Episode Details

On The Wire - A jam-packed early-season episode breaks down a wave of MLB injuries and their fantasy ripple effects, with a heavy focus on actionable FAAB targets. The hosts analyze playing time shifts, category-specific pickups, and strategy for both standard leagues and special formats like Razzslam/Cutline

0:00 – Intro and News

• Heavy early-season injury/news dump replaces traditional mid-show topic
• Key players discussed:
  • Mookie Betts (injury, Dodgers replacements: Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland)
  • Juan Soto (calf injury; Mets fill-ins: Tyrone Taylor, Jared Young)
  • Alejandro Kirk (thumb fracture; catching fallout)
  • Byron Buxton (minor injury update)
  • Sal Frelick (Brewers OF shuffle: Luis Matos, Garrett Mitchell, Brandon Lockridge)
  • Jordan Lawlar (fractured wrist)
  • Pavin Smith (IL) → opens door for José Fernández, Adrian Del Castillo
  • Mickey Moniak return (Rockies playing time outlook)
  • Justin Verlander (IL; Tigers rotation implications)
  • Cade Horton (IL; Cubs replacement candidates: Colin Rea, Ben Brown)
  • Cody Ponce (ACL) + Patrick Corbin signing
  • Johan Oviedo (IL; drop discussion)
  • Zach Eflin (elbow concern; Dean Kremer vs Cade Povich speculation)
  • José Buttó (IL; Blade Tidwell opportunity)
  • Prospect extensions/debuts: Konnor Griffin, Colt Emerson, Cooper Pratt

~33:00 – Razzslam / Cutline FAAB #1

• Strategy for first FAAB run in best ball formats
• Aggressive spending encouraged (up to ~60–75%)
• Focus on replacing injured/non-playing assets
• Importance of long waterfall bids
• Roster construction discussion (pitcher/hitter balance, positional coverage)

~47:00 – Power Categories (HR, RBI)
Targets discussed:

• Austin Hays
• Jordan Walker
• Joey Loperfido