The current landscape of fantasy baseball is facing challenges as significant injuries and poor performances plague key players. Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves is a notable loss due to an elbow fracture, forcing fantasy owners to consider dropping him from their rosters, especially in redraft leagues. Meanwhile, Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays has struggled recently, raising concerns about his consistency and ownership levels. Gausman remains a fixture in many leagues, but deeper formats may necessitate trades or drops as his performance falters.

Additionally, the closing situation in MLB is in flux. Robert Suarez, the San Diego Padres' closer, has been underwhelming, though still securing saves. As his ERA climbs, fantasy managers may want to explore trade options or seek alternatives on the waiver wire. The unpredictable nature of closers this season is a significant factor for fantasy teams as they navigate their rosters.

The latest update from the fantasy baseball landscape highlights the devastating news surrounding Spencer Schwellenbach, who has been diagnosed with a fractured right elbow and is set to be sidelined for at least four weeks. While his return is hoped for in September, the uncertainty surrounding his injury and the Braves' playoff aspirations complicate his value in redraft leagues. In contrast, Jerksin Profar has made a triumphant return, hitting a home run and showcasing impressive metrics in his debut with the Braves, making him a must-add player. Meanwhile, pitchers like Jacob Mizerowski and Dylan Cease have exhibited fluctuating performances, raising questions about their consistency moving forward. The podcast also addresses waiver wire options, emphasizing emerging players that could bolster fantasy rosters.

In the latest episode, key players like Julio Rodriguez and Jackson Chourio are under scrutiny due to slow starts, while veterans like Jacob deGrom and Kevin Gausman are thriving. Discussions focus on potential trades involving struggling stars such as Spencer Schwellenbach and Roki Sasaki, who have had mixed performances. The podcast emphasizes the importance of identifying trade opportunities before they diminish, especially for young talents like Chourio and Rodriguez who have historically improved as the season progresses.

The hosts also analyze Gausman’s impressive start, warning that his performance may not hold, suggesting trading him if possible. The episode concludes with insights into other players to watch, encouraging listeners to stay proactive in managing their fantasy teams.

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.

Starting pitcher rankings continue to evolve as the new season approaches. Names like Joe Ryan, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Sonny Gray are being closely analyzed for their fantasy potential. With draft season on the horizon, experts are weighing player stats, injury histories, and overall upside. Justin Steele's consistency and Freddy Peralta's volatility are hot topics, with both players being seen as potential SP3s. Meanwhile, Hunter Brown's breakout potential is examined, sparking debate over his draft position. As fantasy enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season, these discussions have become more critical for identifying values in the draft.