The Cut List - Time to Let Go? Week 27

Welcome back to The Cut List for Week 27. This is our weekly article looking at players whom fantasy managers might be considering cutting from their teams and struggling players who need a closer look. For the final week of the season, we're going to go through all 30 MLB teams and pick out one or two fantasy-relevant players from each ball club who may not be worth rostering over the next week.

For those of us in leagues still playing, there are arguably more headaches now than in the previous 26 weeks of the season combined. Not much analysis is needed for the next seven days. Play your stars, monitor the news closely, and hope you don't get hit with a spate of bad luck that curtails your season.

Those of you experienced Cut List readers will know I'm a strong advocate for not making knee-jerk reactions. A bad week or two shouldn't be a reason to push the panic button and dump someone. At this stage of the season, no one is safe from the chop but we still need to avoid making moves for the wrong reasons. All stats and rostered rates (taken from Yahoo!) reflect when this piece was written.

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General Advice

Gone are the days when teams have 40 players on their active rosters at this stage of the season. They still carry 28 players so they can give a bit more rest to some regular starters. It's less impactful to our fantasy teams and we no longer see teams bench their whole lineup the day after clinching a playoff spot.

Don't get too cute with your lineups because of the number of games a team plays. You're not going to want to bench Paul Goldschmidt for Ty France because the Cardinals play six games and the Mariners play seven. 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 to plot out your lineups. 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 any player with a slight injury. Any issue that they would normally play through earlier in the season will see them sit out. 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 Wild Card Series (teams seeded between third and sixth). They will want to ensure their best starters pitch in the three-game series.

Don't get too cute. Just because the Twins face the A's and then have three games at Coors Field doesn't mean I'm rushing out to pick up Donovan Solano. And I'm certainly not adding him in place of Spencer Torkelson because the Tigers infielder has six games in his pitcher-friendly home ballpark.

Focus on your team but monitor your opponents in head-to-head leagues. For example, if you are in a matchup with someone who has one closer while you are rostering four. Once you have a solid enough lead in saves, you can drop them for other players who can help you more.

In roto leagues, ratios are far less likely to change than counting stats. A player hitting .200 over the next week will not drag down your whole season-long batting average too much. Someone hitting four homers with a .200 batting average next week will likely be more beneficial than someone hitting .350 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 game we play because we enjoy it. Don't lose sight of that in the next few days.

On to the team-by-team guide. We've listed every team's schedule for next week and their players who you may be considering dropping. You can see from each division's standings what they are playing for and the fantasy impact the next week could have.

American League East

Baltimore Orioles

Week 27 schedule: vs. WAS (2), vs. BOS (4)

Ryan Mountcastle was placed on the IL with his shoulder injury. He's eligible to return on Wednesday so he may only miss one game next week. However, the Orioles originally insisted he wouldn't need an IL stint so it remains to be seen when he does return. I wouldn't be banking on him for fantasy.

With the Orioles set to only face one left-handed pitcher (LHP) next week, Ryan O'Hearn becomes a viable replacement for Mountcastle. Anthony Santander has better power numbers against RHP this year. Despite his struggles over the last fortnight, I'd still look to start him next week.

Felix Bautista is eyeing a return next week. In weekly lineup leagues, it may be too risky to activate him for the entire week if you have a better option. It also caps Yennier Cano's value as he may not get a save chance. Rostering either depends on your need for saves and if you can swap them out during the week.

Boston Red Sox

Week 27 schedule: vs. TB (2), at BAL (4)

Triston Casas is very unlikely to play again this year due to his shoulder injury. With the Red Sox only set to face one starting LHP, I expect Alex Verdugo and Masataka Yoshida to only sit once. Unfortunately, both have struggled mightily of late. Going with an alternative option for the week certainly wouldn't be the worst idea.

Kenley Jansen has yet to be activated off the COVID IL and will likely need to throw a bullpen session or two before he returns. He's eligible to return now. As soon as he's physically able to, he'll be back. It just remains to be seen when that is and he is another risky option dependent on how 'saves-needy' you are.

New York Yankees

Week 27 schedule: at TOR (3), at KC (3)

Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres remain the only two Yankees hitters that are must-roster. Giancarlo Stanton still hits bombs but seldom hits the ball. Anthony Volpe is having a disappointing end to what has been a solid rookie season. In shallower leagues, neither of them is a definite starting option.

The Blue Jays have been one of the better offenses against LHP in recent weeks. Carlos Rodon is lined up to make his last start against them. He's been boom-or-bust in recent weeks so he is very much a riskier option. It wouldn't be the worst idea to see if a suitable alternative is available.

Tampa Bay Rays

Week 27 schedule: at BOS (2), at TOR (3)

With only five games next week, the Rays are possibly only going to face three starting RHP. That will impact Josh Lowe's value, who sat against both LHP earlier this week.

Brandon Lowe was diagnosed with a fractured kneecap. He won't play again in 2023. The same goes for Luke Raley, who has been placed on the IL with a neck injury. Both are safe to drop.

Randy Arozarena left Friday's game with a groin issue. He isn't expected to go on the IL but is definitely someone to follow closely. If at any point next week the Rays get locked into their playoff seeding, he could be rested. With only five games anyway, Arozarena might not see the field more than twice.

Depending on how the next few days go, the Rays may tinker with their rotation to ensure Tyler Glasnow starts Game 1 of a possible Wild Card series. That could mean an abbreviated start or being skipped altogether. Not an ideal situation and the upside is too much to look for an alternative so I wouldn't risk dropping him.

Toronto Blue Jays

Week 27 schedule: vs NYY (3), vs TB (3)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is dealing with an injured knee. He's still been able to play so he should avoid an IL stint unless it flares up. The Blue Jays find themselves in an incredibly tight race for the playoffs so they need him on the field.

Even if Guerrero Jr. does play, he will likely be the DH, leaving Cavan Biggio to get more reps at first base. Matt Chapman returned from injury last week. He's done little to justify remaining rostered.

Yusei Kikuchi left Tuesday's game with cramps. He's set to start today so he should be fine for next week. However, he's due to face the Rays and hasn't performed well lately. He isn't someone I'd be confident rostering next week. Kikuchi did offer up one of the most remarkable stats of the season when it comes to his sleep.

American League Central

Chicago White Sox

Week 27 schedule: vs. ARI (3), vs. SD (3)

The White Sox don't have any offensive issues heading into the final week of the season. Gregory Santos landed on the IL and is done for the season. If you're desperate for saves, veteran Bryan Shaw could be the best option. Although expect Aaron Bummer to also feature depending on matchups.

Cleveland Guardians

Week 27 schedule: vs. CIN (2), at DET (3)

The Guardians' season has gone downhill fast to the point they might end up finishing behind the Tigers in the standings. They only have five games next week and may still face three starting LHP. The only leftie in any sort of platoon is Will Brennan, who is only a deep-league option and can be dropped now anyway.

Josh Naylor and Andres Gimenez should be safe from platooning next week. Bo Naylor has impressed since his recall to the majors. He left Friday's game with a thumb injury. It appears to be minor so he should be fine but is only an option in two-catcher leagues next week.

Shane Bieber's return from injury does leave the Guardians rotation in flux for next week. Triston McKenzie is set to return tonight. It'd be hard to trust either for next week but that does mean Gavin Williams.

Logan Allen has struggled lately and already reached a career-high innings pitched. He went on the IL yesterday and won't pitch again this year.

Detroit Tigers

Week 27 schedule: vs. KC (3), vs. CLE (3)

Javier Baez has been struggling with a tight back and after the season he's had, I wouldn't consider him next week anyway. Riley Greene underwent Tommy John Surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of next season. He's definitely still worth holding in dynasty leagues.

Eduardo Rodriguez left his last start early due to a 'scapula spasm'. He is set to start today, which will leave him starting against the Guardians next weekend. It's worth monitoring his start today closely as any recurrence of the back issue or any other problem will almost certainly see him shut down for the season.

Kansas City Royals

Week 27 schedule: at DET (3), vs. NYY (3)

Salvador Perez is eligible to return from the 7-day IL (concussion) today. The expectation is he will be but monitor this in case you need a replacement for next week. Brady Singer wasn't someone you wanted to start next week. Going on the IL has ended his season and he should be dropped.

Minnesota Twins

Week 27 schedule: vs OAK (3), at COL (3)

Royce Lewis suffered a hamstring injury and was placed on the IL. He is done for the regular season. Carlos Correa went on the IL with plantar fasciitis earlier in the week. He could return for the appealing trip to Colorado and it's worth holding him for it if you can activate him for then.

Byron Buxton is nearing a return and although he's been a huge fantasy disappointment this year, the schedule is nice enough to warrant playing him next week. I don't believe he'll play all six games. That means in daily lineup leagues, he's more valuable.

Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, and Kenta Maeda are the current trio set to pitch in Coors Field. As scary as it is, I'd only be definitely sitting the latter of the trio. But Maeda also gets to face the Athletics, so all three are still rosterable for next week.

American League West

Houston Astros

Week 27 schedule: at SEA (3), at ARI (3)

Yordan Alvarez has been dealing with an elbow injury. Providing it doesn't get to a point where he cannot play or the Astros lock up a seeding for the playoffs, he will continue to play.

Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez are the only pitchers I'd be looking to start next week with plenty of confidence. Cristian Javier has been racking up the strikeouts lately. After his outing earlier this week, it's difficult to not start him again next week.

Hunter Brown and J.P. France have put up some real clunkers recently and both face the Diamondbacks next weekend. I'm not risking either unless I have no other options. Despite recent struggles, Ryan Pressly is still the Astros closer and isn't droppable unless you have no need for any saves.

Los Angeles Angels

Week 27 schedule: vs. TEX (3), vs. OAK (3)

C.J. Cron returned from the IL, although it's unlikely you're in a good position if you're still reliant on him next week. Patrick Sandoval had a solid outing on Tuesday and is lined up for a two-start week so he is worth holding on to. Reid Detmers and Griffin Canning are only deeper league options. They both will face the Rangers rather than the Athletics.

Oakland Athletics

Week 27 schedule: at MIN (3), at LAA (3)

Esteury Ruiz continues to be a bench player but is still picking up stolen bases regularly. If you need steals, he remains a premium option. Just keep in mind that's about all you'll get from him next week.

Trevor May has been one of the best relievers in baseball lately. The A's might struggle to win games. But when they do, there's a good chance May will be called upon in a save situation. I'd still hold him for the final week if you need saves.

Seattle Mariners

Week 27 schedule: vs. HOU (3), vs. TEX (4)

With seven games, the Mariners could be one of the most important fantasy factors in the final week. I'm still not starting Ty France unless it's a deeper league and there are no options on waivers. The Mariners are set to face at least two starting LHP. Josh Rojas will sit against them, harming his fantasy value.

Luis Castillo and George Kirby are the pair with two starts scheduled next week. That shouldn't change unless the Mariners have nothing on the line for the final weekend of the season. Both are definite starts in fantasy, despite Kirby's recent struggles.

Bryce Miller is the least attractive fantasy option of the Mariners rotation next week. He gets just one start and it's against the Astros. It's unlikely you'll have a better option available to you so he is still worth rostering and starting.

Texas Rangers

Week 27 schedule: at LAA (3), at SEA (4)

Like the Mariners, the Rangers have seven games and their season-finale series could decide fantasy leagues. Josh Jung and Adolis Garcia both returned from injuries this week and I'd certainly be starting them both next week. Both have homered this week and seem healthy.

My concerns about Evan Carter seeing his role lessened when Garcia returned have dissipated. However, he's been starting every day against RHP. The Rangers are set to face two starting LHP to begin the week before facing five RHP. I'd still start Carter next week.

Jon Gray has failed to get through four innings in each of his last three outings. He gets two starts next week but I'd be reluctant to use him. Nathan Eovaldi has struggled since returning from the IL. He will face the Mariners and is also someone I'd be reluctant to start. I'd watch him closely today before making my decision.

The Rangers bullpen continues to be a mess. William Smith's Monday meltdown added to their woes and it's very doubtful he'll see any save opportunity next week. He's very much a drop candidate in any league. Aroldis Chapman is the Rangers reliever you roster if you're in need of saves.

National League East

Atlanta Braves

Week 27 schedule: vs. CHC (3), vs. WAS (3)

Ronald Acuna Jr. returned to the lineup on Monday and looks 100% healthy. The Braves should secure the number one seed for the playoffs next week which may mean he sits a game or two. But you're still starting him next week.

The only Braves hitter I would look at replacing is Sean Murphy. He's alternating starts with Travis d'Arnaud and has been struggling for a while. You're only getting three games out of him and given the lack of production for the last few weeks, he's droppable.

Max Fried left his last start with a blister. The Braves placed him on the IL, meaning he won't pitch next week. He should be fine for the playoffs but can be dropped in all redraft leagues.

Charlie Morton left Friday's start early with finger discomfort. It remains to be seen the extent of the issue but his start next week is in jeopardy and the Braves won't risk anyone prior to the playoffs.

Bryce Elder's last two starts have not gone well. He's set for two next week and given one is against the Nationals, he's still worthwhile for rostering. With the postponement of Friday's game and injuries to Fried and Morton, the Braves could get creative with their rotation next week. It's one to monitor closely.

Miami Marlins

Week 27 schedule: at NYM (3), at PIT (3)

Luis Arraez and Jake Burger both picked up injuries earlier in the week but both returned to the lineup for the weekend series. After going 12-0 down in the second inning, along with most of their starters, the duo was taken out of the game after one at-bat.

Arraez then left Saturday's game with a leg injury after slipping on the dugout steps. It remains to be seen what the extent of the issue is. Hopefully, we get more news tonight before deciding whether or not he needs replacing.

Sandy Alcantara made a rehab start on Thursday. The hope was he could make two starts for the Marlins next week. Unfortunately, he experienced forearm tightness following the outing and won't pitch again in 2023. Eury Perez joined Alcantara on the IL yesterday. He's finished for the year.

Given the Marlins' opponents next week, I'd have no problem starting any of their rotation. Tanner Scott allowed a run in back-to-back games to start the week. He remains the Marlins closer so he is still rosterable. David Robertson only remains viable in leagues that count holds.

New York Mets

Week 27 schedule: vs. MIA (3), vs. PHI (3)

Starling Marte is set to return for the final week of the season. He's completing a rehab assignment today and if it goes well, he'll be back for the final homestand. I would still be reluctant to start Marte in all but deeper leagues.

The Mets deploying a six-man rotation means no one is starting twice next week. You're still starting Kodai Senga and the remainder of their rotation has been solid in recent weeks so they make interesting streaming options. The Mets confirmed Edwin Diaz won't pitch this season. If you've been stashing him this long, you can finally drop him.

Philadelphia Phillies

Week 27 schedule: vs. PIT (3), at NYM (3)

The Phillies should only face one starting LHP next week. That means Brandon Marsh is still rosterable in deeper leagues. J.T. Realmuto has scuffled along lately but I still wouldn't be looking to drop him.

Aaron Nola is pegged for two starts next week so despite his disappointing campaign, you're rostering him for the final week. Michael Lorenzen moved to a relief role and the early results haven't been good. He's droppable in all redraft leagues.

Washington Nationals

Week 27 schedule: at BAL (2), at ATL (3)

The Nationals have little fantasy relevancy and playing just five games next week compounds that. Lane Thomas has been struggling so I wouldn't be averse to looking for an alternative for next week.

MacKenzie Gore was shut down for the season following a blister issue. Given their opponents next week, I don't have interest in starting any of their pitchers so all Nationals arms can be dropped.

National League Central

Chicago Cubs

Week 27 schedule: at ATL (3), at MIL (3)

Jeimer Candelario looks like he's returning for the final week. It'll be a bit of a risk starting him in fantasy and he has tough matchups. Play him if you have to but monitor the news closely and don't be afraid to go with an alternative option.

Adbert Alzolay is working towards a return. However, he's not eligible to return until Tuesday and will still need to get a full bullpen session in. If you have to activate him on Monday, I won't be banking on him. We might only see him for the final series of the season at best.

Cincinnati Reds

Week 27 schedule: at CLE (2), at STL (3)

Elly De La Cruz continues to struggle but also keeps running when he gets on base. With only five games next week, unless you're in need of the steals, I have no issue dropping De La Cruz for someone else in redraft leagues.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand has earned his way into more playing time. After being used sparingly and in a 'soft-platoon', he's been starting against more RHP this week. The Reds are set to face two starting LHP in the final week which should also help his value.

Matt McLain is set to return for the final week. That will have the potential to hurt Encarnacion-Strand's playing time. And with De La Cruz and Jonathan India struggling so much, either of them could see a couple of games on the bench.

With only five games scheduled, missing just one will put a serious dent into their fantasy value. It's hard to trust any Reds infielder for the final week so plan accordingly.

Andrew Abbott has been struggling of late. He gets to face the Guardians to conclude his rookie season. The Guardians have been a bottom-five offense against LHP throughout the season so I wouldn't be averse to risking Abbott one last time this season.

Milwaukee Brewers

Week 27 schedule: vs. STL (3), vs. CHC (3)

Christian Yelich returned to the lineup on Friday. He played left field and hit leadoff. The concern of course is any problems with his back will likely see him shut down. The Brewers and Yelich were being cautious, in part due to the standings. When the Brewers wrap up the division, expect Yelich to be used more sparingly.

Rowdy Tellez returned to the bench following Yelich's return. Given his struggles, limited playing time, and the Brewers set to face two starting LHP next week, he can be replaced in all leagues.

Adrian Houser gets the double-start week. He carries little upside so he is only a desperate volume play but could pick up a couple of wins. Corbin Burnes has been scuffling in recent starts but recovered from a sprained ankle and is set to face the Cardinals. That means you're still starting him.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Week 27 schedule: at PHI (3), vs. MIA (3)

The Pirates hold little in the way of fantasy value. Bryan Reynolds and Ke'Bryan Hayes are both still starting options. Jack Suwinski has been performing well again and has been playing against LHP so he is worth a look if you need an outfielder for the final week.

Mitch Keller gets the Phillies to end his season. He could theoretically get a second start on the final day. He's so boom-or-bust that starting him will be down to whether you're chasing stats or can play things safe and bench or drop him.

St. Louis Cardinals

Week 27 schedule: at MIL (3), vs. CIN (3)

Willson Contreras was placed on the IL and is done for the season. He's been one of the best fantasy catchers in the second half of the season so his loss will be felt next week.

Another injury for #STLCards as Willson Contreras is heading to the IL because of tendonitis in his left wrist, ending his season. Corresponding roster move has not been announced.

— Rob Rains (@RobRains) September 21, 2023

Oliver Marmol has said that Nolan Gorman has a slim chance of returning before the end of the season. Tyler O'Neill could also return from injury next week. I'm not expecting to see either of them again in 2023, making them both droppable.

Nolan Arenado's dreadful end to the season got worse on Friday. He was placed on the IL with back spasms, which has ended his 2023. Finding a suitable replacement might not be easy. Go see if the Rockies' Elehuris Montero is available with his seven-game homestand.

With the Cardinals likely to face two starting LHP next week, Tommy Edman will be hitting down the order for most of the week. He's also been struggling mightily to end the season and isn't someone I'm counting on to help fantasy managers next week.

National League West

Arizona Diamondbacks

Week 27 schedule: at CHW (3), vs. HOU (3)

Christian Walker has been the biggest D-backs fantasy struggler this month. He's still hitting cleanup and possesses big power to justify remaining rostered. Jake McCarthy remains a bench bat in Arizona and should be replaced on your rosters.

Zac Gallen has been finishing the season with a whimper. Four of his last five starts have been bad and he's scheduled to face the Astros next weekend. He does have significantly better numbers at home so he is still worth rostering.

Colorado Rockies

Week 27 schedule: vs. LAD (4), vs. MIN (3)

The Rockies get seven home games to close out 2023. The Dodgers and Twins are both locked into their seedings so they could tweak their rotations. It could see easier matchups for the Rockies, especially shorter starts from their opponents' best starters.

Nolan Jones has emerged as a fantasy star out in the second half and is potentially to be a top-30 hitter moving forward. He should be 100% rostered (currently only on rosters in a nice 69% of leagues).

The Rockies have no viable pitching options. Tyler Kinley is a very volatile option if you are desperate for saves. Outside of that, you should just be sticking with the offense.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Week 27 schedule: at COL (4), at SF (3)

As appealing as four games in Coors Field seems, the Dodgers are set to face four starting RHP. That means Amed Rosario still isn't worth rostering. The same goes for Chris Taylor. They could both only get one start in Colorado.

I anticipate the Dodgers will keep rotating their stars so they get some rest. The talent and schedule still mean the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and J.D. Martinez are still definite starters for next week.

Will Smith might only get four starts next week. He's not been very productive lately but he still remains an elite catching option. There won't be better options available on waivers in your leagues.

The Tuesday doubler header means Ryan Pepiot or Bobby Miller could be in line for two starts. The obvious issue is one will come at Coors Field. Do you need to risk either knowing you might only get one start in Colorado from them?

The Dodgers consider Miller as their number one or two starter in the postseason. They are much more likely to be cautious with him and ensure he's ready for the NLDS.

Lance Lynn does look set to avoid starting against the Rockies. However, he's been pretty dreadful for most of his starts with the Dodgers. I wouldn't start him next weekend unless you're desperate for a starter.

San Diego Padres

Week 27 schedule: at SF (3), at CHW (3)

The Padres' playoff hopes hang by a thread. The moment they officially end, expect it to also end the season for Manny Machado. He homered twice on Friday as a reminder of his talent. I just don't see how you can start him in weekly lineup leagues, making him droppable in such leagues.

Ha-Seong Kim has been dealing with an abdominal issue. He returned to the lineup on Friday so he looks set to be fine for the final week. He did slip down to sixth in the order but that shouldn't be enough to warrant dropping him.

Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove won't pitch again this season. Michael Wacha has an inflated ERA in recent starts but draws the White Sox next weekend. He's still worth starting in that matchup.

San Francisco Giants

Week 27 schedule: vs. SD (3), vs. LAD (3)

The Giants have been one of the worst offenses in recent weeks. That's capping any value fantasy managers get from Thairo Estrada and Wilmer Flores. Both can be replaced if you have a suitable option available on waivers.

Alex Cobb's hip issue finally saw him placed on the IL, ending his season. He's pitched through it for a while, which helps explain his struggles. Logan Webb is the only Giants pitcher I'd start with any confidence. Webb also gets two starts next week.

Before I sign off, I just wanted to thank each and every one of you who has read, commented, and supported The Cut List throughout the season. It wouldn't be a thing if it wasn't for all of you, so from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

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