On The Wire

Adam Howe, Kevin Hasting
  • 4.8 (32)
  • FANTASY SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Adam Howe (@EightyGrade) and Kevin Hasting (@HastingKevin) every Sunday with insights and updates on how to use your fantasy baseball FAAB before your bid deadlines hit.

  1. 1D AGO

    OTW 248 - FAAB #2; March 29, 2026

    On The Wire - Opening weekend chaos fuels the first true FAAB run of the season, with injuries, surprise playing time, and bullpen shakeups creating immediate waiver opportunities. Key targets across power, speed, and pitching are discussed, along with early-season strategy on how aggressive to be 1. Intro and News (0:00) Opening Day scheduling frustrations and early-season quirks FAAB season officially beginsJacob deGrom scratched; Jacob Latz opportunityTanner Bibee shoulder inflammation concernsMickey Moniak IL → impact on Jake McCarthy, Jordan Beck, Brenton DoyleTJ Rumfield early playing time in ColoradoChristopher Morel IL → Griffin Conine, Davidson De Los Santos Milwaukee injuries: Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn Playing time shifts: Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers, Sal Frelick, David HamiltonTommy Pham signs with Mets (minor league deal) Rehab updates: Zack Wheeler Bullpen alert: Carlos Estévez struggles → KC closer speculation (Lucas Erceg, John Schreiber) 2. Power Categories (HR, RBI) (20:00) Rhys Hoskins – everyday role in Cleveland, undervalued powerMiguel Andujar – steady playing time in San DiegoMark Vientos – platoon-dependent valueMatt Wallner – power upside if playing time stabilizes 3. Speed Categories (R, SB) (32:00) David Hamilton – elite SB upside with newfound playing timeJake McCarthy – everyday leadoff vs RHPJake Meyers – underrated speed contributorNasim Nuñez – deep league SB target Bryce Matthews – speculative add with 40+ SB upside if role expands 4. Opportunity (AB, AVG) (45:00) Schedule notes: AZ, ATL, NYM, SF with 7-game weeksCasey Schmitt – everyday role + multi-position eligibilityNathan Lukes – hitting near top of TOR lineup vs RHPJoey Loperfido – emerging playing time in Houston Favor hitters with early-week volume advantages 5. Pitching Volume (W, K) (58:00) Two-start targets: Chris BassittZach Eflin Breakout watch: Joe Boyle (improved control) Deep streamers: Davis MartinJustin Verlander (widely available in 12s)Taijuan Walker (risky Coors start) Strategy: balancing early aggression vs ratio protection 6. Pitching Ratios (ERA, WHIP) (1:10:00) Reliever targets for ratio + strikeout boost: Erik Sabrowski – elite stuff, improving control Strategy: Prioritize multi-inning relievers Target teams with heavy bullpen usage Use relievers to stabilize early ratio volatility 7. Closers (Saves) (1:18:00) Philly bullpen uncertainty: Jordan Romano vs alternatives Angels speculation: Reid Detmers long-term closer upside Texas chaos: Robert Garcia, Chris Martin, committee risk Minnesota: Cole Sands emerging option Kansas City: post-Estévez meltdown watchlist 8. Wild Card (Stashes) (1:25:00) Bryce Eldridge – potential early call-upDylan Crews – stash if droppedAlex Freeland – short-term upside with path to more Strategy: prioritize upside over replacement-level veterans early 9. Closing Comments (1:28:00) Stay patient—don’t overreact to small samples Avoid unnecessary drops this early Build long FAAB waterfalls Focus on opportunity + upside without forcing moves Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS Join: PL+ | PL Pro Proud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 29m

  2. MAR 22

    OTW 247 - Born To Draft Wild; First FAAB Run

    Episode Breakdown 0:00 – Intro, NFBC weekend, and episode setup Discussion of draft season activity, NFBC Main Event context, and defining “wild card” players in fantasy baseball drafts. Players discussed: none 8:00 – FAAB rules, roster strategy, and stashing players Breakdown of NFBC rules around undrafted players, debut timelines, and why early FAAB periods are critical for securing upside. Players discussed: Jared Jones, Zack Wheeler, Carlos Rodon, Konnor Griffin 20:00 – Early-season strategy: avoiding zeros and bullpen value Exploration of why avoiding zeroes in lineups is critical early in the season and how speculative relievers can provide value in saves and ratios. Players discussed: Brad Keller, Jeremiah Estrada, Garrett Clevenger, Taylor Rogers, JoJo Romero 32:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Catchers) Evaluation of rookie catchers based on playing time, opportunity, and stash viability. Players discussed: Harry Ford, Carter Jensen, Samuel Basallo, Freddy Fermin, Keibert Ruiz 45:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Outfielders) Breakdown of rookie outfielders with uncertain roles but significant upside. Players discussed: Justin Crawford, Carson Benge, Dylan Beavers, Johan Rojas, Luis Robert Jr., Juan Soto, Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Jorge Polanco, Mike Tauchman, Tyrone Taylor, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Taylor Ward 1:02:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Starting Pitchers) Discussion of stash-worthy rookie pitchers, weighing early-season opportunity versus long-term upside. Players discussed: A.J. Blubaugh, Robbie Snelling, J.R. Ritchie, Konnor Griffin, Sal Stewart 1:15:00 – Wild card stashes and speculative adds Identification of players worth stashing or adding before they become high-demand FAAB targets. Players discussed: Anthony Volpe, Kirby Yates, Reid Detmers, Robert Stephenson 1:24:00 – Final strategy thoughts and roster construction Summary of key takeaways on managing stash spots, balancing risk, and optimizing roster flexibility heading into Opening Day. Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS Join: PL+ | PL Pro Proud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 30m

  3. MAR 8

    OTW 246 - Shopping At The Save-A-Lot; Drafting Saves

    On The Wire - In this episode of On The Wire, hosts Kevin Hasting and I break down the Saves category and how to approach closers in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts. We discuss draft strategy, bullpen volatility, and how to identify which closers are worth paying for versus targeting value later in drafts. We also look at several bullpens that could produce surprise saves and highlight relievers who could emerge during the season. Whether you prefer paying up for elite closers or waiting and building a bullpen through value picks and waiver wire churn, this episode will help you navigate one of fantasy baseball’s most unpredictable categories. Episode Breakdown 0:00 – Intro and episode overview We open the show discussing the volatility of the saves category and why bullpen roles change so frequently in fantasy baseball. Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader 3:00 – Draft philosophy for saves Kevin and Adam discuss whether fantasy managers should draft elite closers early or take a “save-a-lot” approach by targeting multiple value arms later in drafts. Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Mason Miller, Ryan Helsley 11:30 – The elite closer tier Discussion of the top-tier closers who provide strong strikeout rates, stable roles, and league-leading save potential. Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, Félix Bautista 23:00 – Mid-tier closers with strong job security Relievers who may not go in the early rounds but still project to deliver reliable saves totals with strong skills. Players discussed: Tanner Scott, Robert Suarez, Kenley Jansen, David Bednar, Yohan Duran 36:30 – Riskier closers and uncertain bullpens Teams where the closer role could shift during the season and relievers whose job security may not be stable. Players discussed: Luke Weaver, Andrew Kittredge, Jeremiah Estrada, Matt Brash, Cade Smith 50:00 – Late-round saves targets Relievers going later in drafts who could still provide meaningful saves or emerge as their team’s closer. Players discussed: Matt Brash, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, Garrett Whitlock 1:02:00 – Speculative relievers and potential breakout arms Setup men and high-skill bullpen arms who could move into the closer role if situations change. Players discussed: Jeremiah Estrada, Dylan Lee, Aroldis Chapman, Matt Brash, Hunter Gaddis 1:11:30 – Final saves strategy thoughts We wrap up with key takeaways for approaching the saves category and how to manage bullpen volatility during the fantasy season. Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, Tanner Scott   Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCAST Proud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS Join: PL+ | PL Pro Proud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 15m

  4. MAR 1

    OTW 245 - Targeting Ratios; Drafting ERA and WHIP

    On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball category preview series with a deep dive into ERA and WHIP, examining how fantasy managers should approach ratio protection in modern drafts. The discussion covers early-round aces, workload considerations, command-driven breakouts, and how to balance strikeout upside with ratio stability. They also explore how bullpen arms, mid-rotation starters, and late-round targets can quietly influence ratio outcomes over a full season. Episode Topics and Timestamps 0:00 – Intro and ratio category overview How ERA and WHIP differ from counting stats, why ratios are often won or lost early in drafts, and the importance of minimizing volatility. 6:30 – Elite ace foundations Players discussed:Gerrit Cole, Corbin Burnes, Zack Wheeler, Spencer Strider, George Kirby Discussion focuses on command profiles, workload reliability, and which aces provide the strongest WHIP floors entering 2026 drafts. 20:00 – Strikeout aces vs ratio risk Players discussed:Dylan Cease, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Pablo López Adam and Kevin debate pitchers with elite strikeout upside but varying WHIP and ERA volatility, and when risk becomes acceptable depending on roster construction. 34:00 – Mid-round ratio stabilizers Players discussed:Logan Webb, Framber Valdez, Joe Ryan, Sonny Gray, Justin Steele Focus on pitchers who may lack elite strikeout totals but consistently support strong ratios through command, ground balls, or efficiency. 48:00 – Breakout candidates and skills growth Players discussed:Grayson Rodriguez, Bryan Woo, Tanner Bibee, Cole Ragans Evaluation of pitchers showing improving command metrics, pitch mix development, and potential ERA/WHIP growth entering 2026. 59:00 – Bullpen impact on ratios Players discussed:Andrés Muñoz, Devin Williams, Emmanuel Clase, A.J. Puk Discussion on using elite relievers to stabilize ratios, protect WHIP, and offset volatile starting pitchers. 1:07:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts Key takeaways include building a ratio foundation early, avoiding stacking high-WHIP arms, and strategically mixing innings volume with efficiency-focused pitchers.   Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCAST Proud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS Join: PL+ | PL Pro Proud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 14m

  5. MAR 1

    OTW 244 - Chasing Wins (and K's); Drafting Wins and Strikeouts

    On The Wire - Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting continue their 2026 fantasy baseball draft preview series by shifting focus to pitching volume categories — Wins and Strikeouts. The discussion centers on why fantasy managers must actively chase volume, how innings pitched drive both categories, and which late-round starters and speculative arms can help managers compete without paying early-round pitching prices. The hosts also explore streaming strategy, team context, bullpen support, and how draft construction impacts in-season flexibility. Below is a breakdown of the episode with estimated timestamps and players discussed.00:00 – 09:00 | Intro + Draft Season Philosophy Topics Draft season approach and league activity Why Wins remain a category you must intentionally target Relationship between innings pitched, team quality, and fantasy success Players Mentioned Tarik Skubal Paul Skenes Garrett Crochet09:00 – 22:00 | Why Volume Matters for Wins & Strikeouts Topics Correlation between workload and strikeouts Importance of pitching deep into games Team offense and bullpen effects on wins Drafting SP tiers vs elite aces Players Mentioned Yusei Kikuchi José Soriano Reid Detmers Luis Severino Mitch Keller Brandon Pfaadt22:00 – 38:00 | Mid-Round Targets for Strikeout Volume Topics Targeting pitchers projected for stable rotation roles Using projections vs role certainty Drafting innings over pure ratios in this build Players Mentioned David Peterson Clay Holmes Will Warren38:00 – 52:00 | Late-Round Wins & Strikeout Targets Topics Endgame starters who stick in rotations Opportunity-driven pitching value Accepting ratio risk when chasing volume Players Mentioned Will Warren David Peterson Cade Cavalli52:00 – 1:05:00 | Streaming Strategy & Roster Management Topics Streaming pitchers to capture breakout arms early Building ratio cushions to allow aggressive streaming Managing roster churn early in season Players Mentioned Justin Verlander Seth Lugo Michael Wacha1:05:00 – 1:11:29 | Final Targets + Draft Takeaways Topics Early-season matchup plays Why reserve-round pitchers matter Maximizing roster flexibility for volume accumulation Players Mentioned Cade Cavalli Justin Verlander Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS Join: PL+ | PL Pro Proud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 11m

  6. FEB 15

    OTW 243 - Opportunity is Knocking; Drafting AVG and Playing Time

    On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball draft prep with a deep dive into the batting average category and how it interacts with roster construction. They discuss stabilizers versus risk bats, early-round foundations, and where drafters can find hidden average upside without sacrificing power or speed. The episode focuses on balancing category floors with ceiling plays, identifying players who can buoy team batting average, and highlighting potential landmines that could drag teams down in 2026 drafts. 0:00 – Intro and category framing Overview of batting average landscape in 2026 drafts, league-wide trends, and how average scarcity shapes roster construction. 8:00 – Early-round batting average anchors Players discussed: Luis Arraez, Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, Bobby Witt Jr., Mookie Betts, Julio Rodríguez Discussion centers on foundational hitters who provide strong average without sacrificing counting stats, and how early picks set the tone for category flexibility later in drafts. 23:00 – Power bats with average risk Players discussed: Kyle Schwarber, Matt Olson, Pete Alonso, Elly De La Cruz, Oneil Cruz Conversation around batting average volatility, strikeout rate concerns, and how much risk managers can absorb depending on early roster builds. 40:00 – Mid-round average stabilizers Players discussed: Steven Kwan, Nico Hoerner, Bryson Stott, Jeff McNeil, Xander Bogaerts Focus on contact skills, lineup role, and identifying players who can quietly support average while contributing across categories. 58:00 – Bounce-back and growth candidates Players discussed: CJ Abrams, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr., Bo Bichette Evaluating BABIP regression, age curves, and approach adjustments that could lead to batting average improvements in 2026. 1:10:00 – Late-round average targets and fades Players discussed: Luis Rengifo, Thairo Estrada, Brice Turang, Jake McCarthy How to approach batting average late in drafts, when to chase category protection, and when to accept volatility. 1:20:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts Key takeaways on balancing floor and ceiling in batting average builds, understanding roster synergy, and planning category targets before draft day. Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS Join: PL+ | PL Pro Proud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 26m

  7. FEB 8

    OTW 242 - Top Speed Preview; Drafting R and SB

    On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball category preview series by focusing on the speed categories — Runs and Stolen Bases. They discuss how stolen bases remain scarce across player pools, how lineup context influences runs scored, and how to balance early-round five-category stars with mid- and late-round speed options. The episode highlights reliable contributors, category specialists, and draft strategy considerations to help managers build competitive speed totals without sacrificing roster balance. They break down elite speed anchors, mid-round stabilizers, and late-draft specialists while emphasizing the importance of playing time, lineup position, and category targets when constructing fantasy rosters. Episode Topics and Timestamps 0:00 – Intro and category strategy overview Speed scarcity in modern drafts and roster construction goals. 6:30 – Early-round speed anchors Players discussed: Bobby Witt Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Corbin Carroll, Julio Rodríguez, Elly De La Cruz, Trea Turner, Mookie Betts 24:00 – Mid-round speed contributors Players discussed: Oneil Cruz, CJ Abrams, Nico Hoerner, Bryson Stott, Andrés Giménez, Tommy Edman, Ha-Seong Kim 49:00 – Late-round speed targets and specialists Players discussed: Esteury Ruiz, Jon Berti, Victor Scott II, Brice Turang, Garrett Hampson, Jake McCarthy 1:13:00 – Runs category deep dive Players discussed: Kyle Schwarber, Marcus Semien, Steven Kwan, Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman 1:28:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts Final takeaways on balancing stolen bases and runs in 2026 fantasy drafts. Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS Join: PL+ | PL Pro Proud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 38m

  8. JAN 31

    OTW 241 - We Have The Power Preview; Drafting HR and RBI

    On The Wire - Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting kick off their 2026 fantasy baseball category previews by breaking down power (HR & RBI) and why it has quietly become harder to replace later in drafts. They discuss draft targets, late-round power bats, platoon plays, and roster construction strategies to hit modern home run benchmarks. 0:00–8:30 — Episode Intro & Why Power Matters More in 2026 Category-preview format explanation Impact of PitchCon and offseason prep Why managers are falling behind in HR/RBI Establishing modern power targets (24–25 HR per hitter) 8:30–20:00 — Power vs Speed Tradeoffs in Early Drafts Players discussed: Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., Jackson Chourio, Trea Turner How few true 35+ HR bats exist Why early speed-first picks create downstream power pressure Corner infield power vs middle-infield scarcity 20:00–30:30 — Power Benchmarks & Draft Math Targeting ~350 HR and ~1,100 RBI in 15-team leagues Why “15 HR + speed” profiles create long-term problems Emphasizing lineup quality over RBI projections 30:30–44:00 — Corner Infield Power Targets Players discussed: Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Paul Goldschmidt, Bryce Eldridge, Chase DeLauter, Josh Bell, Tristan Casas Arenado vs Gorman risk profiles Playing-time certainty vs batting average damage Eldridge stash upside vs prospect risk Josh Bell as a boring but reliable power source 44:00–57:00 — Middle Infield Power Options Players discussed: Jake Cronenworth, Anthony Volpe, José Caballero, Brooks Lee Cronenworth as a “glue guy” with sneaky volume power Volpe’s rebound potential and ADP window Multi-position flexibility as power insurance Minnesota infield playing-time outlook 57:00–1:11:00 — Outfield Power Targets Players discussed: Jesus Sanchez, Andrew Benintendi, Austin Hays, Cody Clemens Sanchez as a platoon-friendly power bat in Houston Benintendi’s power resurgence vs lineup quality Hays as a free-agent ADP value play Clemens as a flexible, low-cost power streamer 1:11:00–1:18:00 — Power Streamers & Rate-Based Targets Players discussed: Jemai Jones, Dominic Canzone, Tyler O’Neill, Matt Wallner, Zach Dezenzo, Colby Thomas, Christopher Morel, Joey Wiemer, David Schneider HR per 600 PA as a late-draft tool Short-side platoon exploitation Streaming power via matchups and schedules 1:18:00–1:21:00 — Catchers & Utility-Only Power Players discussed: Carson Kelly, Marcell Ozuna, Jonathan India Kelly as a streaming catcher with pop Ozuna’s ADP volatility if he signs India benefiting from KC fence changes and lineup role 1:21:00–1:23:00 — Final Thoughts & Power Draft Takeaways Don’t underestimate power scarcity Late-round power always carries risk — embrace flexibility Trust your draft instincts and plan for in-season maintenance Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS Join: PL+ | PL Pro Proud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 24m
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Join Adam Howe (@EightyGrade) and Kevin Hasting (@HastingKevin) every Sunday with insights and updates on how to use your fantasy baseball FAAB before your bid deadlines hit.

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Howe, Kevin Hasting
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Pitcher List
  • Show Website
    On The Wire

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