RotoWire Fantasy Baseball Podcast Fantasy Baseball Auction Strategy w/ John Pausma
Feb 25, 2026
John Pausma, a high-stakes NFBC auction specialist, shares his auction war stories and roster-construction approach. They dig into massive closer inflation and its ripple effects. Discussion covers mid-tier closer targets, late-dollar strategies, nomination timing, and finding discounted outfield and pitching values.
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Closer Inflation Reshaped Auction Rosters
- Closer inflation dominated the NFBC $500 DC auction and forced roster tradeoffs.
- Multiple teams paid $20+ for single relievers (e.g., Mason Miller $28, Edwin Díaz $26), creating ripple effects across other positions.
Teams Spent Heavily To Lock Saves
- James recounts extreme reliever combos that drained budgets, like Mason Miller $28 plus Edwin Díaz $26 on one team.
- Another team bought Devin Williams $23 and Cade Smith $24, showing how one strategy concentrated spends.
Brewers Closer Race Split Between Uribe And McGill
- James and John debated the Brewers closer race, with James favoring Abner Uribe for the long-term role.
- John considered a split role between McGill and Uribe and noted McGill's offseason PRP injection and injury history.