MLB.com Fantasy Baseball 411

George Springer took home the World Series MVP Award after slugging five home runs, including four in the last four games, but where does he stack up against the competition in 2018 fantasy drafts? On this episode of the Fantasy 411 podcast, MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss how to value the standouts from the World Series and project where they should be taken in 2018 drafts. Listen as the duo breaks down the performances of Springer (:35), Yu Darvish (4:30), Kenley Jansen (10:30), Rich Hill (13:20), Ken Giles (15:20) and Justin Verlander (17:20). They also take a look at the top-tier free-agent pitchers (21:45), a trio of Royals that could leave Kansas City (23:17) and if Tyler Chatwood or Carlos Gonzalez are more valuable if they exit Colorado (29:33).

Major League Baseball's best and brightest have been producing in big spots so far this postseason. Fantasy expert Fred Zinkie and FanRag fantasy baseball writer Al Melchior explain how a big postseason from a star player can affect where they are drafted the following year. Position players discussed this week are Jose Altuve (2:35), Aaron Judge (7:30), Marwin Gonzalez (12:33), Greg Bird (16:18) and Yasiel Puig. (18:45) They also break down postseason pitchers Jon Gray (23:30), CC Sabathia (29:15), Dallas Keuchel (32:40), Jose Quintana (37:00) and Yankees reliever David Robertson. (39:40)

Baseball may have just wrapped up the 2017 regular season, but it's never too early to start looking toward next year's fantasy drafts. MLB.com's fantasy expert Fred Zinkie and FanRag fantasy baseball writer Al Melchior begin to break down how players like Xander Bogaerts (2:25), Yu Darvish (3:40) and Sonny Gray (5:30) can improve their draft stock for 2018 with a good postseason performance. Should Mike Trout be the first pick in every draft? (8:55) Are Francisco Lindor and J.D. Martinez worthy of a first-round pick? (10:30) Where do Kris Bryant and Charlie Blackmon rank on a long list of power hitters? (20:15) Who is the top ranked pitcher going into next season? (29:10) Fred and Al answers these questions and more in this edition of the podcast.

Former MVP Andrew McCutchen may be playing his last few games as a member of the Pirates. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie examine McCutchen's up-and-down season and explain why his numbers may not warrant a high draft pick in 2018. Leach and Zinkie also spend time wrapping up the season of the surprising American League steals leader (7:30), debating if Justin Verlander should be drafted ahead of Madison Bumgarner next season (17:42) and discussing if Mike Minor is ready to be a closer. (31:00) Later in the show, Fred is joined by Yahoo fantasy writer Scott Pianowski to talk about the strategies they used this season in their Yahoo Friends and Family League. (35:10)

With the regular season winding down to just a few games remaining on the schedule, MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie take a look at a list of hitters, including a former MVP and a power hitting rookie, (11:07) that could help teams close out this final week along with a prediction at what type of numbers these players could produce in 2018. Leach and Zinkie also discuss if Corey Kluber has pitched his way into the first round of fantasy drafts (25:42), Marco Estrada re-signing with the Blue Jays (30:33) and Zach Britton being shut down for the rest of the season. (39:00)

The Cleveland Indians have become the talk of baseball after reeling off 22 consecutive wins. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down how Cleveland's hot-hitting duo of Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor should be used in the remaining weeks of this season as well as where they rank in 2018 fantasy drafts. The guys also discuss rookie sensation Rhys Hoskins' future home-run potential (9:40), big-name players that should be drop candidates (18:40), if Arizona's Robbie Ray has reached ace-level status (21:45) and the ever-changing Angels bullpen. (35:20)

Arizona's J.D. Martinez became just the 18th player in Major League history to hit four home runs in a single game. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie explain why Martinez is a perfect player to hit in the confines of Chase Field and where he ranks on draft boards for 2018. (:44) Matt Olson and Jorge Polanco are riding hot streaks, should they be picked up in all leagues for the last few weeks of the season? (8:35) Ian Happ and Delino DeShields are a pair speedy players that are available that can help any team in steals. (15:18) Starting pitchers discussed this week include White Sox prospect Lucas Giolito, inconsistent Orioles starters Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman along with Red Sox ace Chris Sale. (21:13) The crew also weigh in on closers Blake Parker, Kelvin Herrera and Aroldis Chapman. (35:45)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie are back this week to discuss if picking up a versatile player like Kevin Kiermaier late in the year is better than hanging onto him throughout the season (:15), what lineups are good targets to stream your starting pitchers against (4:20), if Aaron Judge's sore shoulder is a major red flag (12:50), and the expectations for possible September callups Ronald Acuna, Willie Calhoun and J.P. Crawford. (19:45) Need another starting pitcher for the stretch run? Leach and Zinkie compare and contrast highly-rated prospect Lucas Giolito, Phillies rookie Mark Leiter and Rays left-hander Blake Snell. (26:35) Is Blake Parker the answer to the Angels season-long question at closer? The crew talks closers in L.A. and Colorado along with explaining the merits of dropping Aroldis Chapman for the rest of the season. (42:58)

The Twins are still very alive in the playoff race and they also have some of the most interesting players when it comes to fantasy baseball. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down how you should play the power-hitting Miguel Sano and speedy outfielder Byron Buxton. Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson have rebounded from a couple of bad first halves, but where do they rank when thinking about the 2018 season? (5:05) Curtis Granderson has moved from the Mets to a contending team, but how much playing time should he expect to get in the Dodgers outfield? (10:50) Leach and Zinkie also discuss what to do with some big name starting pitchers (12:50) and playoff-contending bullpens in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Colorado. (23:52) Later, Yahoo Sports fantasy writer Scott Pianowski joins Fred Zinkie on the show to break down if rookie Rhys Hoskins is worth a pickup as an outfielder, what ace will be drafted first in 2018 and who has better fantasy value between Nolan Arenado and Chris Sale. (39:47)

How do you handle an injured superstar? MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie weigh the pros and cons of dropping Bryce Harper now that he is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Giancarlo Stanton is on one of the biggest power surges of all-time, but where does he rank when thinking about drafting for 2018? (5:21) Is it the right time to drop Miguel Cabrera and Dustin Pedroia after down years at the plate? (10:53) Eddie Rosario is having a nice breakout season and could be picked up off waiver wires as a good all-around player. (14:40) Leach and Zinkie also discuss what top prospects they are most excited about (25:28), if starters Parker Bridwell or Trevor Bauer are worth taking a chance on (28:40) and whether Aroldis Chapman should be benched after some shaky performances. (41:20)

Where does Jay Bruce fit into the Indians' outfield? MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss if Bruce can continue his power-hitting ways at Progressive Field and if he will stay in the lineup when others return from the disabled list. (:15) Should Mets prospect Dominic Smith or Phillies prospect Rhys Hoskins be added to your lineup over some struggling veteran first basemen? (2:00) Other prospects discussed that were promoted include Amed Rosario, Ozzie Albies (12:22), Brandon Woodruff and Reynaldo Lopez (27:10). Joey Gallo is crushing home runs this season but hitting for a low average. How should he be handled when trying to balance production? (20:30) Trying to find an ace pitcher without paying an ace price? Leach and Zinkie breakdown Luis Severino, James Paxton and Zack Godley as inexpensive options. (29:06) They also give the latest updates on the closing situations in Atlanta, Minnesota, Oakland and Washington. (32:50)

MLB fantasy expert Fred Zinkie is joined this week by FanRag Sports baseball fantasy writer Al Melchior as they discuss recent prospects promoted to the big leagues and players that were moved before the Trade Deadline. A pair of top middle infielders were called up this week as Amed Rosario joined the Mets and Ozzie Albies will now be playing with the Braves. (:35) Next, Zinkie and Melchior break down the players that were moved at the Deadline and how it should affect their status in fantasy leagues. (5:22) Topics include Yu Darvish moving to the Dodgers, who grabs the closer's role for the Padres, Mets, Nationals and Twins (7:40), Jonathan Lucroy being traded to Colorado (16:10), Sonny Gray now pitching for the Yankees (20:40) and Lucas Duda's power potential in the American League. (23:40) What should you do with your injured players? Zinkie and Melchior discuss who should be kept and who should be dropped. (36:48)

The Red Sox made a trade for Eduardo Nunez in an attempt to plug a hole at third base as they chase the AL pennant. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie take a closer look at Boston's hot-corner options now that Nunez and top prospect Rafael Devers have been added to the team. (:40) Whit Merrifield seems to be an undervalued second baseman that is available in most leagues, should he be picked up over more established players? (11:54) What should you do with Clayton Kershaw now that he is out for several weeks with another back injury and should he be the first pitcher picked in 2018 fantasy drafts? (17:45) Will Stephen Strasburg miss multiple starts after heading to the disabled list due to a nerve impingement? (23:05) Who are some ace options that could be picked up with Kershaw and Strasburg out? (26:30) Finally, Yahoo! fantasy sports writer Dalton Del Don joins Fred Zinkie on the show to discuss strategy for leagues with an innings cap (37:20), where Sale, Scherzer and Kershaw should be drafted next season (42:15), where Willson Contreras ranks among the top catchers in the league (44:50) and if Gerardo Parra can maintain his current hot streak. (49:45)

The second half of the 2017 MLB season is underway and teams have wasted little time trying to improve through the trade market. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie take a look at some big boppers that have changed teams. The Yankees have brought in Todd Frazier to man the hot corner, hoping he can take advantage of the dimensions at Yankee Stadium (:45). J.D. Martinez moves from Detroit to the National League as the D-backs try to infuse more right-handed power into their lineup (3:15). A few stars have been bit by the injury bug post All-Star Break, Zinkie and Leach discuss how long Kris Bryant (7:30) and Carlos Correa (9:15) could be out of their team's lineup. Other topics touched on this week include surprising sluggers that are on pace for 40 homers (13:00), where Wilson Ramos ranks among catchers (19:07), Yoan Moncada's promotion to the Majors (22:30), Jose Quintana's move to the National League (25:17), starting pitcher must haves and buy-low options (26:10), and updates on the closer situations with the Rangers, White Sox, Cardinals, Orioles and Nationals (37:50).

Kyle Schwarber is making his way back to the big leagues after tearing the cover off the ball during a brief stint in the Minors. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down Schwarber's potential as an outfielder vs. a catcher in fantasy leagues (:37), how to replace Trea Turner's numbers while he misses time with a wrist injury (3:00), the emergence of Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (5:33) and prospects that can make an impact during the second half of the season. (7:50) Next, Leach and Zinkie talk about sluggers that have not been hitting well lately in Eric Thames (12:30), Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson. (14:55) Pitching performances from the first half discussed by Leach and Zinke include Jimmy Nelson (19:18), Ervin Santana (20:45), Justin Verlander (23:28), Kevin Gausman (25:15), Sam Dyson (28:06) and Matt Bush. (31:35)