OTW 249 - FAAB #3; April 5, 2026

The Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball team delivers a high-octane, injury-packed episode of On The Wire, diving deep into the fallout from a wave of early-season injuries across MLB. With Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, and Alejandro Kirk all sidelined by significant injuries, the show focuses on actionable fantasy moves—highlighting Alex Freeland as a must-add for Dodgers coverage at second base and Miguel Rojas as the immediate shortstop replacement. The episode also unpacks the ripple effects of Justin Verlander’s IL stint, Cade Horton’s forearm issues, and Zach Eflin’s elbow discomfort, all of which open doors for emerging pitchers like Colin Ray and Dean Kramer. Amid the chaos, the hosts spotlight a rare opportunity: the NFL’s new $140 million deal with Connor Griffin, which may delay his MLB debut despite his strong start. The core of the episode centers on the upcoming Fab 3.3 and a half, with strategic advice to maximize waterfall bids, prioritize long lists for best-ball formats, and never drop elite players—just bench them. The hosts emphasize that in a season defined by volatility, the key is preparation: set your bids now, even if they’re cheap, to ensure you’re covered when injuries strike. The episode’s most powerful takeaway? Elite players don’t need to be in your starting lineup to be valuable—just keep them on your bench.