The Cut List - Time to Let Go? Week 25

Welcome back to The Cut List. This is our weekly article looking at players who fantasy managers might be considering cutting from their teams and struggling players who need a closer look. Normally, we look at players who are worthy of a drop, players who are worth monitoring for replacing, and someone on the hot seat who is worth holding on to... for now.

As we are heading into the final full week of the season, rather than looking at individual players, it makes more sense to look at each team. We'll look at their strength of schedule over the final week and a half, what teams have to play for and the impact those things might have on their lineups and pitching rotation.

As we reach the end of the season, I want to thank everyone who has read, commented and supported The Cut List throughout the season. As always, if there's ever someone you want advice on, you can still drop their name on Reddit or reach out to me on Twitter (@Baseball_Jimbo), and I'll do my best to answer.

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General Advice

Although teams no longer have 40 players on their active rosters at this stage of the season, they still carry 28 players so can give a bit more rest to some regular starters. It's far less impactful to our fantasy teams and we no longer see teams bench their whole lineup the day after clinching a playoff spot. Still, be mindful that teams clinching will still rotate most of their offense the following day.

Don't get too cute with your lineups because of the number of games the team plays. You're not going to want to bench Kyle Tucker for Austin Hays because the Astros play two fewer games than the Orioles. By all means, use the number of games as a deciding factor if you're torn but not as the main focus.

In daily roster change leagues, it's obviously easier plotting out your lineups but still ensure you're keeping an eye out for the next few days and not just each day at a time. If you can, make moves with the future games in mind and not just focus solely on the next game.

Teams out of contention or already sealing a postseason berth will be far more inclined to not start anyone with a slight niggle or issue that the player would normally play through earlier in the season. So make sure to check your lineups right up until the lock time (whether it's weekly or daily).

Those teams with playoff spots clinched will be looking to get their starting rotation lined up and ready for the playoffs. This is especially prevalent for the teams who will be playing in the Wildcard Series (teams seeded between third and sixth) who will want to ensure their best starters pitch in the three-game series.

Don't get too cute. Bobby Witt Jr. has nine games at Detroit and Cleveland (both ballparks are friendlier to pitchers than hitters). Zach McKinstry has nine games at Wrigley Field and Great American Ballpark (both hitter-friendly ballparks). You're not going to bench Witt Jr. for McKinstry based on that.

Just focus on your team and not worry about who else is doing what. This is especially true in head-to-head leagues. As an example, I'm in a matchup with someone who has one closer while I'm rostering four. Once I have a solid enough lead in saves, I'll drop them for other players who can help me more.

In roto leagues, ratios are far less likely to change than counting stats. A player hitting .200 over the final week and a half will not drag down your whole season-long batting average whereby the three homers he hits could jump you up a couple of spots compared to someone like Steven Kwan hitting .320 with no homers.

Lastly, have fun. It's been a long season which I'm sure has had plenty of ups and downs. But it's easy to forget, this is just a little game we play because we enjoy it. Don't lose sight of that in the next few days. We've already seen history made in the last couple of days and still have someone looking to break records, one of the best MVP races in recent memory and veterans looking to go out with a bang so just sit back and enjoy this great game we all love.

On to the team-by-team guide. We've listed every team's schedule to close out the season, provide information on what they are playing for and the impact the next week and a half could have on their lineups and rotation for fantasy purposes.

National League East

Atlanta Braves

Remaining schedule: at WAS (3), vs NYM (3), at MIA (3)

The Braves are in a tussle with the Mets for the NL East but have guaranteed a playoff spot. The series at home to the Mets will go a long way to deciding whether they enter the playoffs as the number two seed with a bye in the Wildcard round, or as the number four seed with a best-of-three series to face the Dodgers in the NLDS.

The Marlins have scored the tied-fewest runs (546) in the National League while the Nationals have allowed the second-most runs (790) in the NL, making their matchups on both sides of the ball ideal. Ozzie Albies is out for the rest of the regular season so can be dropped while Spencer Strider was placed on the IL with a sore oblique, so is droppable. If they are locked into the number four seed, they will look to configure their rotation to ensure they have their preferred options pitching in the three-game Wildcard Series.

Miami Marlins

Remaining schedule: at NYM (2), at MIL (4), at ATL (3)

It's another year without any meaningful September baseball for the Marlins who have once again found a way to have an offense unable to score runs. Their offense likely won't appreciate facing two of the best pitching staffs in baseball, along with the Brewers with all three remaining opponents competing for playoff spots.

Jon Berti is the only Marlins hitter I'd be starting (but purely for steals) and Sandy Alcantara remains matchup-proof so should be started in 99.9% of cases. Edward Cabrera, Pablo Lopez and Jesus Luzardo are fine options if you can risk a possible mini-meltdown and Dylan Floro is an option if you're desperate for saves. Outside of those names, there's no real interest in the Marlins over than in deeper leagues.

New York Mets

Remaining schedule: vs MIA (2), at ATL (3), vs WAS (3)

The Mets are facing the same opponents as the Braves to finish out the season (albeit with one fewer game) which makes the NL East race so intriguing. Like the Braves, they couldn't have handpicked better opposition in a bid to clinch their first Division Crown since 2015.

The Mets starting rotation is healthy again and you shouldn't have any qualms about starting them over the next ten days. As unlikely as it is right now, keep in mind if they collapse and are locked into the number four seed, they will tinker with their rotation to ensure Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer can pitch in the Wildcard Series.

Philadelphia Phillies

Remaining schedule: at CHC (3), at WAS (4), at HOU (3)

The Phillies are battling with the Padres and the Brewers for the final two Wildcard spots and will want to make the most of their series in Chicago and Washington to do so. The series in Houston might be worth avoiding from a fantasy standpoint, especially if the Phillies are locked into their seeding prior to that series.

Outside of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, I'm not starting Phillies pitchers with any great confidence and I'm sure they will want the duo to pitch games one and two of a possible Wildcard series so they could be limited or skipped depending on how then next week goes. Nick Castellanos might return before the end of the season but if you can't carry him on your IL, I'm fine dropping him this weekend.

Washington Nationals

Remaining schedule: vs ATL (3), vs PHI (4), at NYM (3)

Another season to forget for the Nationals, in which they traded away their main attraction in Juan Soto and are favorites to finish the season with the worst record in the majors. They don't have a nice run-in to end the season on with ten games against divisional rivals, all competing for the postseason.

There's no reason to be starting any Nationals pitcher. Even Josiah Gray's strikeouts have diminished in recent outings while he still gives up too many runs so isn't even an appealing streaming option. Kyle Finnegan is fine for saves, just don't expect many so is droppable unless you're desperate in the category. Joey Meneses and Luke Voit are the only hitters I'd be looking to keep around in all but very deep leagues.

National League Central

Chicago Cubs

Remaining schedule: vs PHI (3), vs CIN (3), at CIN (3)

The Cubs are settled in third place of the NL Central but will fancy their chances of going over .500 during the next ten days. They get to finish their season in hitter-friendly ballparks and with better-than-average matchups for pitching and hitting, although could end up facing Wheeler and Nola, then Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene.

They do have some nice streaming options but there isn't anyone in the Cubs rotation I'd consider a must-start in the coming days. Rowan Wick has the potential to pick up some saves. Franmil Reyes has gone ice-cold and isn't someone I'm looking to hold on to, while Willson Contreras will probably get brought back for a final goodbye to the Wrigley faithful but it's unlikely he'll be 100% healthy.

Cincinnati Reds

Remaining schedule: at PIT (3), at CHC (3), vs CHC (3)

The Reds look like edging out the Pirates for fourth in the division, but the series between the two could be one of the most pointless series in recent history. The good news is that they do have some fantasy-friendly games to finish the season with. The bad news is they have little to get excited about for fantasy on their roster.

Lodolo and Greene are both good options while Alexis Diaz could chip in with some saves. On offense, Jonathan India and Kyle Farmer are doing just enough to stay relevant and have good matchups while the likes of Aristides Aquino, Jake Fraley and TJ Friedl remain useful in deep leagues. In shallow leagues, I'm not really looking at the Reds unless I need a desperation play in the outfield.

Milwaukee Brewers

Remaining schedule: vs STL (2), vs MIA (4), vs ARI (3)

A midseason slump has seen the Brewers bid for back-to-back NL Central titles falter and they find themselves in a struggle for a postseason spot with the Padres and Phillies. Their final two series could easily end up in sweeps and see them sneak into the playoffs. It's likely their push will go into the final game of 2022.

The Brewers might face some potentially tough pitching in the Miami series and guys like Hunter Renfroe or Luis Urias, who have struggled for form and playing time of late aren't guys I'm pinning my hopes on in fantasy, making them droppable. Freddy Peralta is set to return tonight but doesn't seem to have been stretched out enough yet to go deep enough to pick up a win so he's only rosterable dependent on your team's needs.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Remaining schedule: vs CIN (3), at STL (3), vs STL (3)

It's been another lost season for the Pirates who are in a 'contest' for the worst record in the NL with the Nationals. The good news for Pittsburgh fans has been the emergence of prospects Oneil Cruz and Roansy Contreras. Mitch Keller has flashed some good moments while Rodolfo Castro has displayed some of his power potential.

As for their schedule, the Pirates are set to be the number three seeds and face a Wildcard Series so will look to ensure their rotation is lined up with that three-game series in mind. That could mean the Pirates won't face Adam Wainwright, Jordan Montgomery and Miles Mikolas more than once in their six contests, all of whom could have abbreviated starts too. Ke'Bryan Hayes was scratched from the lineup Friday so could be nursing an injury that will need monitoring too.

St. Louis Cardinals

Remaining schedule: at MIL (2), vs PIT (3), at PIT (3)

The Cardinals are set for the number three seed and a Wildcard series against the number six seed. That will likely see them tinker with their starting rotation to ensure they have their preferred top-3 options lined up to pitch in the postseason series which is set to begin on October seventh (two days after the end of the regular season).

While the Cardinals will probably give an extra day of rest to their offensive stars, they are still set to face a Pirates pitching staff that has allowed the third most runs (???) in the majors this year. Until there is clarity on how the Cardinals will proceed with their starting pitchers, I'm not dropping any with a possible start against the Pirates too appealing. Now Albert Pujols has hit his 700th home run, expect some fanfare as he bids farewell to baseball in the coming weeks.

National League West

Arizona Diamondbacks

Remaining schedule: at HOU (2), at SFG (3), at MIL (3)

The Diamondbacks had a little burst of life in August, ranking fourth in runs scored (146) during the month. Unfortunately, it didn't last long and despite playing 24 games in 24 days this month (including three at Coors Field), they rank 11th in runs scored in September (92), with 23 of them coming in the games at Colorado.

From a player standpoint, Josh Rojas appears to have lost his starting job after sitting out Wednesday's game against Dustin May, as well as sitting against any left-handed pitcher (LHP). I'm fine dropping Rojas in redraft leagues. Top prospect Corbin Carroll also sits against LHP so watch for the matchups. And Merrill Kelly has struggled of late but was good on Saturday night and has another outing against the Giants next.

Colorado Rockies

Remaining schedule: at SFG (3), at LAD (6)

The Rockies close out the season with six games at the Dodgers and are set to finish the year last in the NL West. While the Dodgers could sit some starters and limit their pitching in the final series, as they prepare for a World Series charge, it's difficult to have any faith in the Rockies picking up many more wins in 2022.

I've covered in recent weeks how vast the home and road splits are for Rockies hitters. With nine road games left to play, Jose Iglesias (124) is the only Rockies hitter with a wRC+ better than 100 on the road but only offers batting average help. You likely won't want to start any Rockies hitter on the road making them all droppable in redraft leagues. Kyle Freeland is a possible streaming option but other than Daniel Bard, there's little value in rostering Rockies pitchers over the next ten days.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Remaining schedule: at SDP (3), vs COL (6)

The Dodgers are locked into the number one seed in the National League and are set to have the best record in baseball. As mentioned with the 28-man rosters, they may opt to give an extra day of rest to some regular starters in the final days of the season but have nearly a week of rest between the end of the regular season and the commencement of the NLDS.

I don't have any worries about the Dodgers resting their top hitters excessively in the coming days so I'm still starting the usual stars without much concern. I expect their usual rotation all to make at least one more start with most still having two outings (albeit they may be abbreviated). Craig Kimbrel is out as the Dodgers closer so is droppable. Even if he gets another shot at a save, how confident are you that he'd convert it?

San Diego Padres

Remaining schedule: vs LAD (3), vs CHW (3), vs SFG (3)

The Padres are in pole position to claim one of the two remaining wildcard spots but will likely need to pick up at least one win against the Dodgers and win the remaining two series to do so. Unless the Brewers or Phillies have a mini-collapse over the next week, the Padres probably won't have the luxury of rearranging their starting rotation in preparation for the Wildcard Series.

Soto has shown signs of life lately and I wouldn't be dropping him anyway. Josh Bell has really struggled with the Padres and I'm not opposed to replacing him for the final ten days of the season. Jurickson Profar has also struggled of late but is still leading off so should tally some runs if you need them. You're still not trusting Sean Manaea but I'm likely still starting all other Padres pitchers in the final days of the season.

San Francisco Giants

Remaining schedule: vs COL (3), vs ARI (3), at SDP (3)

The Giants couldn't repeat last year's magic and could wind up finishing with a losing record. They finish up with three divisional series but are 26-40 in games against fellow NL West teams (11 of the wins coming against the Rockies). Despite the losing record and a bottom-three ranked defense in Outs Above Average (-28 OAA), the Giants do have a +7 run differential.

I'm still starting Logan Webb, Alex Cobb and Carlos Rodon on my teams and Camilo Doval should be able to tally at least a couple more saves. Mike Yastrzemski homered twice this week, but both coming at Coors Field so I'm still not starting him in anything other than deep leagues. Thairo Estrada is the only Giants hitter I'll be including in any shallow league roster with confidence with Joc Pederson only seeing my starting lineups in daily leagues against RHP.

American League East

Baltimore Orioles

Remaining schedule: at BOS (4), at NYY (3), vs TOR (3)

The Orioles are set for their first winning record in six years but look like coming up short in their bid for a Wildcard spot. The good news for Orioles fans is the future looks bright with their young core showing promising signs all season. They're 30-36 against AL East teams so haven't been overpowered within the division for the first time in a while.

The Orioles rotation has been surprisingly good but faces a tough schedule to end the season, with all three teams ranking in the top-10 for runs scored this month. Yankees and Blue Jays rank fourth and first respectively. Kyle Bradish was outstanding last time out against the Astros and Felix Bautista has been a reliable closer so I'd roll with them. Their offense has been the letdown in recent weeks and outside of Cedric Mullins and Adley Rutschman, I wouldn't be confident starting Orioles hitters.

Boston Red Sox

Remaining schedule: vs BAL (4), at TOR (3), vs TBR (3)

The Red Sox are in danger of finishing last in the AL East for the second time in three years. Big free agent acquisition Trevor Story has been limited to 94 games due to injuries, Chris Sale returned, got hurt, got hurt while being hurt and ends the season with just 5.2 IP. Youngsters Jarren Duran and Bobby Dalbec have struggled to make an impact.

Although Red Sox hitters have a tough schedule, you're still starting Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts. J.D. Martinez and Alex Verdugo should still tally enough runs and RBI to be relevant but there's no one else in the lineup I'd be keen to roster. Michael Wacha is the only starting pitcher I'd have faith in producing, although Bryan Bello could make two more starts and is an interesting streaming option.

New York Yankees

Remaining schedule: at TOR (3), vs BAL (3), at TEX (4)

The Yankees appear to have put their August struggles behind them and the offense has been putting runs on the scoreboard again. They won't catch the Astros for the number one seed and don't look like being caught for the AL East crown so appear locked in as the number two seeds which should see them give a bit more rest to some of their veterans.

Outside of the Toronto series, I have no concerns about the Yankees starting pitching. Frankie Montas will be nursed with the playoffs in mind (as well as struggling in the Bronx) so can be dropped. Andrew Benintendi looks set to miss the rest of the regular season so can also be dropped but the remainder of their offense is rosterable with nice matchups.

Tampa Bay Rays

Remaining schedule: at CLE (3), at HOU (3), at BOS (3)

The Rays are odds on for a wildcard spot but it remains to be seen whether they finish up as the number four, five or six seed. They have two tough-looking series to come although the Guardians and Astros are looking secure as the American League one and three seeds and might not be at full strength for the entirety of their three-game series with the Rays.

The fact the Rays could face the Guardians and/or the Astros in the playoffs adds an interesting wrinkle but I don't think they can avoid giving their possible playoff opponents a close-up preview by resting their own stars. Yandy Diaz has been nursing a sore shoulder and missed the last five games. Any IL stint makes him droppable. Brandon Lowe is already droppable.

Toronto Blue Jays

Remaining schedule: vs NYY (3), vs BOS (3), at BAL (3)

Like the Rays, the Blue Jays could finish up as the fourth, fifth or sixth seed but do have a slightly easier schedule to finish with. The Yankees could seal the division crown in their series but the Blue Jays will expect to go over .500 in the next week and a half.

Kevin Gausman bounced back from two poor outings with six shutout innings against the Phillies and I have no problem starting him or Alek Manoah regardless of the matchup. I'd be reluctant to start Jose Berrios against the Yankees and on the offense, Whit Merrifield has been droppable in shallower leagues for a while. I don't have many concerns with the rest of their lineup.

American League Central

Chicago White Sox

Remaining schedule: at MIN (3), at SDP (3), vs MIN (3)

The White Sox being swept by the Guardians earlier this week has all but ended any hopes of winning the division and making the playoffs. It's been a disappointing season for the Southsiders, plagued with injuries, poor performance and questionable management decisions. It looks like it'll be a Winter of changes and upheaval as they try to make the most of the young talent they have on their roster.

The White Sox reluctance to put Luis Robert on the IL has been baffling and at this point, I have no problem dropping him in redraft leagues. Tim Anderson could return from the IL but it makes sense not to push him so he's not a must-start when he returns. I don't have too many concerns about starting any White Sox pitcher although Michael Kopech probably doesn't pitch again this year so is droppable in redraft leagues.

Cleveland Guardians

Remaining schedule: vs TBR (3), vs KCR (6)

The Guardians sweeping the White Sox has practically sealed them the AL Central crown and the number three seed in the playoffs. That does mean a Wildcard Series so expect them to tweak and tinker with the lineup and starting rotation over the final few days of the season.

The Guardians will likely want to have Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill lined up in some order for the Wildcard Series. Even if they are limited to end the season, getting five innings from any of them against the Royals offers fantasy value so you aren't dropping them. Their offense has been clicking and I don't have any concerns about starting Guardians hitters over the next ten days.

Detroit Tigers

Remaining schedule: vs KCR (3), vs MIN (3), at SEA (4)

The Tigers look set to finish last in the division and could still end the year with the worst record in the American League. Whilst their remaining schedule doesn't look too bad, their offense has been historically bad and ranks last in baseball for runs scored (497).

Eduardo Rodriguez has a 4.35 ERA in his seven starts (39.1IP) since his return and has a start against the Royals and Mariners scheduled. I'm not starting him unless I have to and will look to avoid the Seattle matchup. Joey Wentz is the only Tigers pitcher I'd be starting with a semblance of confidence as he should avoid facing the Mariners. Javier Baez has heated up and is worth starting but with the likes of Spencer Torkelson (redraft only) and Jonathan Schoop, I'm looking at waivers to replace them.

Kansas City Royals

Remaining schedule: at DET (3), at CLE (6)

The Royals have begun their Front Office rebuild with Dayton Moore being let go and additional changes expected in the coming weeks. The Guardians could sit a couple of their stars during their six-game series and will be ensuring they have their desired starting pitchers lined up for the Wildcard Series. The Royals young players have impressed on offense this year and could provide some sneak fantasy value in the upcoming days.

Brady Singer and Scott Barlow are the only pitchers I'm rostering and will start with confidence, although Barlow might only get another save or two. On offense, Bobby Witt Jr has shone throughout the year and should be started while fellow rookies Vinnie Pasquantino and M.J. Melendez are still worthy of starting. Salvador Perez has come to life in September and Nate Eaton is a stolen base asset, making them still solid fantasy starters.

Minnesota Twins

Remaining schedule: vs CHW (3), at DET (3), at CHW (3)

The Twins won't be playing in the playoffs and have six games against fellow AL Central disappointments, sandwiching a series at the Tigers. Whilst they have a pretty nice schedule to finish with, they're dealing with multiple injuries to key players on offense and in their rotation so the last nine games might not yield much joy.

Byron Buxton won't see the field again this season, while the same could be true for Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler. On the pitching front, Sonny Gray and Tyler Mahle look set to be done for the year too. Luis Arraez is only worth starting if you need runs or your league's batting averages are very close. Jorge Lopez has been dreadful since joining the Twins and probably won't see another save opportunity in 2022, leaving him droppable.

American League West

Houston Astros

Remaining schedule: vs ARI (2), vs TBR (3), vs PHI (3)

The Astros are locked and loaded as the number one sees in the American League and their excellent pitching staff won't be too concerned about their remaining schedule. They do only have eight games left but as we mentioned before, you're not going to bench your studs based on that.

Jose Urquidy's recent struggles make him the only member of the Astros rotation I'm fine dropping in shallower leagues, although he bounced back against the Orioles on Friday night. Christian Vazquez has been droppable since being traded to the Astros while Trey Mancini hasn't been able to replicate his numbers in Baltimore. But the rest of their offense remains rosterable in all leagues and should still put up a decent number of runs.

Los Angeles Angels

Remaining schedule: vs OAK (3), vs TEX (3), at OAK (3)

It's the same old story in LA, with the Angels once again falling well short of a playoff berth and despite having two of the premier talents in baseball, look like finishing the season ~20 games under .500. They do have a nice schedule to finish off with, however.

Shohei Ohtani and Patrick Sandoval have been fantasy assets all season but against the Athletics, any of their rotation becomes a solid streaming option. They haven't had much in the way of productive fantasy hitters this year but I wouldn't be looking at their upcoming schedule and thinking I have to drop anyone I haven't dumped to waivers already.

Oakland Athletics

Remaining schedule: at LAA (3), at SEA (3), vs LAA (3)

The less said about the Athletics, the better. They are closing in on the worst record in the American League and it's easy to forget they have had Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, Chris Bassitt, Manaea, Montas and Starling Marte on their roster within the last 12 months. None are there now though and things have pretty much gone as you'd have expected.

While the A's have a pretty nice schedule to end the year on, they still don't have any starting pitcher who appeals enough to warrant starting. On offense, Ramon Laureano looks like he's done for the year and is droppable in all leagues while no one on their offense appeals enough to bank on over the next ten days. They're something of a fantasy black hole.

Seattle Mariners

Remaining schedule: vs TEX (3), vs OAK (3), vs DET (4)

The Mariners are set to break a 21-year playoff drought if they can hold off a possible late charge by the Orioles. They still have a chance to finish as the fourth, fifth or sixth seed as they compete with the Blue Jays and Rays for the three wildcard spots.

They have probably the easiest pitching schedule in the Majors and I have no issue with starting any Mariners pitcher in the next ten days. On their offense, Julio Rodriguez could miss the rest of the season with a back issue and is droppable in redraft leagues. Jesse Winker has been dreadful for a while and is droppable, while the same can be said of J.P. Crawford. I'd be looking for upgrades on both even with their upcoming weak schedule.

Texas Rangers

Remaining schedule: at SEA (3), at LAA (3), vs NYY (4)

Despite spending hundreds of millions of dollars in free agency last Winter, the Rangers are closer to having the worst record in baseball than they are to the playoffs. The Yankees will likely be locked in as number two seeds by the time the teams meet but they still have a tough-looking remaining schedule for their pitchers and hitters.

Martin Perez has emerged as the ace of the Rangers rotation but is set for starts against the Mariners and Yankees. If you aren't sure you want to start him in those games, you can just drop him. The same goes for Jon Gray, who is building back from an oblique strain although he did reach five innings on Friday so I'd look to start him next time out at least. Jonah Heim is seeing the bench more frequently so I'd look at waivers for a replacement catcher.

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