Shohei Otani anchors the 2026 fantasy baseball landscape, offering elite multi-category value as both hitter and pitcher. Landing him in the top spot is a game-changer for any head-to-head or roto format, even with innings questions. Second- and third-round targets pivot around Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who combine power with strong counting stats and top-tier plate discipline. Bobby Witt Jr., Ellie De La Cruz, and Jose Ramirez form the next crest of the ladder, each bringing unique mix of power, speed, and durability that fantasy rosters crave. The episode also glances at Paul Skenes as a ceiling-raising pitcher, Kyle Schwarber, Junior Caminero, and J-Rod as high-upside options, with captain-like value from Ronald Acuña Jr. and veterans like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman remaining relevant in early rounds.

Dodgers dropped the Pirates series in a mood of growing concern over the offense, despite a late ninth-inning surge. Will Smith’s hand scare dominated the update board with a CT-scan negative result, leaving a weekend plan in flux. Dalton Rushing was pulled in the eighth for a defensive swap, stirring debate about workload management versus clutch hitting.

Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Michael Conforto carried some nights, while Hess Kim offered a promising bullpen look. Freeland was optioned to Oklahoma City; Edmond and Muny are nearing returns, which could lengthen the lineup and lift fantasy upside as the season winds down. Monitor Smith’s health and the evolving role of Ben Rortvedt as the Dodgers navigate late-September roster decisions.

A Labor Day look-ahead dives into 2026 fantasy bets, anchored by a Marlins rotation on the rise. Yuri Perez, Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera form the core, with Robbie Snelling and Thomas White teased as breakout arms. The hosts push Strider’s bounce-back and treat Snell as a high-variance draft gamble, preferring to “buy the dip” on Strider and tread carefully with Snell’s volatility.

The discussion widens to Orioles’ playoff potential behind Adley Rutschman and Kyle Bradish, Braves’ resurgence with Albies atop the second-base landscape, and Pirates’ bold Connor Griffin call-up. Marte vs De La Cruz adds a format-specific edge, while a raft of bold takes across catchers, pitchers, and top prospects keeps fantasy managers planning well beyond 2025.