Trea Turner and Carlos Correa aren’t going to bust in fantasy baseball. As long as they stay away from the injury bug, both players will be dynamic for any roster.
They’re going to contribute in multiple categories, with Turner holding the slight edge based on his unique ability to run. Turner has an average draft position of fifth overall and Correa is 12th overall. So if don’t pick them up in the first round, be aware of these shortstops who have bust potential in the 2018 fantasy baseball draft.
Corey Seager, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers
He’s good. But I’m not sure if he’s as dynamic as many are claiming. He has an ADP of 31 overall and fourth among shortstops, and his batting average is just fine for that position.
However, it’s his other counting statistics in fantasy baseball that gives me concerns. He doesn’t have more than 80 RBI in a season and his home runs and runs dipped last year. He’s not going to provide anything with stolen bases, so he’s going to be above-average in a few categories, and either average or below-average in a few others.
If he continues to see a dip in runs and homers, he’ll be nothing more than an average fantasy baseball option. And at that price, that’s not worth it.
Jean Segura, SS, Seattle Mariners
We have plenty of evidence from Segura during his career and he’s been a bust before. And signs are pointing to him joining that dubious distinction again in 2018.
Segura’s batting average has been .300 or better in the last two seasons. That’s the good news. The problem is he had a major bounce-back season in 2016, only to see that diminish in 2017. He did the same thing from 2013 to 2014 and 2015.
His major skills are scoring runs and stealing bases. He’s been inconsistent in being dominant in those categories, so if you’re willing to risk your 76th overall pick on him, be careful what you wish for.
Xander Bogaerts, SS, Boston Red Sox
He’s similar to Segura in that he is listed as the 72nd overall pick, according to ADP. Unlike Segura, though, this bust potential is based on a matter of preference.
Bogaerts isn’t going to be dominant in any one category. Sure, he had 115 runs in 2016, which is really good, but that number dropped to less than 100 in 2017. He’ll steal a few bases, knock in some RBI and even hit some homers. And his batting average is probably not going to be terrible.
In fantasy baseball categorical leagues, though, I like to have players drafted at this position to have a specialty. Maybe they won’t have a good batting average or be able to score runs, but they can be monsters in power hitting. Bogaerts isn’t going to be a detriment, but I’m not sure he’s going to be the reason why you’re winning a weekly matchup in a category league.
