The Cut List goes into Week 21 with a clear tone: drop candidates who’ve lost value, hover watchers to consider replacements, and hold those on the hot seat for now. Marcus Semien paces toward a career-low batting average and may slip in the Rangers’ order as offense stalls; Jasson Dominguez has shown little sustained fantasy upside this year and is a candidate to drop in shallower formats. Max Fried remains a hold despite a rough stretch, while Steven Kwan still chips in counting stats even as his slash line falters. Spencer Strider sits on the hot seat, needing a couple strong turns to regain trust, while Wyatt Langford and Lawrence Butler are eyed by readers for potential demotions or opportunistic holds. Brandon Nimmo caps the week as a player whose value hinges on lineup placement and continued production between Soto/Alonso, with proceed-with-caution in shallow setups.

Beyond the headlines, the piece stresses not overreacting to a bad week but recognizing where a decline could linger. It outlines practical moves around 2B, outfield balance, and rotation plans, including a possible six-man rotation for Atlanta that could impact Strider. It also emphasizes dynasty vs. redraft nuance for Dominguez and Langford, and invites reader requests for next week’s Cut List. The overall message: smart, evidence-based cuts and timely pickups beat knee-jerk reactions as the season advances into late August and September.

For fantasy managers, Week 21 demands disciplined roster management—trust the data, watch injury flags, and keep a few durable producers like Nimmo in play, while being ready to pivot from underperforming holdovers. The Cut List serves as a weekly sanity check for rosters, reminding managers to optimize for counting stats and park effects, not just raw averages.

Goldschmidt suffered a low-grade right knee sprain and did not serve as pinch hitter as the Yankees fell to Minnesota. Boone indicated an IL option is on the table, with a Thursday decision looming on an off day before a weekend set in St. Louis. Goldschmidt downplayed the injury, but the knee issue could alter playing time and lineup construction. If sidelined, New York has 40-man depth to cover first base and designated hitter duties, including Domínguez, Escarra, Wells or Rice, and Bellinger’s versatility on defense could push other pieces around. Stanton’s elbow and Judge’s DH-only situation add more moving parts to the Yankees’ inactivity and lineup risk, while the Twins’ Joe Ryan looms as a key foe. The club may lean on Jorbit Vivas, Braden Shewmake, and others from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre if an IL stint is confirmed, with Domínguez and Escarra likely to stay in the big leagues if possible. Fantasy takeaway: monitor Goldschmidt’s status daily; his absence would boost reserve options who can absorb 1B/DH time and potentially unlock increased opportunities for Domínguez and Rosario if they return or get more at-bats.

New York hosts Minnesota in a potential series sweep bid, with Cam Schlittler taking the mound for the Yankees against Joe Ryan, the Twins’ ace, in a game delayed by rain. Schlittler’s six-start arc mirrors a rookie script: crackling velocity, bracing escapes, and a five-inning floor. Ryan’s 2025 numbers stand out: a 2.79 ERA, elite strikeouts, and a heavy four-seamer plus a devastating sweeper. The Yankees’ order features Stanton in right, Judge at DH, and Jasson Domínguez riding a benching streak as the logjam at K/1B/8 continues. Minnesota counters with Buxton, Larnach, and Wallner atop the lineup, plus Keaschall, Roden and Rodón? Not in this game, but the Twins flex offensive depth. A rain delay shifts timing and fantasy projections, but the core matchup remains: young hurler vs. veteran ace, power versus power, and a playoff-chasing Yankees club trying to finish August strong.

Giancarlo Stanton started in right field for the Yankees in a fourth time in five games, while Jasson Domínguez again sat, as New York tinkers with a deep outfield pool that also features Aaron Judge at DH while he recovers from an elbow strain. Manager Aaron Boone stressed day-to-day alignment and a big-picture goal of winning every game, signaling that Domínguez could still play a central role as the stretch drive unfolds.

Domínguez, Stanton, Judge, Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham have all logged at least 80 outfield starts this season, underscoring the lineup’s volatility. Stanton, 35, has returned to right field to preserve his bat as the primary DH, while Judge remains off the grass. Domínguez owns a .253 average with nine homers and a .718 OPS, yet has sat against right-handers in three straight games, as Minnesota’s Joe Ryan paces the Twins’ mound. Boone remains flexible, saying the plan can shift by day and matchup.

Stanton’s July surge has been the driving force, hitting .414 with four homers and a 1.362 OPS in 29 at-bats before Wednesday, including Tuesday’s 4-for-5 with a homer. Bellinger and Grisham bring elite defense and big power (21 HR each, OPS north of .800), while Domínguez profiles better as a lefty hitter than righty (.778 vs .560 OPS). The Yankees continue to balance upside and roster depth, with Judge progressing toward an outfield return and Wells back behind the plate as the season accelerates toward October. Stanton’s milestone run also fuels the narrative, as he becomes MLB’s active home run leader and climbs toward the all-time list.

The New York Yankees are facing a perplexing issue that has persisted since 2021, manifesting through poor on-field decisions despite boasting some of the league's most talented players. With the highest WAR in baseball, strong expected win-loss metrics, and a commanding run differential, the team's glaring errors have raised questions about the leadership of manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman.

Historical patterns show the Yankees tend to struggle in mid-season, paralleling their performances in 2022 and 2024. Their current roster includes notable hitters like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, yet their recent form has seen them slip to third place. The inconsistency remains frustrating for fans and analysts, leading to speculation about deeper, systemic issues within the team.