OTW 238 - December News Dump

On The Wire - December delivers a full fantasy baseball news dump, and Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting break it all down. From multi-team trades and bullpen shakeups to key free-agent signings and overseas imports, this episode covers how recent MLB transactions are already reshaping draft boards across redraft, dynasty, and draft-and-hold formats. The guys analyze playing-time impacts, role clarity, and where fantasy managers should be adjusting valuations heading into 2026 drafts.

00:00 – Intro & December News Dump Setup
Show opening, winter meetings energy, framing the episode around a heavy December transaction cycle.

03:30 – Three-Team Trade: Rays / Pirates / Astros
Brandon Lowe to Pittsburgh, Jake Mangum impact, Mike Burrows to Houston, and fantasy fallout for all three teams.

10:15 – Houston Rotation Outlook
Mike Burrows pitch-mix changes, Spencer Arrighetti speculation, and spring training rotation battles.

15:45 – Orioles Acquire Shane Baz
Baltimore’s rotation depth, Baz’s health, workload expectations, and ADP movement.

20:45 – Royals Trade for Isaac Collins
Everyday playing time potential, Royals outfield construction, Jonathan India and Michael Massey discussion.

26:15 – Royals Bullpen: Matt Strahm Deal
Kansas City bullpen roles, Phillies backfilling, and fantasy relevance of late-inning arms.

30:30 – Phillies Sign Brad Keller & Adolis García
Keller’s bullpen role, Garcia’s everyday outfield opportunity, and lineup fit in Philadelphia.

35:45 – Diamondbacks Bring Back Merrill Kelly
Arizona’s competitive window, rotation stability, and what this says about the team’s direction.

40:30 – Twins Sign Josh Bell
Platoon expectations, lineup slot, power output, and draft value.

44:15 – Padres Re-Sign Michael King & Add Sung-Moon Song
Michael King’s contract structure, injury trust level, and Song’s KBO-to-MLB fantasy upside.

50:00 – Yu Darvish Injury Update
Concerns over Darvish’s future and draft board implications.

52:15 – Guardians Bullpen Additions
Sean Armstrong, Justin Bruihl, and bullpen hierarchy behind Emmanuel Clase.

55:00 – Angels Reclamation Projects (Romano & Pomeranz)
Closer speculation, trade value, and Angels bullpen volatility.

58:45 – Cubs Minor Moves
Tyler Austin major-league deal and bullpen depth notes.

1:00:30 – Mets Sign Luke Weaver
Setup role behind Devin Williams, ratio help, and speculative saves value.

1:03:45 – Rangers Sign Danny Jansen & Bullpen Shuffle
Catcher playing time expectations, save uncertainty, and Texas bullpen dart throws.

1:08:15 – Giants Sign Adrian Houser
Park effects, innings potential, and late-round SP appeal.

1:10:30 – Nationals Add Foster Griffin
NPB returnee outlook, rotation lottery ticket discussion.

1:12:45 – Braves Re-Sign Ha-Seong Kim
Stolen bases, batting average rebound hopes, and Atlanta infield depth.

1:15:00 – Closing Thoughts & Draft Strategy Takeaways
Playing-time vs. projection discussion and final fantasy draft notes.

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