OTW 249 - FAAB #3; April 5, 2026

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 </