PPP 792 – Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitchers To Add And Drop – 5-18-26

Nick Pollock delivers a sharp, data-driven breakdown of fantasy baseball starting pitchers to add and drop as of May 18, 2026, cutting through hype with surgical precision. The episode centers on a bold contrarian take: Roki Sasaki’s dominant debut, while impressive, is not a sustainable breakout—Pollock calls it a 'birthday party' that may not last, citing his average slider and lack of elite velocity. He’s equally skeptical of 'lucky' performances, like George Kirby’s, arguing that Kirby’s mechanical flaws—pitch convergence instead of divergence—explain his underperformance despite strong stuff. Pollock champions pitchers with command and efficiency, like Grant Holmes and Kevin Galsman, while warning against overvaluing high-velocity prospects like Robert Gasser and Lucas Giolito, whose 90.4 mph fastballs signal ongoing recovery. The real value lies in overlooked arms: Ryan Nelson (32% rostered), Reid Demers, and Foster Griffin, who Pollock defends despite recent struggles, calling them 'high-upside streamers' in favorable matchups. He also drops key names like Yuri Perez and Brady Singer due to unsustainable risk profiles, even when they post decent numbers. The episode’s core thesis? Don’t chase wins or strikeouts—chase process, command, and sustainable mechanics. Pollock’s most provocative insight: 'Founders die from overdose of opportunity, not starvation'—a metaphor for fantasy managers who overcommit to hot starts without analyzing underlying mechanics. His advice?