X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Best Ball Avoids for Fantasy Baseball Drafts

Bryce Harper - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Kev discusses fantasy baseball best ball avoids and potential busts for 2023 drafts. Don't pick these MLB hitters and pitchers in best ball leagues.

Welcome to our fantasy baseball best ball draft avoids for the 2023 season. The fantasy baseball season is right around the corner. For those fantasy managers looking to get an edge on their 2023 leagues, best ball formats are an awesome way to get an early look at where players are being drafted in terms of ADP and evaluate which players have a stock price that is likely not to return full value for their price tag.

One key piece to drafting in set-it-and-forget-it leagues is the ability to take a completely different approach compared to your normal redraft and dynasty baseball leagues. While best ball formats can present the ultimate in risk-reward options in drafts, we often advocate for the opportunity to let your other league members make the mistake of drafting volatile assets.

Here’s a list of five land mines that you can avoid in best ball this season.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Fantasy Baseball Best Ball Avoids

Ozzie Albies - 2B, Atlanta Braves

ADP 65.1

Not only did Ozzie Albies deal with a myriad of health issues last season but according to recent reports, he underwent offseason shoulder surgery and is not yet 100%. Luckily, the surgery was a clean-up and not anything extreme but we should take not regardless.

Albies is a talented player who is as good in fantasy as he is in real life at full strength. However, if he is not 100% to start the season, he could not only underperform but fall out of favor in the lineup order. The Braves' lineup is arguably baseball's best and if Albies is hitting in the lower third to start the season, that is bad news for his fantasy value and not worth his top-100 cost.

 

Bryce Harper - OF, Philadelphia Phillies

ADP - 67.5

Bryce Harper underwent Tommy John Surgery shortly after the Phillies' postseason run and his timetable for return is just before the All-Star Break in July according to most recent reports. While this may be true, the likelier scenario is Philadelphia brass holding him out until after the Break if not later, especially in the case that they are safely within the playoff race. The Phillies added star Trea Turner over the offseason and have plenty of young, emerging talent that complements their all-star core. They are likely in no rush to bring back their superstar asset after significant surgery no matter what reports say.

Not only that but there is also the consideration of the performance impact elbow surgery will have on Harper in his first season back. We've seen talented hitters like Corey Seager and Rhys Hoskins undergo TJS in the past and both witnessed serious output dips. Luckily, both hitters regained form once two seasons removed and did not deal with any lasting effects. Harper is a greatly talented hitter but even at a discount, he is unappealing.

 

Dansby Swanson - SS, Chicago Cubs

ADP - 77

Dansby Swanson is definitely closer to the hitter he was between 2020 and 2022 rather than at the start of his career but swapping his place at the top of the Braves offense for the top of the Cubs' offense is quite the dip for an above-average hitter. Swanson's appeal comes in his steady approach and in typical fantasy formats, his ability to contribute across all five categories. Unfortunately, Swanson is now surrounded by an offense that should significantly impact his run and RBI numbers. The Braves ranked 7th in total offense by wRC+ in 2022 while the Cubs ranked 20th--quite the gap.

Swanson could make up part of the difference by stealing more but even so, expected stats suggest he overperformed his average a decent bit (actual .277 vs expected .257). If his average were to dip that much he would completely sink in value and it is feasible given that teams may pitch to him differently with a weaker offense surrounding him.

 

Kyle Wright - SP, Atlanta Braves

ADP - 103.1

Kyle Wright broke out in 2022 after carrying half a decade of prospect hype. Wright was a former first-overall pick who dominated every level of the minors but could not crack the major league rotation due to his lack of command and general inconsistency. After his fourth failed year in the majors, he broke out and performed as a very good SP2. Now, he is priced alongside pitchers who have more than one year worth of fantasy value on their resume.

Not only is Wright's price gaudy, but he also received a cortisone shot in his shoulder and is still ramping up for spring training. There is no news of significant injury, however, he did just pitch a career-high number of innings (180 1/3rd) along with a playoff appearance. Wright is extremely talented and could build on his 2022 breakout but at cost, he is better off avoided.

 

Chris Bassitt - SP, Toronto Blue Jays

ADP - 110.1

Chris Bassitt is another notable mover this offseason. His season in New York was fantastic as he pitched a career-high 181.2IP and produced a stellar 3.42 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. Bassitt is now coming off of his 3rd stellar fantasy season in a row but now, his move to Toronto may reveal the cracks in his armor. Bassitt is not a great pitcher based on underlying metrics such as xFIP and SIERA.

Throughout his career, he has typically overperformed them on the surface which is would be quite notable if not for the fact that his home parks throughout his career (Oakland Coliseum and Citi Field) were the two friendliest pitcher parks in all of baseball.

Chris Bassitt Career Stats Home/Away:

  • Home: 376.1 IP, 2.68 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 16.7% K-BB, 3.87 xFIP
  • Away: 36 1IP, 4.26 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 12% K-BB, 4.61 xFIP

Moving to Rogers Centre would not be as much of an issue if not for the fact that the outfield walls are moving in and creating an even more hitter-friendly environment. Over the past five years, the field has ranked about average for hitters and pitchers (already a downgrade for Bassitt). Now, there is no telling how well bats may play, especially lefties given that right and center field are moving in. Bassitt is not worth drafting at his cost given that he may be closer to a JAG than a top-25 SP.

 

Other Notable Players to Avoid



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Terrance Ferguson

Could Benefit from Rams Scheme Changes
Jacob Cowing

Could Handle Gadget Role in San Francisco
Jayden Higgins

to Start for Texans Right Away?
Sauce Gardner

Agrees to $120.4 Million Contract Extension
Marvin Mims Jr.

Could be on Track for First 1,000-Yard Season
Jaylen Johnson

Chargers Place Jaylen Johnson on PUP List
Dereck Lively II

Undergoes Right-Foot Surgery Tuesday
Kendrick Bourne

Kayshon Boutte Fighting for Final Spots
Isaiah Collier

Logs a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Monday
DeMario Douglas

Kyle Williams "Locks" for Receiving Corps
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Finalizing Massive Extension
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Expected to Ease Anthony Richardson Sr. Back in
Devin Carter

Posts 17 Points Versus Suns
Bronny James Jr.

Scores 17 Points in Summer League Loss
Terry McLaurin

Undecided on Whether he Will Report to Training Camp
Colston Loveland

Says his Shoulder is 100 Percent
Harrison Ingram

has Impressive Outing Against Jazz
Sam Williams

has Potential to be Elite Edge Rusher
Shemar Stewart

Considering Going Back to College?
Jahmyr Gibbs

Lions Want Jahmyr Gibbs "More Involved" in Passing Game
Jordan Addison

Could be Facing Three-Game Suspension
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Kyle Filipowski

Records 35-Point Double-Double Against Spurs
Kel'el Ware

Dominates Against Celtics
Kon Knueppel

Gets Going Monday
Matas Buzelis

Puts Up 28 Points in Win Over Pacers
Reed Sheppard

Shut Down for Rest of Summer League
Paul George

Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Najee Harris

Likely to Miss Time at Start of Training Camp
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Collin Morikawa

Misses The Cut at Genesis Scottish Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied For 13th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooks Koepka

Finishes Tied For 32nd at LIV Andalucia
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For 34th at Genesis Scottish Open
Jason Day

Misses The Cut at John Deere Classic
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Cam Taylor-Britt

has Benefited From Addition of Al Golden
Rome Odunze

Could Take Off in Year 2
RJ Harvey

to Get "Significant" Work in Broncos' Passing Game
Jackson Powers-Johnson

More Comfortable Heading into Year 2
Joel Embiid

Participating in Partial Basketball Activities
Victor Wembanyama

Officially Cleared to Return After Blood-Clot Recovery
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Kel'el Ware

Collects 21 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Cam Spencer

Contract Being Restructured
Drew Timme

Scores 30 Points in Summer League Loss to Wizards
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Alexandre Sarr

Logs Impressive Outing in Summer League Action on Sunday
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Kyle Filipowski

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss to Warriors
Cody Williams

Collects 22 Points in Summer League Loss on Sunday
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Boston Celtics

Damian Lillard Drawing Interest from the Celtics
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Kyle Stowers

Punishes Former Team with Three-Homer Game
St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals Select Liam Doyle with Fifth Overall Pick
Daniel Gafford

Agrees to Contract Extension with Dallas
Colorado Rockies

Rockies Select Ethan Holliday Fourth Overall
Seattle Mariners

Kade Anderson Selected Third Overall by Seattle
Ha-Seong Kim

X-rays on Ha-Seong Kim's Foot Come Back Negative
Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Bremner Selected Second Overall by Angels in 2025 MLB Draft
Washington Nationals

Nationals Select Eli Willits First Overall
Jake Meyers

to Miss More Than Three Weeks With Calf Injury
Edward Cabrera

Hopeful to Avoid Injured List
Oneil Cruz

Absent on Sunday
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF