👉 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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Michael King

Hoping for a Healthy 2026
Corbin Carroll

Targeting Opening Day Return
Logan Webb

Ready for Another Workhorse Season?
Logan Cooley

Sheds Non-Contact Jersey
Maxwell Crozier

to Miss 10 Weeks After Surgery
Griffin Canning

Expected to Begin the Season on the Injured List
Kirill Marchenko

Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Ben Cowles

Claimed by the Blue Jays
Petr Mrazek

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
CJ Alexander

Signs a Minor-League Deal with the Houston Astros
Victor Hedman

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Sidney Crosby

Considered Day-to-Day
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Questionable to Suit Up Against Bulls
Collin Murray-Boyles

Expected to Play Thursday
Tre Jones

Questionable Thursday
Jalen Smith

Set to Return Thursday
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Undergoing Surgery Thursday
Ja Morant

to Be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
Stephen Curry

Remains Out Thursday
Lars Nootbaar

Slowly Progressing
Isaac Paredes

Trade Talks "Diminishing"
De'Andre Hunter

Ruled Out for Thursday
Kristaps Porzingis

Listed as Questionable, Expects to Play on Thursday
Josh Giddey

Listed as Questionable, Expects to Play on Thursday
OG Anunoby

Questionable to Play on Thursday
Tobias Myers

to be on Mets Opening Day Roster
Coby White

Ruled Out for Thursday, No Timeline for Return
Shohei Ohtani

to Remain in Leadoff Spot in 2026
José Soriano

Jose Soriano to Start Cactus League Opener on Saturday
Brusdar Graterol

Won't be Ready for Opening Day
Dansby Swanson

to Sacrifice Power for Contact This Year?
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Managed Groin Injury Last Year
Tyler Herro

Expected to Practice Thursday
Jonathan Kuminga

to Be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Mitch Garver

Mariners Agree on Minor-League Deal
Evan Mobley

Expected to Play vs. Brooklyn
Jorge Polanco

Being Slow-Played in Spring Training
Keegan Murray

Ready to Play Thursday
Andrew Nembhard

Not Listed on the Injury Report for Thursday
Francisco Alvarez

Unlikely to Play in First Week of Grapefruit League
T.J. McConnell

in Danger of Missing Another Game
Hunter Dobbins

Hopes to be Cleared for Baseball Activities
Trae Young

Still Not Cleared for Contact
Aaron Nesmith

Questionable Versus the Wizards
Pascal Siakam

Won't Suit Up Against Washington
Garrett Mitchell

Fully Healthy This Spring
Mauricio Dubón

Mauricio Dubon to Open the Year as Braves Shortstop
Quinn Priester

Being Slow-Played in Camp
Rashee Rice

Accused of Assault by Long-Time Girlfriend
Ben Griffin

Looking to Return to Top Form at Riviera
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Build Momentum at Riviera
J.J. Spaun

Putting a Major Concern at Riviera
Sepp Straka

May Have Tough Time at The Genesis Invitational
Shane Lowry

Trending Up Entering the Genesis Invitational
Justin Rose

Off Most Radars at The Genesis Invitational
Robert MacIntyre

a Long Hitter to Watch at Riviera Country Club
Jake Knapp

Red-Hot Heading to Riviera
Min Woo Lee

Attempts to Build Momentum After Pebble Beach
Harry Hall

an Unknown for The Genesis Invitational
Matt Fitzpatrick

Has Favorable Path to Success at Riviera This Week
Wyndham Clark

Not Likely to Contend at Genesis Invitational
Ludvig Aberg

Might Find the Genesis Invitational More Challenging
Harris English

Carries Strong Form to Riviera
Patrick Cantlay

Eyes Another Strong Week at The Genesis Invitational
Daniel Berger

Needs Short Game to Show Up at Riviera
Sam Burns

Hopes Return to Form Continues at Riviera
Collin Morikawa

Riding Wave of Victory Into Riviera
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Have Repeat Success at The Genesis Invitational
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Find Paydirt at Riviera
Xander Schauffele

Rounding into Form Before Genesis Invitational
Morgan Rielly

Available After Olympic Break
Charlie Lindgren

Practices Fully Tuesday
John Carlson

Ready to Rock After Olympics
Radek Faksa

Unavailable Against Team Canada
Anton Lundell

Good to Go Wednesday
Brandon Bussi

Earns Three-Year Extension
SJ

Sharks Terminating Jeff Skinner's Contract
Mike Evans

Will Return in 2026
Kenneth Walker III

Seahawks Not Expected to Use Franchise Tag on Kenneth Walker III
Bucky Irving

Undergoes Offseason Shoulder Surgery
Tyreek Hill

Says he Will Play in 2026
Joey Logano

Finishes Third in the 2026 Daytona 500
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Daytona 500
Chase Elliott

Falls Short of His First Daytona 500 Victory Again
Brad Keselowski

Ends Daytona 500 With a Top-Five Finish
Tyler Reddick

Wins the Daytona 500 for the First Time with 23XI Racing
Tyreek Hill

Released by Dolphins
Joey Logano

Should DFS Players Roster Joey Logano At Daytona?
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering for DFS at Daytona?
Chase Briscoe

May Not be Worth DFS Consideration for Daytona
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Daytona This Week For DFS?
Austin Cindric

May Be Worth Rostering At Daytona
Cleveland Browns

Browns to Spend Top Draft Picks on Receiver or Offensive Lineman?
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Daytona Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

May be A Solid and Sneaky Pick for Daytona Lineups
Alex Bowman

is A Highly Favorable Mid-Tier Option for Daytona
Ross Chastain

Could be A Top DFS Scorer for Daytona
Justin Allgaier

is One of the Safest DFS Options for Daytona
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle Matches Team Germany Record With Third Goal
Jack Eichel

Off to Hot Start in Olympics
OTT

Mads Sogaard Injured Saturday
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Emerging As One of The Best at Daytona
William Byron

Trying for Third Straight Daytona 500 Victory
Kyle Larson

Has Never Posted a Top-Five Finish at Daytona
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Overrated at Daytona?
Chris Buescher

an Easy DFS Pick for the Daytona 500
Kyle Busch

on Pole, Still Searching for Elusive Daytona 500 Victory
Lucas Raymond

Ties Team Sweden Record With Three Points Saturday
Anton Lundell

Battling Illness
Kevin Fiala

Out for the Season
David Pastrnak

Gets Off the Mark at Olympics
Macklin Celebrini

Pots Another Goal Friday
Aaron Rodgers

Likely to Return to Steelers?
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Want Terry McLaurin to Get 10 Targets a Game
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF