Matt Shaw could be one of the NL’s top rookies. (Tri-City News)

Mookie Betts (illness) won’t play in the Tokyo Series; the Yankees’ rotation issues keep growing as now Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) has been scratched from his next start; and Joey Gallo is thinking about becoming a pitcher after getting cut by the White Sox. Some other Fantasy baseball stories we’re following include…

How Will Matt Shaw Fare in the Bigs?

Since bottoming out at 71 wins in 2021, the Chicago Cubs have slowly built themselves up, moving to 74 victories in 2022 and 83 in each of the last two seasons. Now, can they take the next step and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020?

An injection of youth in the form of top prospect Matt Shaw may help. As we predicted when we slotted him fourth in our Top 100 Prospects last month, he’s expected to the starting third baseman for Chicago this season, hence his inclusion on the trip to Japan for the Tokyo Series.

The Cubs’ top prospect and first round pick in 2023, Shaw spent most of last season at Double-A, piling up the runs and ribbies and flashing great speed before a promotion to Triple-A, where he struck out more often, but not an alarming amount (he still flirted with a .300 BA at this level).

In fact, given his power, speed and patience, his K rate at the highest levels of the minors was impressively low. The short and stocky Shaw has continued to hit well this spring, and we’re excited to see what he can do in his first taste of the bigs.

He doesn’t possess one elite skill, but the combination of his power, speed and hit tool is so exciting, even if his fielding and arm may ultimately push him off third base. Shaw is unlikely to provide much value as a starter in standard sized mixed leagues, but should be a decent starter in NL-only leagues or a backup in mixed formats.

For what it’s worth, the last time the Cubs had a rookie take over the hot corner, Kris Bryant sure made it work.

The Angels Bullpen

The last time the Los Angeles Angels had a winning record was in 2015, and in recent seasons, things have gotten worse not better. For instance, after winning 77 in 2021, they dropped to 73 in each of the next two seasons. Last year? Um, try 63 victories — the worst record in team history.

Yuck.

Small wonder the Angels are listed on FanDuel at +3700 to have the worst record in the majors this season.

Last season, only Tampa Bay and the historically bad White Sox had worse offenses, while the Halos’ rotation only ranked above the Marlins and Rockies. Really, the only aspect of the Angels’ season that was even middling was their bullpen, which finished 13th in ERA.

The scary thing is, Los Angeles was still desperate enough to sign reliever Corey Knebel to a minor league deal in mid-August to try to catch lighting in a bottle. Injuries have decimated the former closer’s career, and things didn’t turn around with the move to the Angels’ organization.

In six appearances, including one start, Knebel posted an unsightly 25.09 ERA and was promptly released. The 34-year-old remains a free agent, and considering he hasn’t appeared in the bigs since 2022, we think we can safely assume he’s hit the end of the line.

As for as remaining Angel relievers who may have some Fantasy value this year, you’ve got:

• Kenley Jansen, who was brought in to close after occupying that role for the BoSox the last two seasons. His control was a bit better last year, but he had some good BABIP luck and is likely due for regression. Consider Jansen a mid-range RP2.
• Young flamethrower Ben Joyce was a real bright spot for the Angels last year, going undefeated with a strong WHIP while recording a sprinkling of holds and saves. He’s a mid-range RP3 with upside should Jansen blow up or get hurt.
• After getting DFAed by Texas in mid-August, Brock Burke was claimed off waivers by the Halos and was much better down the stretch, striking out batters at a higher rate than ever. He has experience as a set-up man, but is unlikely to offer much if any Fantasy value, especially once Robert Stephenson (elbow) returns mid-season.

Waiver Wire Pick of the Week

Kyle Finnegan, RP, Washington Nationals (ESPN: 20.4 per cent; CBS: 55 per cent): Over the last two seasons, Finnegan has more saves than anyone not named Emmanuel Clase, Josh Hader or Raisel Iglesias, yet he remains widely available on the wire as we head into the regular season. Finnegan is a workhorse who has been durable and has set a consistent baseline of value over the last three years. You’re not going to get a crapload of strikeouts, but his K rate did bounce back a bit last year. Okay, Finnegan’s command has weakened the last couple of years, but he was much more efficient at closing out games in 2024. There are some red flags here, but he has the job for now, so if you needs saves give him a look.

RotoRob Tune of the Day

Jazz composer Dave Brubeck was at the heart of the west coach cool jazz movement. Here’s “Dave N’ Darius,” another track from his 1997 album with his quintet, In Their Own Sweet Way.