Promotions & breakout runs drive late-season fantasy intrigue as Baltimore stacks its top prospects. Samuel Basio and Dylan Beavers were promoted, with Basio poised to add catcher eligibility amid a defensively adaptable, power-heavy profile. Beavers brings a rare blend of power and speed, elevating the Orioles’ potential impact down the stretch. Caminero’s early-season power chatter remains a touchstone as the show weighs bold 35-HR forecasts and the realistic path to staying in the lineup.

On the pitching side, Nolan McClean and Hurston Waldrip headline the waiver-wire lift after impressive weekend showings; McClean’s velocity and plus breakers pair with control concerns, while Waldrip’s splitter-led mix offers upside in deeper leagues. The conversation widens to weekend standouts like Francisco Alvarez and Ben Rice behind the plate, and the risk-reward calculus around Wheeler’s IL stint looms large for Philadelphia.

Health updates dominate the breaking news: Wheeler’s blood clot complicates a top-tier season, while Francisco Alvarez leaves with a thumb concern and Yordan Alvarez begins a rehab assignment. The panel nudges Andrew Painter’s future opportunity as a potential fantasy pivot, and they debate catcher-depth implications, especially given the current depth at the position.

As the season winds down, the episode emphasizes careful rostering for catcher-eligible players (Basio, Rice, Alvarez) and aggressive pickup of dynamic prospect debuts (Beavers, Caminero). The feel is pragmatic: chase the breakout while accounting for playing time, eligibility rules, and innings risk in a sprint to peak fantasy weeks.

Shane Baz is quickly establishing himself as a breakout pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, displaying remarkable performance recently. His latest outing against the Boston Red Sox featured 11 strikeouts over six innings, allowing just two hits and one run, which showcased his dominant arsenal. Despite initial concerns about his lack of a slider post Tommy John surgery, Baz has adapted well, leaning on his fastball and curveball to secure whiffs. His velocity has reached new heights, averaging 97.4 mph, which has raised questions about its sustainability, yet his recent form suggests he could be a top-tier pitcher this season.

Conversely, Tanner Houck’s struggles have reached a critical point, having endured a horrendous outing that included 11 earned runs against the Rays, raising serious doubts about his roster viability. The Red Sox’s rotation is in dire straits, and Houck's recent performances suggest he may not be the answer. The episode also highlighted strong offensive contributions from players like Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero, who have stepped up as key hitters for the Rays, complementing their pitching staff's efforts.

The latest third base rankings highlight the depth and potential of the position for the upcoming season. With elite talents like José Ramírez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leading the pack, there's also a wealth of promising players to consider. Austin Riley, a standout for his high upside and consistent power, emerges as a prime target, while Junior Caminero's potential adds intrigue. The rankings suggest that after the top tier, many players carry varying degrees of risk and reward, making it crucial to consider positional value and overall team needs when drafting.

As the conversation unfolds, the host delves into the merits of specific players, noting Jazz Chisholm's impressive speed and the potential impact of his move to the Yankees. The discussion also touches on Royce Lewis, whose injury history raises questions about his durability despite his evident talent. The blend of established stars and up-and-coming talents makes third base one of the more interesting positions to monitor as drafts approach, emphasizing strategy and timing in player selection.