Fantasy Baseball 2018: Stay away from these draft duds

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 17: Jason Heyward
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 17: Jason Heyward
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Fantasy Baseball
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 21: Gerrit Cole

Fantasy Baseball Pitching duds

Gerrit Cole: Houston Astros

2018 stats:

Win/loss: 12-12

ERA: 4.26

WHIP: 1.25

SO: 196

BB: 23

Innings Pitched: 203

2015 was one of the stars for Cole, who nearly earned a Cy Young award in the process. However, 2016 and 2017 were both subpar campaigns, and you should expect the same for 2018.

There are pros about drafting Cole. He doesn’t walk many hitters, and he will log quite a few innings. But, he’s not worth much as an elite pitcher, where somehow he’s still mentioned. Don’t draft him unless you need pitching depth late in your Fantasy Baseball draft.

Jake Arrieta: Philadelphia Phillies

2018 stats:

Starting pitcher.

Win/loss: 14-10

ERA: 3.53

WHIP: 1.22

SO: 163

BB: 55

Innings Pitched: 168.1

One reason Gerrit Cole didn’t collect the Cy Young hardware in 2015 was that of Jake Arrieta. The two pitchers have much in common, with both projected as Fantasy Baseball duds. Both players are still ranked highly in Fantasy venues, but we see through those lies.

Expect Jake Arrieta to be a .500 pitcher for the Phillies. Yes, we’re aware the Motown Philly’s made some moves, but they are still a long ways from being real contenders. I’m not sold that Arrieta will earn enough run support to earn you enough wins for your team.