We’ve formally reached the final week of the season, Razzballers! And with that in thoughts, I’ve trimmed up the article this week as a result of we’re taking part in for only one week and have to key in on sure matchups over abilities. It’s the week when even essentially the most lowly owned gamers might be thought of in shallower leagues to seize what worth stays. Plenty of maneuvers have been made throughout leagues on the market in preparation for this closing week, and it’s no coincidence you might have been seeing some unusual pickups currently.
For matchups to concentrate on outdoors of the under FAAB candidates, listed below are the groups which have one of the best schedules for bats:
Colorado Rockies – Six house video games at Coors Discipline, three in opposition to STL and three in opposition to LAD. They’re effectively represented under.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Simply learn the above… three video games to finish the season in Coors in opposition to one of many worst trendy pitching staffs. Can Ohtani have a 4 homer, three steal, 11 RBI recreation? I’m virtually relying on it after that efficiency in Miami. The Dodgers’ different three video games come in opposition to the Padres at house.
Los Angeles Angels – That is purely due to the three-game set the Halos have in opposition to the White Sox, who do have the worst trendy pitching workers, in Chicago. It’s going to be a chaotic collection stuffed with paper-bagged followers galore. They finish the season with three video games in Anaheim in opposition to Texas.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Six video games at house in opposition to SFG and SDP. More durable pitching matchups, however the Giants may get bizarre to audition gamers for 2025, and Chase Discipline is hitter pleasant.
For matchups to concentrate on for pitchers, listed below are one of the best schedules:
Detroit Tigers – Six house video games at Comerica, a infamous pitcher’s park, in opposition to the lowly Rays after which traditionally terrible White Sox. All Tigers starters might be thought of for streaming together with key bullpen arms.
Oakland Athletics – They’ve three closing house video games at The Coliseum in opposition to Texas earlier than a three-game highway journey to Seattle to wrap 2024. Each are nice pitcher’s parks.
Actually keep away from choosing up Reds and Guardians this weekend as each groups solely have 5 video games subsequent week. The lineups have additionally been chaotic sufficient between Cleveland mixing-and-matching for wins and Cincy auditioning for the 2025 taking part in time, that it’s a raffle so as to add any of these gamers. And if you’re waffling on selections for the ultimate week, actually take a look at the Hittertron and Streamonator instruments for some projections-based {dollars} and cents help.
Thanks once more to all of the readers for a terrific 2024! Large ups to Gray, Rudy, Truss, and everybody else right here within the Razzball group because it’s been one other blast of a summer season. Proceed to catch me on my pod, Playing cards & Classes all through the winter, and I’ll be again in March 2025!
The stats and possession percentages under are up to date as of midday central time on 9/20.
As at all times, in order for you recommendation on particular roster choices you might need, be happy to depart a remark. It’s also possible to discover me on twitter (X) (@mcouill7) and bluesky (@mcouill7.bsky.social).
CATCHERS
Hunter Goodman (C/OF, COL, 12% CBS Possession) – Since being recalled Sept. 1, Goodman has assumed the first catching duties (not very effectively… he’s twelfth worst in Defensive Runs for catchers this season, minimal 50 innings) and began completely mashing. He’s slashing .256/.293/.667 (146 wRC+) with 5 taters this month. With the Rockies having six house video games this upcoming week, you possibly can’t do any higher than attempting to experience his scorching bat within the skinny Colorado air. And additional be aware for keeper/dynasty leagues, Goodman will decide up his twentieth recreation performed at catcher quickly and be eligible there subsequent season. Given the dearth of backstop choices within the Rockies system (Drew Romo looks as if an afterthought), it seems to be like Goodman goes to be a nasty man at catching however get loads of run in 2025. (5% FAAB)
INFIELDERS
10/12 Crew Provides
Nolan Schanuel (1B, LAA, 41% CBS Possession) – It took 5 months, however Schanuel lastly caught the stolen-base bug Ron Washington contaminated the Angels with this season, pilfering 5 luggage in September. I’m not going to rely on extra steals, however actually it opens the pathway to extra worth for the 22-year-old, who’s already value $1.7 on the season per our Participant Rater. Outdoors of the Rockies and Dodgers, the Angels have one of many softer schedules subsequent week on the highway in opposition to the White Sox earlier than ending at house versus the Rangers. Though Schanuel may see deGrom and Scherzer in that closing collection, each won’t make lengthy outings and Angel Stadium, which boasts a 117 park issue for left-handed homers over the past three years, generally is a salve. (1-3% FAAB)
Brendan Rodgers (2B, COL, 36% CBS Possession) – Not a lot has modified since Rodgers was the suggestion right here final week. He’s taking part in day by day for the Rox, who’ve a six-game homestand to wrap 2024. He’s a strong volume-based play in Coors Discipline. (3% FAAB)
15 Crew Provides
Otto Lopez (2B/3B/SS, MIA, 15% CBS Possession) – *tears up* It’s nice to see our favorites all grown up. After getting into this piece as an NL-Solely suggestion early within the 12 months, Lopez has been within the mixture of the Fast Hits over the months and actually discovered footing in Miami for the reason that commerce deadline. Since Aug. 1, he’s been a reliable fantasy contributor, hitting .308 with three homers, 11 steals, 22 runs scored, and 18 RBI over 44 video games. That’s roughly a ten homer/38 steal tempo over a full 12 months. He sports activities a slick glove that may preserve the 25-year-old within the lineup. If trying to find a handful of steals over the ultimate week, Lopez needs to be a predominant goal. I really like him as a late MI decide in 12-teamers subsequent season. (3% FAAB)
Pavin Smith (1B/OF, ARI, 8% CBS Possession) – Smith continues to get loads of run within the middle-of-the-order as Arizona rides his scorching bat down the stretch. In September, the 28-year-old is slashing .375/.480/.875 with 5 homers (three not off Justin Verlander) 16 RBI, and 11 runs scored over 15 video games. The D-backs draw six video games in Chase Discipline subsequent week, which is taking part in hitter pleasant as soon as once more. (3% FAAB)
Solely Crew Provides
Chris Taylor (2B/3B/SS/OF, LAD, 3% CBS Possession) – This admittedly a little bit of a wild shot since Taylor doesn’t have a chosen beginning spot with the Dodgers at present. Nevertheless, with Miguel Rojas nursing a left leg damage and Taylor’s versatility to sub for any starter over the subsequent week, these final three Dodgers video games in Coors seems to be like an honest likelihood to juice two or three begins out of the LA utility man. (1-3% FAAB)
Yuli Gurriel (1B, KCR, 0% CBS Possession) – If searching for a quantity play in an AL-Solely league, Gurriel needs to be your best option out there on condition that he’s beginning day by day in Kansas Metropolis, biking between first and DH. His present .385 batting common (10-for-26) is held afloat by a .455 BABIP, however hey, what number of regulars are hanging out on that AL-Solely waiver wire of yours? (3-5% FAAB)
OUTFIELDERS
10/12 Crew Provides
Michael Toglia (1B/OF, COL, 49% CBS Possession) – It’s arduous to inform whether or not it is a blip or not, however for the reason that All-Star break, Toglia has improved his plate self-discipline, sporting a 14.5% stroll price in comparison with 7.3% for his profession earlier to that. It’s a little bit odd as a result of the remainder of his metrics (O-Swing %, Swing %, and Zone %) have held comparatively the identical, however it signifies that in three-ball counts, maybe Toglia is lastly studying the zone a bit. If that’s the case, he can morph from actually one of many worst hitters within the league to a way more helpful Joey Gallo-type. Nevertheless, despite the fact that I’ve gotten that granular on his profile, the evaluation to select up Toglia boils all the way down to “Rockies six video games at house.” (3-5% FAAB)
15 Crew Provides
Andrew Benintendi (CHW, 15% CBS Possession) – Regardless of the White Sox struggles, Benintendi has been one of many hottest hitters within the league over the second half, slashing .261/.333/.511 (137 wRC+) with 12 homers, 34 RBI, and 26 runs scored. The three house video games in opposition to the dregs of the Angels pitching workers subsequent week give him a terrific likelihood to capitalize on rounding out his second straight sub-zero WAR season on the Southside. (1% FAAB)
Ramon Laureano (ATL, 7% CBS Possession) – I’ve been holding an in depth eye on Laureano as a result of again in Week 23, an intrepid reader requested whether or not so as to add Ramon or Brandon Marsh with a closing FAAB run. I bought daring and picked Laureano. Because the starting of September, Laureano has hit .317 (13-for-41) with a homer, a steal, eight RBI, and 4 runs scored. Marsh has hit .308 (16-for-52) with two homers, a steal, six RBI, and eight runs scored. So sorry, commenter, I lead you barely astray, however it is a nice week for Laureano to complete the season robust, as he’s repeatedly within the coronary heart of the Atlanta order and attracts six house video games to hopefully bury Marsh. (1-3% FAAB)
Solely Crew Provides
Mike Siani (STL, 2% CBS Possession) – Three video games in Colorado for the on a regular basis St. Louis centerfielder, Siani, to search out some Rocky Mountain magic? Certain. (1-3% FAAB)
Kyle Isbel (KCR, 2% CBS Possession) – Isbel was the suggestion right here final week as he’s been warming up in September to the tune of a .360 common (9-for-25) with a homer and two steals over his final 10 video games. With KC visiting two fairly good highway hitter’s parks (Washington & Atlanta), Isbel ought to proceed drawing common taking part in time because the Royals offense may put collectively an honest week in pursuit of their first playoff berth since 2015. (3% FAAB)
STARTING PITCHERS
10/12 Crew Provides
Reese Olson (DET, 49% CBS Possession) – Olson actually regarded out of types in his return Monday through which he was shellacked by the Royals for 4 runs over 2.1 frames. Nevertheless, subsequent week, the 25-year-old doesn’t face the Royals, he attracts the White Sox in Detroit for his closing begin. Alternatives for wins and Ks don’t come significantly better than that. (3-5% FAAB)
15 Crew Provides
Mitch Spence (OAK, 13% CBS Possession) – It’s a vital week to tune in for the Two Begin Cookie Store tomorrow, as two-start weeks could make or break these roto standings. For the ten/12-teamers, actually be happy to dip into the pool of lower-end choices like this one. My favourite broadly out there two-start man for this week is Spence, who has been strong with a 3.66 ERA, 1.41 WHIP (perhaps his worst side, pushed by taking part in in entrance of a tough Oakland protection), 53.5% groundball price, and 47:19 Ok:BB over 59 innings. His two begins come in opposition to a pair of weakened division rivals, Texas at house and Seattle on the highway. (3-5% FAAB)
Solely Crew Provides
Mason Black (SFG, 2% CBS Possession) – The NL pitcher pool has been completely gutted at this level. Hell, Adam Oller of the Miami Marlins together with his 5.40 ERA and 1.42 is at an 8% roster price, which means some in 15-teamers have began including him. Black, even together with his 7.07 ERA and 5.99 FIP over 28 innings to this point, seems to be like one of the best out there choice because of his begin in San Francisco in opposition to St. Louis. (3-5% FAAB)
Brady Basso (OAK, 3% CBS Possession) – Basso, who has been lowkey good over 19.1 innings with a 2.33 ERA and a pair of.81 FIP, will get the final Athletics begin whereas they’re housed in Oakland on the highway in opposition to the Mariners subsequent weekend. (3-5% FAAB)
RELIEVERS
10/12 Crew Provides
Lucas Erceg (KCR, 40% CBS Possession) – Streaming for one week’s value of saves is not any simple job, just about akin to taking part in blackjack. Certain, there’s some talent concerned, however pure luck is the overriding issue. With the Royals actually pushing for playoff positioning, Erceg is one of the best out there choice to be in aggressive video games with out worrying about others overtaking him for the save possibilities. Over his final six appearances, the 29-year-old has collected three saves and 9 Ks with a 1.17 ERA over 7.2 innings. (5% FAAB)
15 Crew Provides
Tyler Holton (DET, 22% CBS Possession) – Holton is a little bit bit away from what I contemplate for 15-team suggestion (20% threshold, usually), however he nonetheless might be hanging on some wires in deeper leagues. We mentioned on Playing cards & Classes this week, however the Detroit southpaw has been a monster for the reason that All-Star break, firing a 0.47 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 31:4 Ok:BB over 38 innings whereas amassing three wins, six saves, and 6 holds. He’s clearly turn out to be A.J. Hinch’s safety blanket. With the Tigers homing in on a Wild Card spot, Holton is because of work loads of high-leverage innings subsequent week, which might yield wins, holds, and/or saves. (3-5% FAAB)
