In Week 18 of the fantasy baseball season, tough decisions loom over roster management as players like Shane McClanahan and Mookie Betts grapple with performance issues. McClanahan's bicep soreness has led to a decline in ownership as his rehab progress stalls, making him a candidate for trade rather than waiver. Betts, meanwhile, has not lived up to first-round expectations, and despite a glimmer of hope for positive regression, it's suggested that traders capitalize on his name value before it's too late. Other names discussed include Teoscar Hernández and Marcelo Ozuna, advocating for patience with the former and continued reliance on the latter despite their inconsistencies.

As the baseball season kicks off, many fantasy players are dealing with injuries to key players. Shane McClanahan, a promising pitcher, is out with a sore tricep after showing great form this spring. George Kirby also faces a shoulder injury, potentially impacting his early season performance. Grayson Rodriguez is recovering from elbow issues, raising concerns about his future. Sean Murphy's rib injury has sidelined him for a few weeks. Other noteworthy names include Yuri Perez and Shane Bieber, both expected to return mid-season. The episode provides insights on how to navigate these injuries, especially in terms of stashing options and potential buy-low opportunities.

As the MLB season approaches, teams are finalizing their rosters and dealing with significant injury concerns. Shane McClanahan, the Tampa Bay Rays' ace, is facing a tricky start to the season due to an inflamed nerve in his left triceps, prompting worry among fantasy managers regarding his draft stock. His potential absence creates a void in the Rays' rotation, with Ryan Pepiot and Taj Bradley expected to step up.

Mookie Betts' health is another concern, as he has been struggling with a severe illness, leading to rapid weight loss and uncertainty about his availability for opening day. Betts’ situation has pushed him down the draft boards significantly. Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson is starting the season on the IL, although his absence is expected to be brief. The Reds also have their closer, Alexis Díaz, sidelined with hamstring inflammation, placing Scott Barlow and Taylor Rogers in the mix for save opportunities.

This episode of Locked on Fantasy Baseball dives into the podcast's hosts' top players to target for upcoming drafts, emphasizing critical insights for fantasy enthusiasts. Highlights include Vinnie Pasquantino's breakout potential bolstered by impressive stats from the previous season, and the suggestion to secure him early due to his favorable ADP. The podcast also covers Spencer Schwellenbach's rising status as a starting pitcher and discusses his solid spring performance. Furthermore, Shane McClanahan is spotlighted as a must-draft due to his excellent strikeout potential and value. Finally, notable hitters like Teoscar Hernández and Josh Jung are mentioned for their ability to contribute significantly to fantasy teams.