It’s time to start reevaluating that top talent you drafted in your fantasy baseball draft.
I’m usually too patient with my main players, especially in Major League Baseball when it might take weeks to get going. However, with Memorial Day approaching, there’s enough of a sample size to take a second look at those high draft picks.
Here are three players who I’m either attempting a trade for or dropping to the waiver wire sooner, rather than later.
Justin Upton, Detroit, OF
The strikeout machine has tested my last nerve. It’s tough to part from a player who gobbled that high of a fantasy baseball draft pick, but he’s about as valuable as a middle reliever in a league that only counts saves.
He leads Major League Baseball with 66 strikeouts for the year in only 43 games. In points leagues, he’s been the epitome of worthless, managing a grand total of 16 points during the entire season. That accounts to 0.4 points per game that he’s played.
I’ve struggled to drop him from my fantasy baseball roster and it appears that you have, too. He’s still owned in 86 percent of leagues on ESPN.com, which is less than when the year started, but still higher than several players.
He’s not doing anything of note, with a measly 10 RBIs, two homers and only one stolen base. It just doesn’t seem to be working this season, so if you can move him for about anything, it’s an upgrade. Usually the outfield position features several up and comers, but this season, it seems empty of talent. Try trading him for a lower upside outfielder, who is likely to produce in at least one category.
If you can’t find a trade partner, it’s time to move on and find better luck on the waiver wire.
Alex Gordon, Kansas City, OF
Now that he’s on the disabled list, he might be a better trade option for your fantasy baseball roster.
Gordon hasn’t been at the level of Upton, but he’s been close. He’s batting a blistering .211 and has 10 RBIs, four homers and 50 strikeouts. He does, however, have a .319 on-base percentage, which is decent enough.
His struggles at the plate are over for a least 15 days, with his trip to the DL. If there’s no room on the DL for your team, that leaves quite a decision on your hands. Try to keep Gordon through the tough times and hope he comes back better, or entice an opposing owner to take him on. You can do that by looking at the opposition’s disabled list and finding an owner that has room to stash Gordon away for the next two weeks.
The decision comes down to if he’s worth a stint on your DL or if you’re better off with a different option in the outfield. For me, he looks better on a different team this season, so make a move now while you can.
Shelby Miller, Arizona, SP
Remember when Miller was a prized pickup by the Diamondbacks? That seems like ages ago. He was a marginally high draft pick in fantasy baseball drafts and has actually hurt teams far more than helped in the early going.
In points leagues, he’s managed only one start all year in the positive. For leagues that track categories, he’s just as bad with an ERA of 6.64, a WHIP of 1.80 and only 27 strikeouts. Oh, and he only has one win to go along with his five losses.
Most fantasy owners have dropped him already and if you’re seeking a trade, that’s probably long gone by now. Miller is owned in 30 percent of leagues on ESPN.com. If he’s still on your fantasy baseball roster by the end of the week, you’re either not paying attention or are attempting to lose.
