👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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


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!




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Tetairoa McMillan

Dealing With Foot Injury During OTAs
Aaron Donald

Considering Coming Out of Retirement?
PGA

Russell Hensley Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Drake London

Falcons Agree on Four-Year Extension
Michael Wilson

Will be "Closer to the Core" in Z Receiver Role
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Will Play the X Role for Cardinals
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
Isaiah Hartenstein

Hopeful to Stay with Oklahoma City
Luguentz Dort

Wants to Remain with Thunder
Mitchell Robinson

is Questionable for Game 1
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Has Contract Guaranteed for 2026-2027 Season
Oso Ighodaro

Gets Guaranteed Contract for Next Season
NAS

Chris MacFarland Joins Predators as President and General Manager
VAN

Canucks Name Manny Malhotra as New Head Coach
Brendan Gallagher

to Leave Canadiens This Offseason
Patrik Laine

Looking Forward to Free Agency
Jeremy Lauzon

Returns to Action Tuesday
Zach Werenski

Wins 2025-26 Norris Trophy
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
Adam Randall

Well-Positioned for Dynasty Success in Baltimore?
Nicholas Singleton

Could Be the Running Back of the Future in Tennessee
Bryce Lance

Is Bryce Lance Currently Undervalued by Dynasty Managers?
Mike Washington Jr.

Carries Dynasty Sleeper Appeal Entering 2026
Adonai Mitchell

Is Adonai Mitchell Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Tony Pollard

Dynasty Stock Rising in Improving Tennessee Offense?
Josh Hader

Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
Chris Brazzell II

a Year 1 Breakout Candidate in Carolina?
Ja'Kobi Lane

a Great Fit for Ravens, Potential Steal in Rookie Drafts
Josh Jacobs

Back at Practice on Tuesday
Max Klare

Crowded Tight End Room Impacting Max Klare's Dynasty Stock?
Romeo Doubs

Still a Solid Dynasty Option in New England?
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
Makai Lemon

Set for Major Role in Debut Season?
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Drake Maye

Does Latest Addition Put Drake Maye Among the Upper Echelon of Fantasy Elite?
Jalen Hurts

Could Face Regression After Loss of Top Pass Catcher
DeVonta Smith

Poised for WR1 Role in the Aftermath of Trade?
Daniel Jones

Participating in 7-on-7s
Akshay Bhatia

Needs the Driver to be True in Ohio
Aaron Rai

Primed to take on the Memorial Tournament
J.J. Spaun

Rebounded at Charles Schwab Challenge
Xander Schauffele

One to Watch This Week in Ohio
Hideki Matsuyama

Putter Could be Vital at the Memorial
Nicolai Hojgaard

Rust Concerns at Muirfield Village
Ryan Gerard

Surfaces After Long Cold Stretch with Top 10 Result
Wyndham Clark

May Struggle at the Memorial Tournament
Elly De La Cruz

to Miss 2-4 Weeks of Action
Chase Burns

is Scratched Due to Illness
Deiveson Figueiredo

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Song Yadong

Gets Second-Round Submission Win
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers Back-To-Back Losses
Alonzo Menifield

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Scores First-Round Knockout Win
Cameron Smotherman

Suffers Third Loss In A Row
Edwin Arroyo

Reds Promote Top Infield Prospect Edwin Arroyo, Viewed as Priority Pick Up Ahead of MLB Debut
Kai Asakura

Earns His First UFC Win
Elly De La Cruz

Placed on IL with Right Hamstring Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Earns the first Nashville Cup Series Victory of his Career on Sunday
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Earns First Career Podium Finish at Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Scores A Solid Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Top-10 Streak at Nashville Ends after Late Flat Tire Spin
Elly De La Cruz

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Tyler Reddick

Is One of the Top Favorites to Win at Nashville
Kyle Larson

May Continue his Top-10 Consistency at Nashville this week
Christopher Bell

Is One of the Top Competitors for the Win at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Is A Must Start for Nashville DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Nashville DFS Lineups
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Nashville Lineups?
Carson Hocevar

Is Likely to have Another Solid Result at Nashville
NASCAR

Should Fantasy Players Roster Bubba Wallace at Nashville?
Chris Buescher

Is A Decent All-Around DFS Option for Nashville Lineups
Daniel Suarez

is Likely to Drop Positions during the Cracker Barrel 400
Garrett Crochet

Suffers Setback, Likely to Undergo MRI for Lat Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Could Denny Hamlin Dominate at Nashville?
Ryan Blaney

Is a DFS Tournament Option at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Don't Overlook Ty Gibbs at Nashville
Joey Logano

Could Show Life at Nashville
Ross Chastain

Needs a Good Run at Nashville
Chet Holmgren

Fails to Step Up in the Season Finale
Cason Wallace

Ends Postseason with Strong Showing
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Caps MVP Season with Game 7 Exit
Stephon Castle

Continues Postseason Run with 16 Points
Julian Champagnie

Shines in Series-Clinching Win
De'Aaron Fox

Provides Secondary Punch in Game 7 Triumph
Victor Wembanyama

Earns Conference Finals MVP in Spurs' Game 7 Win
NBA

Warriors Prioritize Depth Around Returning Steve Kerr
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Cleveland's Top Priority
Adou Thiero

Remains a Lakers Development Project
NBA

76ers Hire Mike Gansey as President of Basketball Operations
NBA

Chicago Bulls Explore Kevin Young as Coaching Candidate
Kyrie Irving

Reports He's Nearing Full Strength in ACL Recovery
Lane Hutson

Posts a Power-Play Assist in Game 5 Loss
Cole Caufield

Nets a Power-Play Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Seth Jarvis

Closes Out East Finals With Multi-Point Game
Logan Stankoven

Notches Three Points in Big Game 5 Win
Taylor Hall

Racks Up Three Points in Series-Clinching Win
Frederik Andersen

Remains Stellar as Hurricanes Clinch Finals Berth
Jacob Gonzalez

is Heading to the Big Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Mitchell Robinson

Plans to Play in Game 1 After Finger Surgery
Ajay Mitchell

Ruled Out for Game 7
Jalen Williams

Unavailable in Decisive Game 7
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez is Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Deiveson Figueiredo

Set For UFC Macau Main Event
MMA

Yadong Song Returns At UFC Macau
Alonzo Menifield

An Underdog At UFC Macau
Zhang Mingyang

Set For UFC Macau Co-Main Event
Tallison Teixeira

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Sergei Pavlovich

A Favorite At UFC Macau
Cameron Smotherman

Looks To Bounce Back
Kai Asakura

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
CFB

Faizon Brandon In Position to Start Week 1
CFB

Dane Weber Commits to Cal
CFB

Joey McGuire Attempts to Add Texas to Schedule
CFB

Mike Leach on 2027 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot
CFB

Maryland, Baylor Schedule Home-and-Home
CFB

Taron Dickens Decommits From North Carolina
MLB

MLB Proposes Hard Salary Cap as Part of Next CBA
Kenley Jansen

Tigers Place Kenley Jansen on Injured List With Pelvic Inflammation
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Strain
MON

Lane Hutson Struggles in Game 4 Loss
CAR

Logan Stankoven Nets Eighth Postseason Goal
CAR

Sebastian Aho Pots Game-Winner on Power Play
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Tallies Two Helpers in Impressive Road Win
CAR

Shayne Gostisbehere Records Two Assists in Game 4 Win
CAR

Frederik Andersen Establishes Hurricanes New Postseason Shutout Record
Yordan Alvarez

Continues Homer Barrage With Two More Long Balls on Wednesday
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF