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
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

The Cut List (Week 24) - Time to Let Go?

Nate Green's list of busts and overvalued players who fantasy baseball owners may want to consider cutting and dropping for Week 24 of the season.

Time is running out to make a move in your league. You're still looking to hit on categories that are close while sacrificing those where you are fairly isolated in the standings with little to gain. Achievable gaps are only getting smaller, too. Harder to make up two or three home runs in three weeks than it was in four.

And as usual, playing time is an issue for some, poorly timed slumps for others, even both for a few. Guys who have served you well on the whole may not be the right call in the last few weeks.

Stats are through Friday, September 6, unless otherwise noted. Weekly reminders: Recommendations are for mixed leagues -- redraft, unless otherwise noted, as keeper leagues have their own rules. Recommendations in one league size obviously apply to smaller leagues. You can also feel free to drop a shallower suggestion in a deeper league, but the dividing line is generally there for a reason. And, as usual, you can find ideas on how to replace your cut candidates at the Waiver Wire Pickup List.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

10-Team Cut Candidates

Manny Machado (3B, SD)

Machado is hitting .211/.281/.317 with two home runs since August 1, a worse slash line than Orlando Arcia (.221/.286/.349) has on the year. And it's not as if that's his first extended cold spell of the season. Time is running out for Machado's San Diego debut to turn into a fantasy success, and with three weeks left in the regular season, you may want to look for a hotter hand the rest of the way. Outside of a .335/.380/.696 line from June 13 to through July 31, he has not come close to matching his draft price. Even the season as a whole doesn't paint an amazing picture for Machado: a .262 average, modest run+RBI numbers (he's unlikely to crack 90 in either), only a handful of steals, and the 28 home runs are tied for 42nd in MLB, hardly a game changer either.

Machado continues to play every day, as you'd expect with his contract, and bat third, in part because the rest of San Diego's offense has also faded of late. They already have just a 95 wRC+ this season, and that is just an 89 since August began. Hunter Renfroe, Manuel Margot, Luis Urias, and Franmil Reyes have either also slumped, not yet worked out, or been traded. And the struggling offense is a reason Machado also only has nine RBI since the start of the calendar's eighth month.

Even if Machado has a revival in the last few weeks, it will probably only come in home runs as the Padres aren't giving him the support for it to be much more than that. Name recognition means nothing once trade deadlines are past, and it's late enough in the season now that you can get away with moves like this if you want to try the wire.

[Note: Saturday's home run does show the danger in this idea, but he could easily go another couple weeks without one given how August/September has gone. Two, his number on Friday, is not zero, so he's run into the occasional home run, just maybe not enough to make the difference down the stretch.]

 

Andrew Benintendi (OF, BOS)

Benintendi has been adequate this season outside of the power department: .278 average, nine steals, and 131 R+RBI in 122 games. Despite only 13 home runs, it's made for a useful player, but no one groundbreaking. In a ten-team league for the stretch run, that might not be enough if there are categories that need to be made up for quickly.

The last month or so has not been great, however, with just 15 combined runs and RBI in 22 games since August 6, driven by a single home run and a meager .241 average, as well as an 0-for-1 in steal attempts.

As a non-game-changer in the midst of a downswing, what is Benintendi's value the rest of the way? Arguably, not much, and you may be able to find a bigger difference-maker on the wire.

 

Jose Berrios (SP, MIN)

For the second straight season, Berrios' August was a mess. This year, it was particularly bad, with a 7.57 ERA, and the first start of September (5 IP, 6 ER) was not much better. Most concerning is perhaps his August 23 start against the anemic Tigers, where he allowed five runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings, including a grand slam to Ronny Rodriguez.

The struggles have ballooned his ERA by almost a full run, from 2.80 entering August to a 3.78 now. His control has suffered as well, as he was walking 5.1% of batters before August and 9.7% since. Can you really trust him against Washington and Cleveland next?

Berrios' predictive stats for the season as a whole may be the final straw. He has a 4.41 xFIP and 4.32 SIERA. In today's run environment, those are slightly above average. But only slightly, and can you afford that in your 10-team league right now, especially given how ugly things have gotten of late?

 

12-Team Cut Candidates

Danny Santana (IF/OF, TEX)

Machado isn't the only player who's had a rough go of things since the trade deadline passed. Santana is hitting .195/.212/.421 with 49 strikeouts in 137 plate appearances since August 1. He has eight home runs but not much else, including a sole steal after posting 12 in the first four months of the season. The 49 strikeouts are balanced by...two unintentional walks.

It was a breakout year for Santana but midnight may have arrived. Can your roster afford a single-category contributor right now? And not only is Santana only producing homers at the moment, he's actively killing your batting average.

If you grabbed Santana pretty much at any point before the All-Star Break, he's been a net plus, as his second-half numbers still look good. But what are the signs that he can be that Danny Santana again? With that 49-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio (he does have an intentional walk), not much. And naturally the lack of prior success also makes what success Santana did achieve look a bit flimsy as well. You might want to get out while you're still ahead.

 

Luke Voit (1B, NYY)

Like Swanson (below), Voit had a late-season injury that makes him more useful in 2020 than the rest of 2019. Although Voit went 2-for-4 in his first game back, he is only 4-for-20 through Friday, September 6, after sitting on September 4 and batting eighth on the sixth and seventh of the month.

That eighth spot in the order is a problem, as is the questions that will continue to surround Voit's health even if he plays the rest of the season. Remember that the sports hernia might have necessitated surgery. Even if it didn't, is it still affecting his swing? Perhaps.

The stacked nature of the Yankees' lineup helps players collect counting stats...if they're hitting in a decent spot in the batting order. Voit has not, batting no higher than sixth in the lineup upon his return, even before dropping further. Given his injury, batting order spot, and modest .274 average with a 31-homer 162-game pace this season, there may be better use of his spot on your team for the stretch run.

 

Cole Hamels (SP, CHC)

Last week it was Lester, this week it's Hamels. He's made it 3 1/3 innings or fewer in three of his last six starts, in which he has an 8.53 ERA over 25 1/3 innings. For the season as a whole, he's provided a 3.95 ERA but little else over his 130 innings, including a 1.377 WHIP. Like Berrios, Hamels' peripherals are barely average for the season as a whole: a 4.36 xFIP and 4.55 SIERA.

Hamels is a 12-team cut because he plays for a worse team, hence fewer win opportunities, and the extra WHIP (Berrios is at 1.253), in a worse ballpark. Hamels also, like Lester, is getting up there in athlete years; in fact Hamels is just a month older than Lester, and will turn 36 in December. And so you wonder what that means at chances to stem the tide over the final handful of regular season starts.

At this point in the season, we know pretty well who the bad offenses are, and so it becomes easier to target them for streaming purposes. Hamels is the kind of struggling pitcher whose spot you can repurpose for streaming against the likes of Detroit and Miami.

 

14-Team Cut Candidates

Dansby Swanson (SS, ATL)

Swanson was a breakout player of the first half, but you may want to wait until 2020 to buy in again. He missed a month with a right foot injury and only returned on August 26. It's only been nine games but he's just 4-for-32 since coming back, with a double and 12 strikeouts in 37 plate appearances. Swanson's season line now includes a .254 average and just 7-for-12 in stolen bases, and his only attempt at one since returning was a caught stealing on Friday.

If it were earlier in the season, a nine-game sample would matter less. But in this situation, the time Swanson appears to need before he can be dangerous again is running short. If it takes a week, you only get two weeks of real production. And if it never comes back this year? Then you could be in real trouble.

Some chances are less worth taking than others, and given that even Swanson's full-season performance isn't exactly spectacular, this appears to be one of those less worthwhile ones. He also bats only sixth in the order now and is eligible at just one position.

 

Hunter Renfroe (OF, SD)

Renfroe's 27-home run first half leaves some hope for 2020. But his 2019 appears toast. A 10-team cut only five weeks ago, it's now pretty safe to drop Renfroe in almost any redraft league.

It's largely a performance-induced lack of playing time. There doesn't appear to be an injury here, or if there is, it's not been reported as one. And when a gigantic slump is sufficient explanation, you don't need to throw phantom injuries into the mix. And in the second half, "gigantic" is a fair description: his 48 wRC+ is the fifth-worst in MLB among qualified hitters. That's a .171/.263/.295 slash line with five home runs and, even worse, 13 RBI in 47 games. That's...not good.

As for the playing time, it's disappearing, as indicated. Try only three starts in the team's last nine games. You don't need that plus someone who's performed so terribly of late as the stretch run is here.

 

Carlos Carrasco (RP, CLE)

It's unfortunate given how we got here, but it's hard to see how Carrasco can contribute in fantasy this September. The early returns from the bullpen are not good: five runs in three innings including two home runs. His fastball has averaged 94.2 mph, compared to 93.4 mph when he was a starter, and most pitchers gain more velocity than that out of the bullpen.

The hope would have been for some strong ratios and maybe backing into a win or two. It does not look like that will happen and you probably can't afford to wait to see if it does.

Go get 'em in 2020, Carlos.

 

Last Week's Updates

Player Last Week (links to piece) This Week Reasoning
Mike Moustakas Cut in 10 Cut in 10 Still a big question mark as health still not back
Daniel Murphy Cut in 10 Hold thru 9/18 Had surprisingly decent week on the road and Colorado now has a nine-game homestand coming
Chris Paddack Cut in 10 Probably hold Great start against Arizona, but Cubs another tough offense
Shin-Soo Choo Cut in 12 Cut in 12 Homer and a steal in past seven days but no real change in profile
Kevin Newman Cut in 12 Cut in 12 Missed some time so hard to change the call
Jon Lester Cut in 12 Hold Worked out vs. Seattle and Padres are next
Justin Smoak Cut in 14 Cut in 14 Not playing much, no change in profile
Kyle Gibson Cut in 14 Cut in 14 DL stint makes this even easier
Sergio Romo Cut in 14 Cut in 14 No change in profile, his or Rogers'

 

More Fantasy Baseball Busts and Avoids




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Travis Etienne Jr.

Needs to Bounce Back in 2025
Wan'Dale Robinson

Wants More Downfield Opportunities this Season
Quinshon Judkins

Arrested on Saturday for Battery and Domestic Violence
Terry McLaurin

Could be a Holdout at Training Camp
Roger McCreary

a Candidate for a Contract Extension?
Max Fried

Exits Start With Blister
Mike Evans

Buccaneers Could Have Difficult Time Retaining Mike Evans
Charles Cross

Could Sign Extension Before Training Camp
Xavier Restrepo

One to Watch Going into Training Camp
Calvin Ridley

Appears Re-Energized
Mark Andrews

Still a Key Piece in Ravens Offense
Ndamukong Suh

Officially Announces his Retirement
Jaylen Waddle

Motivated After Disappointing Season
Tre Harris

Still Unsigned
Hunter Dobbins

to Miss Rest of Season With Torn ACL
Nolan Arenado

Held Out of Lineup on Saturday
Alexandre Sarr

Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Yang Hansen

Looks Good on Friday Night
Carlos Correa

Sitting on Saturday
Austin Riley

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Nolan Arenado

Exits Friday's Contest With Sprained Finger
Jake Burger

Expects to Play on Saturday
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Wyatt Langford

Records Four-Hit Night
Cal Raleigh

Homers Twice, Drives in Five
Cody Bellinger

Swats Three Homers in Victory
Jake Burger

Leaves With Quad Discomfort on Friday
Carlos Correa

Exits Game With Mild Ankle Sprain
Edward Cabrera

Dealing with Posterior Elbow Discomfort
Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF