The 10 Riskiest Draft Picks You Can Make (2024 Fantasy Baseball)

Joey P, also known as Joe P Zapia, introduces the topic of risky players in the 2024 MLB season. He discusses the increased attention and ADP (Average Draft Position) for Carlos Rodon, a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees, due to his recovery and good shape for spring training. Despite the allure of his strikeout rate, Joey cautions about Rodon's history of injuries, particularly his limited starts and poor performance in 2023. The conversation shifts to Justin Verlander, a 41-year-old pitcher for the Houston Astros, who is already dealing with a shoulder injury. Joey points out Verlander's age, injury, and declining stats as significant risks, suggesting alternative players like Michael King or Bailey Ober as potentially safer picks.

The video continues with an analysis of Josh Young, a third baseman for the Texas Rangers. Despite being a fan of Young, Joey expresses concerns over his performance against right-handed pitching and a drop in his second-half stats. He also mentions Young's calf injury and advises waiting for a more favorable ADP before considering him. Kodai Senga, a pitcher for the New York Mets, is discussed next, with Joey noting Senga's impressive stats but also his current shoulder injury, which could delay his season start. Joey is hesitant to draft Senga at his current ADP within the top 100, suggesting other pitchers like Tanner Houck or Joe Musgrove as better alternatives.

Nico Hoerner, a middle infielder for the Chicago Cubs, is highlighted for his stolen base abilities but questioned for his lack of power and RBIs. Joey argues that Hoerner's draft cost is too high for a three-category player and suggests other players with higher upside as alternatives. The segment concludes with a discussion of Mike Trout, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, who despite his talent, presents risks due to his age, declining speed, and the absence of a protective lineup with Shohei Ohtani no longer batting behind him. Joey recommends considering other players for a fantasy roster over Trout in 2024.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is acknowledged for his hype but criticized for his high ADP without Major League experience. Joey suggests that the risks associated with drafting Yamamoto are too great, considering more established pitchers are available later in the draft. The conversation moves to Ellie Dela Cruz, a shortstop/third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, who, despite his potential, has shown contact issues and high strikeout rates. Joey advises ensuring roster stability to offset the risk of drafting Dela Cruz. Zach Gallon, who had a career-high innings pitched in the previous season, is mentioned as a potential risk for a downturn in performance. Lastly, Aaron Judge is discussed as a first-round pick risk due to his toe injury and history of missed games. Joey concludes by stating he would prefer other players before considering Judge with a top pick.

In the conclusion, Joey invites viewers to share their opinions on drafting risky players and encourages participation in mock drafts using the Draft Wizard platform. He summarizes his personal strategy for avoiding high-risk players in favor of more stable options and looks forward to future discussions with his audience.