Two weeks. That’s all that remains in the fantasy baseball regular season in most leagues. Some have already begun their playoffs. In either case, there are certain players that fantasy managers should avoid having on their rosters to emerge as a champion. There are players who are slumping and some that aren’t even in the big leagues. How does a manager identify these players? I’m glad you asked! The best answer is to turn to this fantasy baseball postseason busts edition, of course.

As with all articles throughout this fantasy season, discussion and debate are highly encouraged. Is there a player you think doesn’t belong on the list? Is there a player that should be included? If so, let me hear it! As a reminder, all roster percentages are provided by ESPN. Without further delay, let’s get into it!

Giancarlo Stanton, OF/DH, 49.1% Rostered

There are many Yankees that could be included here, but Giancarlo Stanton leads the way. He has struggled mightily through much of the season, and frankly, his roster percentage puzzles me. For the season, Stanton is hitting a miserable .199. Over the past week, his average is a microscopic .067. After homering in three straight games to start the month, he has just one in his last 14 games.

No matter where one looks, Stanton’s stats are disastrous. He hasn’t driven in or scored a run in his last six games entering the week. In his previous 12 games, he has 19 strikeouts. For those in points leagues, Stanton is costing you dearly, as he has a total of -1 fantasy points in his last eight games. Lastly, his .281/.434 slash line is less than imposing.

The Yankees enter the week having lost eight in a row. No one in their lineup is hitting. The team has fallen out of contention for the division as well as a wild card. There is zero reason to be optimistic regarding this team coming down the stretch.

The trade deadline has passed in fantasy baseball. There is only one move to make with Stanton in mind: send him to the waiver wire and pick up a player that can actually hit the baseball.

Alejandro Kirk, C, Toronto Blue Jays, 49.5% Rostered

As has been noted by many in the fantasy community, the catching position is shallow. This season is no different. Even so, some catchers are making it difficult to keep them on the roster. Case in point: take a look at Alejandro Kirk. He has been highlighted in an article previously and his hitting hasn’t picked up since. It looked like maybe he would change the narrative at the beginning of August with hits in three straight games. Since then, his bat has gone into a deep slumber, however.

In his last nine games, Kirk has but four hits. In that same stretch, he has a single RBI and NO runs scored. For the season, he is hitting .246-6-30 with an uninspiring .335 slugging percentage. In the past seven games, Kirk has been completely under water, with a .125 BA/OBP/SLG slash line. I don’t believe I have ever seen the same average in all three categories before. Can you guess his fantasy points total for the week? The answer is two.

Obviously, that’s not good. Even with the catching position as thin as it is, there has to be someone who can provide better production than Kirk has been, especially in shallower leagues. If you are still in contention for the playoffs, or looking to strengthen the roster, put Kirk aside and find a worthy backstop.

Alex Cobb, SP, San Fransisco Giants, 53.4% Rostered

No doubt about it, few, if any, pitchers have had a rougher go at things over the past few weeks than Alex Cobb. Unexpectedly enough, his downfall began against the worst team in baseball: the Oakland A’s. In that game, Cobb allowed five runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings. His situation got progressively worse after that game.

In Cobb’s next start against the Rangers, Texas beat him up for six runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings. His next appearance was against the Braves in Atlanta. Predictably, it didn’t go well for Cobb, as he gave up four runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings. In points leagues, those starts netted Cobb six, -6 and zero fantasy points. Obviously, that’s not going to cut it coming down the stretch and into the postseason.

After such a rough stretch, many might assume it would have to get better for Cobb. Unfortunately, that would be an incorrect assumption, as his next start is against the Phillies on the road Wednesday. If you are trying to gain on, or hold your postseason position, taking a chance like that in the middle of the week just doesn’t make sense.

If Cobb is on the roster, the clear recommendation on this fantasy baseball postseason busts edition is to drop him as soon as possible and find a better streaming option.

Carlos Correa, SS, Minnesota Twins, 71.2% Rostered

In the preseason, teams from coast to coast were doing everything possible to sign Carlos Correa. With six weeks left in the regular season, one has to wonder why so many teams wanted him so badly. To say Correa hasn’t performed to expectations is an understatement. Currently, Correa is hitting a disappointing .230-15-54 with a. 310/.404 slash line. His BA, OBP and SLG are all the worst of his career. His 110 strikeouts are on pace for the most he’s ever had in a season.

Regardless of the type of league, Correa falls short. In his last four games, he’s produced 2, 1, 1 and -1 fantasy points. He ranks 18th at his position. Worst of all, Correa has been wrestling with a foot issue. He’s missed games. Minnesota is in control of their division. They will probably give him plenty of time off down the stretch, if he doesn’t injure himself before then.

First, check the waiver wire. Second, if a player is there that can take Correa’s place, make the move. Let the other managers fight over him if they must. Don’t allow Correa to derail your postseason chances.

Tyler Wells, SP, Baltimore Orioles, 35.2% Rostered

No question, the biggest mystery on this fantasy baseball postseason busts edition is why Tyler Wells‘ roster percentage is so high. After all, he’s not even in the major leagues. Wells was sent to the minors in late July after three horrendous outings.

In looking at the calendar, it’s now late August. Baltimore has given no indication they intend to recall Wells anytime soon. Simply stated, he doesn’t belong on a fantasy roster, certainly not nearly 40 percent. There can be no other rational action but to send him to the waiver quicksand.

Luis Severino, SP, New York Yankees, 36.5% Rostered

Clearly, the Yankees’ struggles are not limited to their hitting, but pitching as well. Particularly stricken has to be Luis Severino. His last four starts read like a horror novel, and not the good kind. Over 13.1 innings, Severino has given up 19 runs on 25 hits while walking eight. Those in points leagues have to be depressed beyond measure.

That’s understandable, as Severino has posted -17, -4, -8 and two fantasy points in that span. For the year, he has a grand total of five fantasy points. Severino’s season numbers are equally terrifying. He has a 2-8 record with an impossibly high 7.98 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP. Other stats could be included, but what’s the point? Look up the definition of a lost season and you’ll find Severino’s picture.

The obvious conclusion? Severino has no business being on a fantasy roster. Send him to the outhouse immediately and pick up just about any other pitcher. There’s little chance he could be as bad.

The Final Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy baseball postseason busts edition! As always, I welcome any and all suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss!

Follow me on Twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly-Up Fantasy for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!

Lastly, the Sports Stove Fantasy Baseball Show will be live this coming Sunday night, and every Sunday during the season, at 8 eastern. Make sure to tune in on whatever social platform you use!