursday
Jack McBain

Exits With Lower-Body Injury Thursday
Tyler Kleven

Exits Early Versus Sabres
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Injured in Thursday's Loss
Justin Faulk

Suffers Lower-Body Injury Thursday
Anthony Cirelli

Earns a Hat Trick
Konnor Griffin

Secures $140M Deal; Pittsburgh Building Around Young Star
Carter Yakemchuk

in Concussion Protocol
NJ

Arseni Gritsyuk Done for the Season
Tyson Foerster

Available Against Red Wings
Zach Hyman

a Game-Time Decision Thursday
Konnor Griffin

Being Promoted to MLB Roster Ahead of Friday's Contest
Konnor Griffin

Pirates in "Deep" Negotiations for Long-Term Contract
Carlos Estévez

Royals Place Carlos Estevez on 15-Day Injured List
CFB

Gunner Stockton Looking "Great" After Offseason Injury
CFB

Sam Leavitt Showing "Encouraging Signs" at LSU Practice
J.J. Spaun

Needs the Putter to Cooperate in San Antonio
Thorbjorn Olesen

Trending Up in San Antonio
Denny McCarthy

Carrying Momentum into San Antonio
Jose Fernandez

Launches Two Home Runs in Historic MLB Debut
Chase DeLauter

Exits Tuesday's Game with Foot Injury, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Chris Kirk

Has Course History on His Side in San Antonio
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Option at the Valero Texas Open
Joe Highsmith

Still Searching for Form in San Antonio
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks to Find Form at the Valero Texas Open
Seiya Suzuki

to Begin a Rehab Assignment Soon
Jordan Spieth

a Horse for Course History at TPC San Antonio
Robert MacIntyre

Has One Flaw to Overcome at Valero Texas Open to be a Must-Play
Maverick McNealy

In Exceptional Form This Season
Michael Thorbjornsen

Playing Well But Still Searching For A Win
Hideki Matsuyama

Playing Well Heading to the Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Heads to Valero Texas Open For Final Tune-Up Before Masters
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Valero Texas Open
PGA

Stephan Jaegar Still Looking For Consistency at Valero Texas Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

is Red-Hot Coming to TPC San Antonio
Tony Finau

a Risky Proposition at Valero Texas Open
Ludvig Aberg

Looks to Shake Off Collapse at Valero Texas Open
Patrick Rodgers

Needs to Make More Birdies in San Antonio
Sepp Straka

Seeks Opportunity in San Antonio This Weekend
Nick Taylor

Could Again Struggle at the Valero Texas Open
Chase Elliott

Takes Advantage of Pit Strategies for Second Career Martinsville Win
Denny Hamlin

Dominates but Finishes Second at Martinsville
Joey Logano

Bounces Back with Third-Place Finish at Martinsville
Ty Gibbs

Gains his Fourth Top-Five Finish of the Season at Martinsville
William Byron

Scores Another Top-Five Finish at Martinsville
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF