Opening Day has come and gone. Without question, baseball is off to a great start. Of course, that means fantasy is off with a bang as well. While four games are too few to come to any firm conclusions, there are indications that some players aren't all we thought they would be. Last week, I wrote about some players to keep an eye on to add in the beginning of the season. Obviously, though, when a player gets added, someone must be dropped. That is where this Fantasy Baseball First Drops edition comes in handy.
As with all of my articles, discussion and debate are strongly encouraged. Do you disagree with any of the selections? Are there others that should be included? The floor is open! With all that behind us, let's get down to the picks, shall we?
Ryan Pressly, RP, Houston Astros
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Perhaps you noticed that the Yankees swept a four game series with the Astros to begin their season. Impressively, New York did it in Houston. One of the main reasons was the meltdown of the Astros' relief pitchers.
Before the season began, the bullpen was supposed to be one of the strengths of the team. Not so fast. While all of the destruction can't be placed at the feet of Ryan Pressley, he certainly played a part.
Pressly made two appearances in the series and allowed an earned run in each, including a home run Sunday. He was the losing pitcher on Opening Day. Without question, we knew that Pressly would take a fantasy step back with the offseason addition of Josh Hader.
However, even in leagues with holds as a counting stat, Pressly can't be trusted. For those managers that like their relief pitchers, there has to be a better option out there. Simply stated, go find him.
Kenta Maeda, SP, Detroit Tigers
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The free agent signing of Kenta Maeda by the Tigers was one in which I thought would work for both sides. Maeda missed the 2022 season with injury and came back to pitch for Minnesota last season. He won six games with a 4.23 ERA in 20 starts. Obviously, not the best, but at least he put the injury behind him. He looked to get a fresh start this season in Detroit.
Without doubt, the Tigers are off to a great beginning after sweeping the Chicago White Sox to open their season. As great as that sounds, there was nothing to celebrate regarding Maeda's beginning. In just 3.1 innings, he allowed six earned on seven hits, including three homers. It was only the offense that kept Maeda from suffering the loss. Clearly, not the result any of us were looking for.
In Maeda's next turn, he will face the sad team that is the Oakland A's. To me, however, that is a game that Maeda will have to prove that he belongs on a fantasy roster. That start doesn't come until Friday, so Maeda can be left on the wire for the time being.
If, and only if, he pitches a great game against the A's can he be considered to return from the waiver jungle.
Jon Gray, SP, Texas Rangers
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When it comes to starting pitching, the defending World Champion Rangers have some interesting options. Unfortunately, Jon Gray isn't one of them. Even before we got to Opening Day, Gray was having problems. He missed his final spring training start because of a stiff neck.
Gray was good to go, at least health wise Sunday against the Cubs. Too bad his stuff didn't match his health. Gray lasted just 3.2 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with three walks. In the end, Gray didn't take the loss as Texas came back to tie the game.
However, the result can't wash the bad taste away from Gray's start. To top it off, he doesn't pitch high enough in the Texas rotation to merit a fantasy roster spot. Send Gray to the shower.
Zack Gelof, 2B, Oakland A's
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Speaking of the A's, they have quite a few players that shouldn't be on fantasy rosters. After hitting 14 homers and stealing 14 bases in 69 games in 2023, many owners thought Zack Gelof would be worth a late round shot in 2024. Even after getting two hits and stealing a base Saturday, the early returns are full of potholes for Gelof, however.
First, notice that in the four games Oakland has played thus far, Gelof has seven strikeouts. As an infielder, seven is far too many, especially in points leagues. Second, because of the strikeouts, Gelof has negative fantasy points in three of the four games he been in. He doesn't have any RBIs and scored only a single run.
For sure, the negatives are outweighing the positives by a large margin. Give Gelof a seat on the waiver wire without delay.
Kris Bryant, Of/DH, Colorado Rockies
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When a fantasy managers have a Colorado Rockie hitter on the roster, they expect him to hit. Even on the road, where we all know none swing the bat as well as they do at home. Obviously, when one of their players doesn't have a hit, that's a huge problem. Indeed, that is the situation we find ourselves in on this Fantasy Baseball First Drops edition with Kris Bryant.
Ever since he signed with Colorado in 2022, the slide has been a steep one for Bryant. In his first two years, Bryant only played in 42 and 80 games. He has only hit 15 homers during that time.
To start this season, Bryant has played in all three of the Rockies games so far. However, that is not a positive. Not even close. In ten at bats, he doesn't have a hit. Even worse, he has struck out seven times in his last two games.
Talk about a black hole. Bryant has completely disappeared. Those holding on to Bryant thinking he will come around need to come to a realization. Bryant isn't anywhere close to what he once was. Exile him to the waiver wire and don't look back.
Jorge Polanco, 2B, Seattle Mariners
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Perhaps a theme should be obvious by the inclusion of this third hitter. Strikeouts are ruling the day on this Fantasy Baseball First Drops edition. Certainly, Jorge Polanco is doing his part to keep the theory alive. In his first game as a Seattle Mariner, Polanco had a hit.
That's great and all, but his line score has been blank ever since. In his last three games, Polanco has gone 0-11. Clearly, that's not good. However, add in the six strikeouts and the picture becomes completely dark.
When Polanco went to the Mariners, I thought that it would be a good place to jump start his career. Over his past two seasons, Polanco has only appeared in 104 and 80 games. Further, after hitting 33 homers in 2021, he only has 30 since.
However, Polanco's start seems to be going in reverse, at least in the early going. Second base looks like a thin position this year in fantasy baseball. Even so, there has to be better options available than Polanco. My advice: locate one.
Nolan Gorman, 2B/DH, St. Louis Cardinals
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When it comes to the advice above of seeking a second baseman, please look elsewhere than Nolan Gorman. While he has hits in his last three games, they are lost under a pile of strikeouts a mile high. In fact, on Sunday against the Dodgers, Gorman struck out an embarrassing four times. That brought his K total over four games to nine.
Obviously, that brings a ton of negative fantasy points. It doesn't get any easier in the early going for Gorman or the Cardinals. After opening with the Dodgers, St. Louis continues their road trip in San Diego.
No one knew for sure what to expect out of the Cardinals after their disastrous 2023. Thus far, 2024 doesn't look promising, either. Until there is a ray of fantasy sunshine in St. Louis, it is best to avoid their players wherever possible. Of course, that includes Gorman.
The Last Word
Thank you for joining me for this Fantasy Baseball First Drops edition! As always. debate and discussion are highly encouraged. Agree or disagree with the selections? Have a player to add? Let's talk about it.
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