Juan Soto heats up as September turns, signaling a late-season surge with heavy October upside for the Mets and a fantasy horizon that shines in the final weeks. His multi-category impact—runs, RBIs, and power—positions him as the premiere late-season anchor even as MVP debates rage. The Mets lean on Soto to push through a tight playoff push, underscoring Soto’s postseason pedigree in fantasy lineups.

Rotation chatter dominates the other half: Kodai Senga lands on the injured list, prompting a reshuffle that could move Sean Manaea into a bullpen role as a weapon, elevate Tyler McGill and a few depth pieces, and push Cody Sangha into a hold or IL scenario. The aim is to maximize innings and leverage October-ready arms while Soto carries the offense through the stretch run.

As the MLB season approaches, the podcast highlights strategic considerations for fantasy baseball players, particularly focusing on head-to-head points and categories formats. With injuries impacting player rankings, notably Sean Manaea's oblique strain forcing him to start the season on the injured list, experts discuss how to adjust draft strategies accordingly. Rankings have been fluid, with many players falling down boards, but opportunities exist to capitalize on discounts for injury-prone players. In particular, the conversation shifts to the importance of understanding scoring systems and how they influence player value in different formats.

The decline in starting pitcher usage has reshaped drafting strategies, with elite hitters now often outperforming top pitchers in head-to-head leagues. The hosts emphasize the need to focus on players who can deliver consistent offensive contributions, especially in scoring formats that penalize negatives like strikeouts and hitting errors. With careful planning and an eye on player health, enthusiasts can navigate the challenges of the draft and make informed decisions to enhance their fantasy teams.

In the latest update from Mets camp, starting pitcher Sean Manaea is expected to start the season on the injured list due to an oblique injury. Mets fans find themselves facing a dilemma: either remain cautiously optimistic about the severity of Manaea's injury or brace for a potentially long absence. The team's pitching depth is already being tested with Frankie Montas also unavailable to start the season.

If Manaea's recovery aligns with team management's assessment, he could return by mid-April, allowing the Mets to navigate through the early season with their current rotation. However, should his recovery take longer, the Mets risk relying on less proven pitchers like Griffin Canning and Paul Blackburn in their rotation, raising concerns about overall performance.