BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ team leagues
ROSTERED IN: 66% of leagues
ANALYSIS: With his continued success to start the season and manager Bruce Bochy officially announcing that he will stay in the rotation, fantasy managers are left wondering what Cody Bradford's value will be moving forward. With a 1.40 ERA, 0.62 WHIP, 17 strikeouts in 19.1 innings, and three wins, Bradford ranks as the SP2 thus far this season. What are realistic expectations for Bradford moving forward?
Bruce Bochy on Cody Bradford on staying in the rotation: “You throw like that, you’re not going anywhere.” #Rangers
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) April 11, 2024
Bradford's calling card is his pristine control displayed in the minors (5.8 BB%) and the majors (4.2 BB%). While one might think his limited velocity would hinder his strikeout ability, he has maintained a K% of 23.9% this season and 21.8% last season due to his elite pitch extension (ranked 26th in the league). Fellow RotoBaller Chris Clegg pointed out recently just how dominant Bradford's control has been.
Cody Bradford's pitch locations are a thing to behold. The stuff is not going to overpower anyone, but the extension helps the stuff play up and the 69% strike rate with this location will play. pic.twitter.com/xm1bzDs5Bk
— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) April 11, 2024
How valuable is a pitcher with a sub BB% of 5% and K% of over 20%? In 2023, only five pitchers achieved those marks: Zach Eflin (SP3), George Kirby (SP7), Logan Webb (SP8), Braxton Garrett (SP40), and Cristopher Sanchez (SP51).
With Bradford's skills and the Rangers' championship-level roster, Bradford can help fantasy teams in ratio categories and provide upside in the ever-difficult statistic to predict, which is wins. Look for solid production the rest of the way through the season.
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