Pete Crow-Armstrong is in a rough patch after the break, but the underlying data paints a patient, long-term bounce-back story. He’s posting solid contact metrics and power indicators, suggesting the slump is temporary rather than a failing profile. Fantasy managers should weigh the Cubs’ lineup context and the rookie’s track record before pulling the plug.

James Wood carries a contrasting arc: elite raw exit velocity and hard-contact rates point to a breakout ceiling, even as a two-week lull drags his ownership down. Wyatt Langford owns a different tale—early-season promise tempered by a brutal month, with strike-zone discipline and plate approach as the keys to his next stretch. Lawrence Butler and Brendan Donovan illustrate the mid-season reality: big counting stats can mask inefficiencies, making them risky or retreat-worthy in shallower formats while still usable in deeper leagues where flexibility matters.

Max Fried remains a pillar, but recent results urge matchup-driven decisions rather than reckless trust. Josh Hader’s shoulder issue clouds late-season plans, elevating Brian Abreu as a potential save-hand in the short term. The host’s broader theme is clear: with playoff push here, owners must cut the fat, protect the core, and ride the upside players who can carry through the final sprint while managing risky spots with strategic benching and timely pickups.

This week's podcast episode highlights several noteworthy players in MLB fantasy baseball, focusing on prospects and those returning from injury. Dominating discussions included Nick Curts, who has been performing exceptionally well in Triple-A with high batting averages and impressive home run numbers, making a strong case for a call-up. Kyle Teal from the Chicago White Sox was also spotlighted, showcasing promise as one of the top catching prospects despite struggling early this season. Listeners were informed about Jacob Misarowski, a pitching prospect for the Brewers who is delivering solid strikeout numbers, and Jordan Lawlar of the Diamondbacks, who has shown potential after overcoming past injuries.

Players like Zach Neto of the Angels, currently on a rehab assignment, were considered must-adds for fantasy teams. Rhett Lowder of the Reds was also recommended as a stash option due to his potential once he returns from injury. The podcast encourages fans to keep an eye on these prospects as they could significantly impact fantasy rosters down the line.

This week's Baseball Barbercast dives into the recent extension of Lawrence Butler, a promising young player for the Oakland Athletics. Butler, at just 24 years old, has secured a 7-year, $65.5 million deal, signaling the A's commitment to building a competitive future as they plan to move to a new stadium in Las Vegas by 2028. Despite facing scrutiny for his strikeout rate early in his career, Butler turned heads with a stellar second half last season, showcasing his potential to be a cornerstone player for the franchise. The discussion also touches on the A's draft history, highlighting Butler's unexpected rise from a sixth-round pick to a key figure in the organization.

Additionally, the podcast features a segment on the A's new president, Mark Badain, who previously oversaw the Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas. As the franchise looks ahead to its future, the hosts express cautious optimism about Butler's trajectory and Badain's leadership role. The episode concludes with a humorous look at the A's evolving stadium renderings, pointing out improvements made based on feedback from fans and analysts.

The outfielder review segment of the Locked On Fantasy Baseball podcast provides in-depth rankings and analysis for the upcoming fantasy season. With names like Ronald Acuña Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Mike Trout highlighted, the hosts dive into their performance metrics and projected outcomes, creating a dynamic debate over the flourishing potential of younger talent versus seasoned veterans. Michael Harris's age and speed are emphasized as key advantages, while Trout's lingering health concerns pose a risk that could overshadow his storied career. The discussion also touches on emerging stars like Lawrence Butler from the Athletics, who carries significant breakout potential this year.