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Cut List: Fantasy Baseball Busts, Drops Week 27 (2024)

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Logan Webb - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Starting Pitchers, Draft Sleepers

Welcome back to The Cut List for Week 27 of the 2024 fantasy baseball season — September 23 through September 29. For the final week of the season, we’ll be changing things up and looking at teams rather than specific players.

We’ll be focusing on schedules, the impact clinching scenarios might have, and things to consider for the final week of the regular season. Don’t overthink things. Still play your stars but monitor the news closely and hope you don’t get hit with a spate of bad luck that curtails your season.

Before we go on, a quick thank you to everyone who has read, commented, and engaged with The Cut List throughout the season. Without further ado, here is the final Cut List of 2024.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and weekly lineup resources:

 

General Advice

Gone are the days when teams have 40 players on their active rosters at this stage of the season. They still carry 28 players so they can give a bit more rest to some regular starters. It’s less impactful to our fantasy teams and we no longer see teams bench their whole lineup the day after clinching a playoff spot.

Don’t get too cute with your lineups because of the number of games a team plays. You won’t want to bench Josh Naylor for Carlos Santana because the Guardians play five games and the Twins play six. By all means, use the number of games as a deciding factor if you’re torn but not as the main focus.

It’s easier to plot out your lineups in daily roster change leagues. Still, ensure you’re watching for the next few days, not just each day at a time. If you can, make moves with the future games in mind and not just focus solely on the next game.

Teams out of contention or already sealing a postseason berth will be far more inclined to not start any player with a slight injury. Any issue they normally play through earlier in the season will see them sit out. So make sure to check your lineups right up until the lock time.

Those teams with playoff spots clinched will be looking to get their starting rotation lined up and ready for the playoffs. This is especially prevalent for the teams playing in the wildcard series. They will seek to have their best starters available for the three-game series.

Focus on your team but monitor your opponents in head-to-head leagues. For example, you might be in a matchup with someone who has one closer while you are rostering four. Once you have a solid enough lead in saves, you can drop them for other players who can help you more.

In roto leagues, ratios are far less likely to change than counting stats. A player hitting .200 over the next week will not drag down your season-long batting average too much. Someone hitting four homers with a .200 batting average next week will likely have more benefit than hitting .350 with no homers.

Lastly, have fun. It’s been a long season which I’m sure has had plenty of ups and downs. But it’s easy to forget this is just a game we play because we enjoy it. Don’t lose sight of that in the next few days.

On to the team-by-team guide. We’ve listed every team’s schedule for next week. We look at the impact it might have on their pitching and hitting. Just make sure to check things as the week progresses as starting pitchers are likely to change.

 

American League East

Baltimore Orioles

Week 27 schedule: at NYY (3), at MIN (3)

The Orioles look like being the number four seed in the playoffs. Zach Eflin and Corbin Burnes are scheduled to pitch against the Yankees at the start of the week. That will leave them available to pitch in a wildcard series so there shouldn’t be any changes to their schedule.

The Orioles are also set to face five right-handed pitchers (RHP) so you can start their leftie hitters with confidence. Just expect their stars to sit for one game should they get locked into their playoff seeding before the final game of the season.

Boston Red Sox

Week 27 schedule: at TOR, vs. TBR (3)

Tanner Houck has been Boston’s best starting pitcher this season. He is also lined up for two starts. However, if the Red Sox are eliminated from playoff contention, his second start may be skipped or abbreviated especially as he’s been dealing with arm fatigue. You’re still starting him.

The Red Sox have some tough pitching matchups, albeit all against RHP. It’s not a tough enough schedule to bench the studs but RBI and runs might be tough to come by.

New York Yankees

Week 27 schedule: vs. NYY (3), vs. PIT (3)

Even if the Yankees secure the AL East crown, home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is likely to still be up for grabs into the final series. Assuming they do win the division and get a bye to the ALDS, there shouldn’t be significant changes to their rotation.

If the Yankees do look to sit their star hitters once or twice next week, you’re not benching them. Juan Soto was a late scratch on Friday after colliding with the wall in Thursday’s game. There doesn’t appear to be too much concern but it’s something to monitor this weekend.

If the Yankees do sit Aaron Judge and Soto for a game or two, Giancarlo Stanton might benefit. That doesn’t make him a good play considering the opposing pitchers the Yankees are set to face. Stanton has also been the odd man out since the Yankees called up Jasson Dominguez.

If Judge and Soto are given a rest from the outfield and DH instead, Stanton might not see enough at-bats to warrant rostering. Stanton isn’t someone I’d be counting on next week.

Tampa Bay Rays

Week 27 schedule: at DET (3), at BOS (3)

Ryan Pepiot is the pitcher slated for two starts next week. The matchups warrant Pepiot as being one of the best pitching options for the final week. Taj Bradley has been bad recently and isn’t someone I’d be starting unless I’m desperate for strikeouts.

The Rays are due to face two LHP, one of whom is set to win the Cy Young Award. Brandon Lowe isn’t in a strict platoon so expect him to play at least five games. He could be a good source of homers next week. Lowe has been dealing with a finger issue so be warned that any flare-up will see him sit.

Toronto Blue Jays

Week 27 schedule: vs BOS (3), vs MIA (3)

Kevin Gausman was removed from Thursday’s game after five no-hit innings of work. He experienced lower-back tightness which puts next week’s start in jeopardy. He’s pitched well lately, so monitor the news, but don’t take a risk unless he’s confirmed as starting.

Bowden Francis has been outstanding recently and is scheduled to start twice next week. Even if he only starts once, Francis should be in your rotation. Chris Bassitt has had a disappointing 2024 but has been better over the last month and gets the Marlins. I’d be starting him.

Spencer Horwitz has a 155 wRC+ against RHP this year. The Blue Jays are due to face six RHP including three Marlins pitchers who are very hittable. Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho are done for the year and should be dropped.

George Springer has also been sitting more frequently over the last week. The matchups warrant starting Springer even if he only plays five games. He may only play four, but he could be a nice source of runs over the final week.

 

American League Central

Chicago White Sox

Week 27 schedule: vs. LAA (3), at DET (3)

My mother used to tell me; „if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” That is incredibly difficult when talking about the 2024 Chicago White. So I’ll just leave this here from my preseason Bold Predictions article.

Cleveland Guardians

Week 27 schedule: vs. CIN (2), vs. HOU (3)

The Guardians have distanced themselves from the other AL Central contenders. They are still in a close battle with the Yankees for the number one seed so they aren’t in a position to rest their stars or tweak their rotation. With only five games, no one has two starts next week.

Steven Kwan was placed on the IL but is eligible to return at the start of the week. It’s unknown when Kwan will return and the Guardians will likely proceed with caution. Given the injury, his recent struggles, and the Guardians only having five games, I’d look to replace Kwan.

Detroit Tigers

Week 27 schedule: vs. TBR (3), vs. CHW (3)

The Tigers are fighting for a wildcard spot and have Tarik Skubal lined up for two starts this week. Depending if their final regular season game means anything will determine if Skubal starts next Sunday or not. Either way, you’re starting him.

Reese Olson gets the White Sox next weekend so despite his injury layoff and poor outing on his return, he is still very much worth rostering. Keider Montero is also due to face the White Sox next week. Although he lacks the strikeouts many will be chasing, he’s a good option if you need to find wins.

Colt Keith has been dealing with a shoulder injury. While it’s something to monitor closely, the Tigers also face five RHP next week. Keith does have better numbers against LHP but 12 of his 13 home runs have come against righties. If he’s healthy, Keith is still worth starting.

Since having a hot streak on his return to the majors, Spencer Torkelson has cooled off. His last homer came on September 1. While he could have a big series against the White Sox, it’s tough to make a case for holding Torkelson.

Kansas City Royals

Week 27 schedule: at WAS (3), at ATL (3)

Cole Ragans has had an outstanding season and gets the chance to end it with two starts. Like Skubal, his second start will depend on what is at stake in the final regular season game of the season. As it’s the season finale of the Cut List, I’ll use this moment to toot my own horn with this preseason prediction.

Brady Singer has struggled in recent starts. His numbers at home are considerably better than away from home. Singer is due to face the Braves on the road next weekend with the Braves being a better-than-average offense in recent weeks. He’s a risky play and not someone I’d bank on being a positive.

It’s been a disappointing season for Maikel Garcia but he has better numbers against LHP and the Royals are set to face four lefties next week. Despite his struggles, Garcia still has a chance at providing some solid numbers in the season’s final week.

Minnesota Twins

Week 27 schedule: vs. MIA (3), vs. BAL (3)

Bailey Ober is the Twins pitcher scheduled for two starts next week. Like with others, his second start is going to be determined by what the Twins are playing for. Ober’s first start comes against the Marlins so he is someone you want to start regardless of whether he starts once or twice.

The Twins are due to split their six games evenly against RHP and LHP. They are liable to play matchups and pinch hit early in games, so temper expectations for Twins hitters. Even so, the Twins do have good matchups so could be a solid source of RBI and runs next week.

 

American League West

Houston Astros

Week 27 schedule: vs. SEA (3), at CLE (3)

The Astros are almost guaranteed to be locked into the number three seed. Depending on how they want their rotation to look for the wildcard series will determine how they are used next week. Hunter Brown is currently penciled in as their two-start pitcher next week.

I expect that to remain the case with the Astros going with Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, and Yusei Kikuchi as their rotation for the playoff series. However, it’s still a situation that you will want to monitor. As long as any of those three start once next week, you should roster them.

The Astros do have a tough schedule of opposing pitchers. Their most rostered hitters are still ones you should start regardless of who they are facing. Chas McCormick likely won’t return next week so can be dropped in any redraft league.

Los Angeles Angels

Week 27 schedule: at CHW (3), vs. TEX (3)

Jack Kochanowicz gets the two-start assignment next week. He just limited the White Sox to one run over seven innings so he will be a popular play for the final week of the season. Don’t expect too much as he’s only tallied 20 Ks (51 1/3 IP) in his nine starts and still has a 4.56 ERA.

The Angels are due to face Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer next weekend. Logan O’Hoppe has been awful for seven weeks and I wouldn’t count on a big end to 2024. He’s one player I would look at replacing and streaming a catcher for the final week is certainly a solid option.

Oakland Athletics

Week 27 schedule: vs. TEX (3), at SEA (3)

Brady Basso has a 1.69 ERA from his three starts (16 IP) since joining the rotation. He is slated to start twice next week and is very much of interest. The Rangers have a 50 wRC+ against LHP since August 1. That’s the worst in baseball. The Mariners 89 wRC+ in that time is only 17th best.

I would consider Basso over some mid-tier one-start options next week. He might not strike out many (20.8% K%) and there are no guarantees of a win, but Basso is the one A’s pitcher I have the most confidence in for providing some fantasy value next week.

There is only one LHP lined up to start against the A’s next week. They are also missing the best two starters in both the Rangers and Mariners rotations. You can start the A’s hitters you’re rostering with some confidence.

Seattle Mariners

Week 27 schedule: at HOU (3), vs. OAK (3)

The Mariners will still be competing for a postseason berth heading into the final week. That could change by the time they host the Athletics so Bryce Miller may only make one of his two scheduled starts. I’d still be starting all of the Mariners starting pitchers next week.

The long-awaited Victor Robles breakout has been occurring. He took a pitch to the hand on Tuesday, missed Wednesday’s game, and was a late scratch from the lineup on Thursday. He did return to leadoff in Friday’s game. It’s a situation worth monitoring closely this weekend.

The Mariners are also set to face four LHP next week. Luke Raley takes the biggest hit to his fantasy value and I would be looking to replace him on my rosters.

Texas Rangers

Week 27 schedule: at OAK (3), at LAA (3)

The Rangers have been using a six-man rotation which means no two-start options in Texas. Given their opponents, all six Rangers starters have fantasy appeal next week. Even if deGrom and Scherzer only pitch five innings each, they can still tally plenty of strikeouts and record a win.

The Rangers collectively have awful numbers against LHP recently but only face two next week. Josh Jung is the one Rangers hitter I’d be dropping. He’s dealing with some discomfort in the wrist he had surgery on. The Rangers should shut him down so it isn’t worth the risk of playing him in fantasy.

 

National League East

Atlanta Braves

Week 27 schedule: vs. NYM (2), vs. KCR (3)

The fact that the Braves are still in with a shot of the playoffs given their injuries this season is a testament to their depth. A big reason why they’re still competing for a wildcard spot is Chris Sale and his Cy Young Award-caliber campaign.

Sale did give fantasy managers worry on Thursday when he struggled through five innings and saw his velocity drop. It doesn’t appear to be anything of concern but is still something to keep an eye on. With only five games scheduled, the Braves don’t look like having any two-start pitchers.

Ozzie Albies has returned from a two-month layoff due to a wrist injury. He is only going to bat right-handed. With the Braves set to face two LHP and three RHP, it’s difficult to expect much from Albies next week. If you held him this long, you’ll probably need to start him.

Sean Murphy and Travis d’Arnaud have rotated behind the plate. With only five games left to play, at most, you can expect three starts from one of them. If you’re chasing counting stats, streaming a catcher instead of starting either of them is something to consider.

Miami Marlins

Week 27 schedule: at MIN (3), at TOR (3)

The Marlins got to witness history on Thursday when Shohei Ohtani went nuts. It at least gave the Marlins fans something worth watching this year. Only the historically bad White Sox have prevented Miami from having the worst record in baseball.

There isn’t a Marlins pitcher I’d want to start next week and they have some tricky opposing pitchers to navigate. All six scheduled starters are RHP. The Marlins hitters worth rostering have better numbers against RHP so you can roll with them next week.

New York Mets

Week 27 schedule: at ATL (2), at MIL (3)

The Mets could seal a wildcard place by the time they head to Milwaukee. They could also take things down to the final game. It’s unlikely the Mets will have a two-start pitcher next week but they could welcome back Kodai Senga.

Senga won’t be built up to pitch a full workload and is likely only going to be a bullpen option. If you’ve been stashing Senga, you can drop him. David Peterson has pitched well all season. However, he’s set to face the Braves, who have a league-best 133 wRC+ against LHP since August 1.

Peterson’s underlying numbers also scream out that he’s had some luck so I’d be looking for an alternative option for next week.

The Mets expect Francisco Lindor to be fine for next week. In daily roster move leagues, I’d look to have some insurance should there be any recurrence of his back issue. In weekly leagues, as long as he gets through this weekend unscathed, you’re starting him.

As mentioned above, J.D. Martinez has been awful lately. With only five games and some difficult matchups, I’d be fine dropping him. Especially as there’s a chance he only plays four games should the Mets secure a playoff spot before next Sunday.

Philadelphia Phillies

Week 27 schedule: vs. CHC (3), at WAS (3)

The Phillies will likely be battling for the number one seed until the final weekend of the season. As things currently stand, Aaron Nola gets two starts next week. We could see Nola’s second start shortened or skipped regardless of how things pan out. You’re still starting him though.

The schedule has the Phillies facing three LHP and three RHP next week. That will make Bryson Stott a drop candidate if there’s a suitable replacement option. He doesn’t always play against lefties and doesn’t hit them very well either. The same can be applied to Brandon Marsh.

Washington Nationals

Week 27 schedule: vs. KCR (3), vs. PHI (3)

Trevor Williams’ return from injury on Friday makes it possible that the Nationals will go with a six-man rotation to finish the season. MacKenzie Gore has been very good of late. However, he will face the Phillies next week.

Philadelphia’s 132 wRC+ against LHP since August 1 is second-best in baseball. I’d only be starting Gore if I am chasing strikeouts and no other pitching stat matters next week.

Luis Garcia Jr. has been dealing with a sore wrist. With nothing to play for, the Nationals are unlikely to take any risks with him. As good as he’s been this year, Garcia Jr. has struggled mightily in September which may be due to the wrist issue. I wouldn’t want to rely on him next week.

 

National League Central

Chicago Cubs

Week 27 schedule: at PHI (3), vs. CIN (3)

Justin Steele is set for two starts next week. We’ve already covered how good the Phillies have been against LHP, which makes Steele a tough start. Cincinnati’s 78 wRC+ against LHP since August 1 is the third worst in the league. Providing Steele makes both starts, he could still be an asset.

The Cubs are only looking at facing one LHP so Michael Busch is still worth holding on to. That does harm Isaac Paredes’ value as his numbers against RHP aren’t nearly as good as they are against lefties. Paredes is someone I’d be looking at replacing if a suitable option was available.

Cincinnati Reds

Week 27 schedule: at CLE (2), at CHC (3)

Only five games for the Reds next week so no chance of a two-start option in Cincy. Hunter Greene is set to return tonight and then finish up at the Cubs next week. He won’t be able to pitch a full workload but if he comes through today unscathed, could be a solid source of strikeouts next week.

Three of the five games are set to be against LHP. That means TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley are unlikely to play more than three games (at best) next week, making them both droppable in weekly lineup leagues.

Milwaukee Brewers

Week 27 schedule: at PIT (3), vs. NYM (3)

The Brewers have sealed the NL Central crown and only have an outside shot at avoiding the number three seed. That means a wildcard series so it’s highly unlikely Freddy Peralta will make two starts next week (as things are currently lined up). Peralta will still face the Pirates to begin the week so start him.

The Brewers will also likely look to give some rest to their position players, especially if they are locked into the number three seed before the Mets series. Rhys Hoskins has struggled recently but has still hit for enough power to make him worthwhile holding if you need home runs.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Week 27 schedule: vs. MIL (3), at NYY (3)

The Pirates gave their fans a glimpse of the future this season. Ultimately, they are set to finish last in the NL Central. David Bednar lost the closer role and continues to give up runs so he should be dropped already.

Bailey Falter is the Pirates’ two-start pitcher currently. Facing the Brewers and Yankees makes him one of the least favorable two-start options next week so look elsewhere. Jared Jones has struggled a bit since returning from the IL. He’s not a must-start so consider your options.

Oneil Cruz returned from an ankle issue to play on Thursday. The Pirates are set to face four RHP next week so Cruz is still worth rostering. He’s also on the verge of playing 20 games in the outfield which will have a big impact on his positional eligibility in many formats next season.

Cruz showed no ill-effects of the ankle injury while making this outstanding catch on Thursday.

St. Louis Cardinals

Week 27 schedule: at COL (3), at SFG (3)

The Cardinals starting the week at Coors Field makes their pitchers high-risk. Sonny Gray especially given he dealt with some soreness earlier this week. There are no guarantees the Cardinals will start him next week, which may be a blessing for fantasy managers.

Erick Fedde is also scheduled to make a start in Colorado. Regardless of if Gray does make an appearance next week, Fedde’s schedule is unlikely to change. He is one of the most volatile pitching options for next week.

The three games at Coors make Cardinals hitters worth rostering. Two of those three games are set to be against LHP so Lars Nootbaar and Alec Burleson may only face the Rockies twice. The Cardinals will also face a leftie in San Francisco so their value takes a hit next week.

In weekly lineup leagues, I’d consider moving on from both of them. Two games in Colorado could be enough to still have solid production next week so only consider it if there are safer options available to you.

 

National League West

Arizona Diamondbacks

Week 27 schedule: vs. SFG (3), vs. SDP (3)

The Diamondbacks are in a tight battle for a wildcard spot. It’s likely going to go into the final series of the season so their rotation could be less fluid than many others. If it goes down to the wire, Eduardo Rodriguez is set for two starts.

Unfortunately, Rodriguez has not pitched well enough to be a secure option. He’s more of a dart throw and wouldn’t be someone I’d definitely hang on to. Brandon Pfaadt had a nice bounce-back outing on Thursday. He gets a fantasy-friendly start against the Giants and is still worth rostering.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. returned on Friday after a three-week layoff with a calf injury. It was notable that despite facing a RHP on Friday, Jake McCarthy sat with Pavin Smith keeping his place in the lineup. With two LHP set to face the Diamondbacks next week, McCarthy is someone I’d look at replacing.

Colorado Rockies

Week 27 schedule: vs. STL (3), vs. LAD (3)

The Rockies having six home games to end the season makes things very simple. You avoid their starting pitchers but start their hitters. If you have been rostering Tyler Kinley for saves, he went on the IL and is done for the season. I wouldn’t try to add any Rockies reliever to replace him.

With that being said, I mentioned last week how Ryan McMahon’s numbers at home aren’t any better than on the road. McMahon is only hitting .232/.313/.346 with a 70 wRC+ at home against RHP. The Rockies are set to face six rightie starters next week. McMahon can still be dropped.

Brenton Doyle has been the one shining light for the Rockies this year. He was scratched from Friday’s lineup with knee soreness. That’s something worth monitoring over the weekend. Any IL stint ends his season and if Doyle misses any time next week, it’ll be tough to keep hold of him.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Week 27 schedule: vs. SDP (3), at COL (3)

Even if the Dodgers win an 11th NL West title in 12 years, they are still in a close fight with the Phillies for the number one seed. Landon Knack is in line for two starts which wouldn’t change however things pan out. He’s unlikely to make the postseason starting rotation.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Walker Buehler are both looking like the other starters against the Rockies. It would be difficult to bench either but I have much more faith in the former. Buehler isn’t someone I’d lock in for a Coors Field start so exploring replacement options for him makes sense.

The close race for the top seed should at least ensure the Dodgers don’t rest their stars more than once (if at all). If that is the case, it’ll probably come against the Rockies. The Dodgers are also set to face all RHP next week so despite being in a strict platoon, Gavin Lux is still worth rostering.

San Diego Padres

Week 27 schedule: at LAD (3), at ARI (3)

The Padres should secure a wildcard spot but have a tough schedule to navigate. They could still win the division or miss the playoffs entirely. At the very least, they will want to secure the number four seed and have home-field advantage for a wildcard series.

That means Michael King is likely to make two starts. He’s been excellent all season so even with two tough matchups, is worth starting. The rest of the Padres rotation has also been good enough to warrant starting against the toughest lineups. I wouldn’t get too cute by dropping any of them.

Ha-Seong Kim has been making slow progress as he bids to return from a shoulder injury. Time is running out and it’s highly unlikely he will return before the Dodgers series. Kim isn’t someone you should be counting on to play next week so can be dropped.

Luis Arraez has been dealing with a sore knee. He returned to the Padres lineup on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s game with what was called a „rest day.” He only returned as the DH so the knee may be a lingering issue and is something worth monitoring.

San Francisco Giants

Week 27 schedule: at ARI (3), vs. STL (3)

As reliable as Logan Webb has been throughout his career, he’s struggled of late. He’s got a 6.58 ERA over his last five starts (26 IP) but does have a 3.37 xFIP and 3.73 SIERA, suggesting he’s been unlucky. However, he gets to face the Diamondbacks next week which isn’t ideal.

Arizona’s had the best offense in baseball since August 1. Unless you can risk Webb harming your ERA, he’s not a must-start option for next week. Robbie Ray is hopeful he can return to make one more start this season. Whether it’s worthwhile remains to be seen and I wouldn’t risk starting him.

Five of the six opposing starting pitchers next week are set to be righties. That will benefit the Giants leftie hitters. Matt Chapman returned from the paternity list this weekend so he is a full go for next week.

So there we have it. The final Cut List of 2024. Before I sign off, I want to once again thank everyone who has read, commented, and provided suggestions throughout the year. I hope we were able to offer some guidance and help in bringing home some fantasy championships for you.

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