We’re right in the middle of spring training, and although there are a lot more games to play in Arizona and Florida, it’s officially fantasy baseball prep season.
After we’ve given you sleeper hitters and pitchers, it’s time to turn our attention to the possible busts we see ahead of the 2020 MLB season.
It’s worth noting that we’re not saying to completely avoid these players. Instead, it’s all about the return based on their average draft position. If one of them drops a long way, go for it. Otherwise, look elsewhere during your drafts (All ADPs courtesy of FantasyPros).
1. LF/RF Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees
ADP: 70
I think he could return to hitting baseballs long distances frequently and driving in runs. But when you’re early in drafts, you want to minimize risk. And there’s sooooo much risk with Stanton after an injury-plagued 2019 and a calf problem in Spring Training.
2. 3B/LF/RF Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
ADP: 46
Despite .280 and 31 dingers last season, I don’t see him getting back to elite numbers like he had in 2016. For what could be around a fourth-rounder, you can do better.
3. LF/CF Tommy Pham, San Diego Padres
ADP: 82
Love the player, concerned about a power outage in San Diego. Yes, he hit 21 homers last season, his third straight 20-tater year and a second 20-20 season with his speed. But if he goes down to the teens in home runs, his value drops by a lot. Also: he just turned 32.
4. 1B Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals
ADP: 58
Speaking of 32: that’s how old Goldschmidt is, too, and his average dropped a whole 30 points between 2018 and 2019. The steals are long gone, and although the power is still there, is all of this a sign of his skills declining? I’m not drafting him that high to find out.
5. C J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies
ADP: 53
It’s not the player I object to. It’s the idea of taking a catcher so high. Yes, he’s really good in all the categories you want him to be really good in. But Willson Contreras hit 24 home runs last year and his ADP is 114. Wilson Ramos knocked in 73 RBI and has batted .260 or higher in each of his last three seasons. Get the point?
6. RF/DH Jorge Soler, Kansas City Royals
ADP: 87
He played his first full season ever and swatted 48 home runs, 36 more than his previous high. Are you buying into a breakout that was long overdue? Or one that won’t be repeated? There are other names I like in this range (Max Muncy, Matt Chapman and Luis Robert), so I’ll pass on the risk.
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