Introduction

In the world of Fantasy Baseball, knowing whom not to draft can be just as crucial as identifying the top picks. Eric Karabell, a seasoned fantasy sports analyst, has compiled a comprehensive 'Do Not Draft' list for the 2025 season. This list highlights players who, due to various risks, may not live up to their preseason hype. Let's dive into the details and uncover the players you should avoid in your drafts.

Dodgers' Pitching Staff: A Cautionary Tale

The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their World Series victory, have made significant offseason moves. However, for fantasy managers, their pitching staff presents a mixed bag. While names like Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Clayton Kershaw are enticing, their durability and workload concerns make them risky picks.

• RHP Tyler Glasnow: Despite his excellence, Glasnow's 22 starts last season were a career high.
• RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Threw only 90 innings last season.
• RHP Shohei Ohtani: Recovering from Tommy John surgery, his pitching role remains uncertain.

Key Players to Avoid

Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers

Freeman, a beloved player, saw a decline in his numbers last season. At 35, his age and recent ankle injury make him a risky pick, especially in the early rounds.

Corbin Burnes, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Burnes' falling strikeout rate and reliance on favorable BABIP make him a less reliable option compared to other top-tier pitchers.

William Contreras, C, Milwaukee Brewers

While Contreras is the top catcher, his high draft position doesn't align with his statistical output, especially in one-catcher leagues.

Emmanuel Clase, RHP, Cleveland Guardians

Clase's unsustainable 0.61 ERA and declining strikeout rate make him a risky pick in the early rounds.

Chris Sale, LHP, Atlanta Braves

Sale's durability concerns at age 36 make him a high-risk pick, despite his past success.

Conclusion

Fantasy Baseball is as much about avoiding pitfalls as it is about finding stars. Eric Karabell's 'Do Not Draft' list provides valuable insights to help you navigate the 2025 season. By steering clear of these high-risk players, you can build a more balanced and competitive team.

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