The Cut List (Week 7): Time to Let Go?

Welcome to Week 7 of the Cut List. As we get deeper into the season you’ll start seeing bigger names on this list. If a standard league viable player underperforms for a month straight, I have to consider including him on the list. Keep that in mind as the weeks go forward.

I think we’re at the point where we can start cutting players who came into the season with loads of hype, too. Feel free to cut any surprise players who started hot but cooled off halfway through April.

Want some waiver wire advice to make up for those necessary cuts? Make sure you check out our waiver wire blog for the best pickup consultation around.

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Time to Move On

Matt Chapman (3B, OAK) - .225 BA, 23 runs, 7 HR, 17 RBI

Cut in 10 and 12 team leagues

This is such a bummer. Chapman was really looking like the value pick of the year, but he’s been awful over the past thirty days. I won’t lie, I’m glad he cooled off after that crazy start to the season because I drafted him in my main standard league but dropped him on the second day of the season. I was seriously regretting that decision for weeks. I’m thinking he’ll hit .235 and 20-25 HR the rest of the year, though. I hope you sold high back in April.

Better 3B options: Eugenio Suarez, Maikel Franco

Aaron Hicks (OF, NYY) - .214 BA, 13 runs, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 4 SB

Cut in 12-team leagues

Aaron Hicks is a complete riddle. Is this guy even good? What’s the strongest part of his game? Is he a post-hype breakout or did he even breakout at all? I think he’s a safe cut in 12-team standard formats because of his streakiness and average expected stats. Whether or not you want to cut him for Alen Hanson or Ben Zobrist is another story in its own. Trust the metrics and make your decisions after looking at the numbers.

Better OF options: Alen Hanson, Ben Zobrist

Jeff Samardzija (SP, SF) - 6.62 ERA, 15 K, 1.81 WHIP

Cut in 10 and 12 team leagues

He hasn’t been the same since coming off the 10-day DL a few weeks ago. He gave up five or more earned runs in three of his five starts so far. The strikeouts haven’t been there either and I’m completely staying away in all leagues. He’s surely a safe cut in 10 teamers but I wouldn’t fault you for holding in a 12-teamer if you really believe in his ability.

Better SP options: Sean Newcomb, Kyle Freeland

Michael Taylor (OF, WSH) - .190 BA, 19 runs, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 10 SB

Cut in all leagues

Remember when Michael A. Taylor was really, really bad but then turned his career around and became standard league viable? 2017 was weird. Unfortunately, we’re seeing more of 2015 Taylor than 2017 Taylor right now With that being the case, don’t even think about owning him in standard formats. If you need the steals in a deep league, then sure, I guess he’s a decent option.

Better OF option: Mallex Smith