Fantasy Baseball: Should You Drop Williams Or Clase? A Closer Look

Admin

3 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

4.0

Share

Fantasy Baseball: Should You Drop Williams or Clase? A Closer Look

Fantasy baseball managers often face tough roster decisions, especially when underperforming stars occupy valuable bench spots. This week's burning question for many: Should you drop the struggling Bobby Witt Jr. or hold onto the inconsistent Emmanuel Clase? Let's dive deep into their recent performances and projected value to help you make the right call.

Bobby Witt Jr.'s Recent Slump: A Temporary Setback or Larger Trend?

Bobby Witt Jr., the Kansas City Royals' young superstar, started the season with high expectations. His power and speed combination made him a top draft pick in many fantasy leagues. However, Witt Jr. has recently experienced a noticeable slump, impacting his overall fantasy value. His batting average has dipped, and his power numbers haven't lived up to the hype.

• Key Stats to Consider: While his stolen bases remain a valuable asset, his decline in home runs and batting average significantly lower his overall fantasy points. Managers need to carefully analyze his recent performance and compare it to his projected season stats.

• Reasons for the Slump: Injuries, adjustments by opposing pitchers, or even just a temporary cold streak could be contributing factors. Looking at his plate discipline and batted ball data might offer clues.

Emmanuel Clase's Inconsistent Performances: Is He Still a Top Closer?

Emmanuel Clase, the Cleveland Guardians' closer, boasts a powerful fastball, but his recent performances haven't been as dominant as expected. While he still secures saves, his ERA and WHIP have risen, leading many fantasy managers to question his reliability.

• Closer Role Security: Despite his inconsistency, Clase remains the Guardians' primary closer. This provides a degree of security, as he's still likely to accumulate saves, even with occasional blown saves.

• Analyzing the Numbers: Look beyond just wins and saves. Examine his strikeout rate, walk rate, and home run rate to gauge his overall effectiveness and predict future performance. A high strikeout rate even with a slightly higher ERA could indicate a temporary blip.

The Decision: Witt Jr. or Clase?

The choice between dropping Witt Jr. or Clase depends heavily on your league's scoring system, your team's overall needs, and your league's waiver wire activity.

• Factors Favoring Dropping Witt Jr.: If your league heavily emphasizes batting average, and you have other players providing similar power and speed, Witt Jr.'s current slump makes him a prime drop candidate. His potential upside remains, but the risk outweighs the reward for many managers in this scenario.

• Factors Favoring Dropping Clase: If you have a reliable alternative closer on your roster or available on waivers, Clase's inconsistency makes him a potential drop. His high strikeout rate could be appealing in some leagues, but if your team needs reliable saves and lacks depth at the position, holding onto Clase may be the better option.

The Bottom Line:

Both Witt Jr. and Clase present challenging roster decisions. A thorough analysis of their recent performances, a consideration of your team's needs, and a look at available waiver-wire alternatives are crucial before making your final choice. Don't be afraid to consult fantasy baseball experts and forums for further insights before making a move that could significantly impact your team's playoff chances. Remember, the fantasy baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint; thoughtful roster management is key to long-term success.