Early slump can be tested in most patients Fantasy baseball manager.
When the Hydraft Pic is low performance, the temptation to cut bait grows, but some struggling batsmen deserve longer chains. Remember, it’s only in April. And we’re still watching the performance for five months. Droping batters coming out of Gate Ice-Cold is a dangerous game, not a game you want to play.
White Sox outfielder Louis Robert Jr. was drafted for his five categories of advantages, but his 2025 season was a mixed bag. His .138 batting average is heinous and his strikeout rate of 31.3% tells us that the struggle last season may not have been flukes.
Robert’s swing and miss issues, particularly when breaking the pitch, he stolen power on two home runs throughout the first month. Nonetheless, his elite speed is still a bounty of salvation, and the seven steels are clearly useful.
But Robert’s struggle may be more spiritual than physical. He is stuck in a losing organization, which definitely affects his approach and his attitude. We know that the White Sox are shopping for him, and our only hope is that trade will occur sooner and sooner. The skill set is incredibly good that landscape changes are what you need most. It’s a bench for now, but please don’t drop it.
Christian Walker is another frustrating veteran. Known for his consistent strength, Walker can hit .202 with a strikeout rate of 30%. He chases pitches outside the zone, especially the sliders at low ranges, which leads to weak contact and pop-ups.
The new league and the transition to the ballpark probably explains much of this. The various pitching styles and unfamiliar environments can be confusing even for veteran batsmen, and Walker’s early numbers reflect that adjustment period.
However, Walker’s hit ball profile remains solid. His barrel rate and launch angle indicate a return of power as he settles down. The new stadium may not be as batsman friendly as Arizona does, but Walker’s track record proves he can adapt. Patience is the key here – hoping he will get hot as he will be more comfortable, and hide him on your bench until you turn.
Wilson Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals will throw his bats on Friday, April 25, 2025 after striking out in three innings of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in St. Louis. AP
Those who invested in Wilson Contreras for catcher eligibility may want him to be behind the cooking again, in order to limit some of these horrifying at-bats. Strikeout is a murder, with a walk rate cut in half from his career numbers, which means he’s chasing too many pitches. However, there is still plenty left to go to the veteran backstop.
The underlying indicators of Contreras are still strong. His exit speed and bat speed are ranked in the top 15%, and his hard hit rate is elite. As he settles down and becomes more selective at the plate, his average and OBP are expected to climb. Either keep him in your lineup or bench him in shallow leagues, but like everyone else, he’s a hold.
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Robert, Walker and Contrera struggle, but their track record and metrics scream patience. There are benches if necessary, but dropping them can be shortsighted. Each has a tool to turn things around through trade, coordination, or increased selectivity. Continue the course. Your patience will probably be rewarded.
Howard Vendor is Head of Content fantasyalarm.com. Follow him with x @rotobuzzguy And catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Program” on the siriusXM Fantasy Sports Channel on weekdays from 6pm to 8pm. Fantasy baseball News and advice.
