Avoid These MLB Offenses to Protect Your Fantasy Baseball Pitchers

In the competitive realm of fantasy baseball, sometimes the best strategy is knowing when to steer clear of potential disasters. This is particularly true in category leagues, where a poor outing from a starting pitcher can significantly impact a team’s overall ratios. Savvy managers will want to exercise caution against four specific teams that pose a threat to pitchers who aren’t at the top of their game. Let’s break down which offenses to avoid and why.

Leading the charge is a surprising contender, the Washington Nationals, who have emerged as the highest-scoring team in baseball this season. Despite finishing 20th in runs scored last year and not adding any notable hitters during the offseason, the Nationals have undergone a complete overhaul in their front office and coaching staff. This fresh perspective has worked wonders for young talents like James Wood and CJ Abrams, both of whom are enjoying breakout seasons. While Washington has slightly outperformed its run expectancy, key statistics such as OPS and wOBA indicate they belong among the top offensive teams. However, with only two players—Wood and Abrams—posting an OPS over .800, the Nationals are a team to avoid for now.

Next up is the Atlanta Braves, who have rebounded from a couple of lackluster seasons to reclaim their status as one of the league’s most formidable lineups. Although they haven’t quite reached their peak from 2023, when they led the league in runs scored, the Braves remain a deep and talented group that has the potential to lead the majors once again. Impressively, they’ve managed to do this without significant contributions from Ronald Acuña Jr., who is still finding his form. Meanwhile, Matt Olson and Michael Harris II are enjoying standout seasons, and Ozzie Albies has been consistent. Despite an injury sidelining Drake Baldwin, Atlanta remains especially potent against right-handed pitchers and on the road.

The defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are another team to be wary of. Currently ranked third in runs scored, they lead the majors in OPS by a considerable margin. The Dodgers have excelled in their hitter-friendly home park but have been even more dominating on the road, boasting a league-best .800 OPS away from home. Their depth is remarkable, with five players achieving an OPS of .785 or better over a minimum of 175 at-bats. With potential for improvement as key hitters like Kyle Tucker and Shohei Ohtani find their rhythm, the Dodgers are a dangerous matchup for opposing pitchers.

Shifting focus to the American League, the New York Yankees are on track to lead the league in runs for the third consecutive season, showcasing their power with 86 home runs. Their home OPS of .824 is significantly higher than any other team, making them a formidable opponent. Aaron Judge continues to be the centerpiece of the lineup, though he has room to improve from his current .907 OPS. With Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt contributing strong performances, the Yankees remain a force to reckon with, particularly if Trent Grisham and Jazz Chisholm Jr. can regain their previous form.

Fantasy managers should also be cautious when deploying left-handed pitchers against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who rank second in the league with a .795 OPS in those matchups. Corbin Carroll leads the charge as a lefty superstar, supported by fellow hitters Ryan Waldschmidt and Ildemaro Vargas, all of whom have logged impressive OPS figures against left-handers. The Diamondbacks’ lineup is bolstered by Ketel Marte and right-handers Nolan Arenado and Gabriel Moreno, making them another team to avoid for lefty pitchers.

The Chicago White Sox have shown prowess against left-handers this season, boasting a solid .780 OPS. While there is debate about the sustainability of this success, the absence of Munetaka Murakami due to injury weakens their lineup. However, right-handed hitters Miguel Vargas and Chase Meidroth have consistently performed well against lefties, making matchups against this group a mixed bag for opposing pitchers.

In an unexpected twist, the Pittsburgh Pirates rank second in OPS at home but struggle on the road, sitting 27th in away games. Bryan Reynolds has been particularly effective at PNC Park, where he has an OPS over 1.000. Despite PNC Park’s reputation as a pitcher-friendly venue, the Pirates’ home success is notable and should be taken into account when considering pitching matchups.

Finally, the Oakland Athletics have started the season strong, ranking fifth in OPS and third in wOBA at home. With the weather warming up, their hitter-friendly home park is likely to become even more advantageous. The addition of Carlos Cortes adds depth to their lineup alongside stars like Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers. If veteran Brent Rooker can find his footing, the Athletics could become a lineup to avoid during the summer months.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.