Every fantasy baseball season, there are players that just don’t return the value of the investment managers used to draft them.

Last year there were guys like Austin Riley, Kevin Gausman and David Bednar that had horrible seasons and did not live up to their ADP.

So labeling them and knowing who to avoid is as important to know as who to actually draft.

Let the staff here at Sports Ethos guide you through some key names to avoid at their current ADP.

This article will focus on the arms you need to avoid.

Chris Rossi – Follow on X @ChrisRossi701

Shota Imanaga – SP

Imanaga impressed in his first MLB season, posting a 2.91 ERA and 15-3 record, but there are warning signs. His strikeout rate (9.0 K/9) was solid but unspectacular, and he relied heavily on inducing weak contact with his off-speed pitches.

If his command falters or hitters start adjusting to his fastball, his margin for error is slim. Additionally, his 2024 xERA and FIP suggested some regression, meaning his 2025 numbers could trend closer to a mid-3.50+ ERA pitcher rather than an ace. At his ADP, he’s a potential bust candidate.

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