Jeff Hoffman has signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he is expected to take on the closer role. The move reflects Hoffman's impressive performance with the Phillies over the past two seasons. Meanwhile, the fantasy baseball landscape is buzzing with high stakes leagues, particularly NFBC formats, where strategic drafting and budget management are crucial for success.

With an average draft position between 90 and 110, Hoffman's value is debated among experts, as his previous injury concerns loom. The podcast discusses the volatility of drafting in high stakes leagues, emphasizing the need for a balanced roster while being aggressive when necessary. As the conversation shifts, the signing of Jorge López by the Nationals and the potential closer committee is noted, highlighting the unpredictability of bullpen roles.

Further insights include drafting strategies unique to NFBC, such as the absence of IL spots, affecting how players with injury histories are valued. Taking calculated risks on players who may miss time becomes a central theme in roster construction. The podcast concludes with discussions on various fantasy formats including best ball leagues, auction championships, and the main event, underlining the competitive nature of these high-stakes environments.

Round nine of drafting reveals a collection of players often labeled as injury risks, with Mike Trout emerging as a focal point due to his elite batting potential when healthy. Drafted at 97 overall, Trout's past performance supports his value, even with injury concerns limiting him to just 29 games last season.

Also noteworthy is Zack Gallen, whose disappointing prior season saw him struggle with injuries despite still achieving solid strikeout numbers. His overall potential remains a topic of interest among fantasy managers as he is drafted lower than his capabilities suggest.

Spencer Schwellenbach's emergence as a strong candidate highlights a balance of various pitches and effective strikeout rates, making him a potential sleeper pick. The return of Grayson Rodriguez adds complexity to the pitching landscape, as he faces scrutiny based on his previous season's performance against injuries.

Felix Bautista stands out as a top reliever poised to make a significant impact upon his return, while Christian Yelich's historical performance and recent health issues present a tantalizing but risky choice. Lastly, the future of Vinnie Pasquantino is discussed, with optimism surrounding his recovery and potential breakout.