Fantasy Baseball Busts: Don't Let These Stars Drag Your Team Down!
Hey there, fantasy baseball enthusiasts! Welcome back to our little corner of the internet, where we're all about helping you dominate your leagues. Today, we've got a treat for you – a comprehensive guide to help you steer clear of those fantasy baseball busts that could sink your season. So, grab your favorite sports drink, get comfy, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy baseball busts.
What Makes a Fantasy Baseball Player a 'Bust'?
Before we start pointing fingers, let's define our terms. A fantasy baseball bust is a player who, for one reason or another, fails to meet expectations based on their draft position or pre-season hype. These players might have had a great year before, or maybe they're coming off an injury. Either way, they're players you should approach with caution.
The Top 5 Fantasy Baseball Busts to Avoid in 2023
Alright, enough with the formalities. Let's get to the meat of the matter. Here are our top five fantasy baseball busts to avoid in the 2023 season. Remember, we're not saying these guys are going to be terrible – just that they might not live up to their draft-day hype.
1. Trea Turner, SS, Philadelphia Phillies
Why he's a bust: Trea Turner is coming off a monster season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but we're not convinced he'll repeat that performance in Philadelphia. The Phillies' lineup is crowded, and Turner's new home, Citizens Bank Park, isn't as hitter-friendly as Dodger Stadium. Plus, he's got a history of injury issues.
Why you should avoid him: Turner is likely to go in the first round of most drafts. If you take him that early, you're counting on a repeat of his 2022 performance. That's a risky bet.
2. Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins
Why he's a bust: Byron Buxton has all the talent in the world, but he can't stay healthy. In fact, he's played a full season just once in his career. If you draft him, you're essentially drafting an injury risk.
Why you should avoid him: Buxton is a risky pick, especially if you draft him early. He's got the potential to be a game-changer, but he's just as likely to spend the season on the IL.
3. Carlos Rodón, SP, New York Yankees
Why he's a bust: Carlos Rodón had a breakout season in 2021, but he struggled with injuries in 2022. Now, he's joining the Yankees, a team known for its rigorous pitching workload. That's a recipe for disaster.
Why you should avoid him: Rodón is likely to go in the early rounds of drafts. But with his injury history and the Yankees' pitching demands, he's a risky pick.
4. Francisco Lindor, SS, New York Mets
Why he's a bust: Francisco Lindor had a disappointing 2022 season, his second with the Mets. He's got the talent to bounce back, but he's also got a history of underperforming in New York.
Why you should avoid him: Lindor is likely to go in the middle rounds of drafts. But with his inconsistent performance and the pressure cooker that is New York, he's a risky pick.
5. Mike Clevinger, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Why he's a bust: Mike Clevinger had a strong 2022 season, but he's got a history of injuries. Plus, he's joining a Phillies team with a crowded rotation and a shaky bullpen.
Why you should avoid him: Clevinger is likely to go in the middle to late rounds of drafts. But with his injury history and the Phillies' pitching situation, he's a risky pick.
How to Avoid Fantasy Baseball Busts
Alright, so we've told you who to avoid. But how do you avoid drafting these players in the first place? Here are our top tips:
1. Do Your Research: Don't just draft based on name value. Dig deep into the stats, look at player trends, and consider the team situation.
2. Draft for Value: Don't reach for a player just because they're popular. If a player is going too early, let someone else draft them. You can always trade for them later if they pan out.
3. Consider Injury History: Players with a history of injuries are risky picks. Be prepared to draft a replacement if they go down.
4. Stay Informed: Fantasy baseball is a game of adjustments. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and be ready to make trades or pick up players off waivers.
5. Have a Strategy: Whether it's zero-RB, zero-SP, or something else, having a draft strategy can help you avoid reaching for players just because they're popular.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, folks – our guide to fantasy baseball busts for the 2023 season. Remember, our goal isn't to bash these players. We just want to help you make informed draft decisions. So, keep these players in mind, do your research, and good luck in your drafts! We'll see you next time.