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Casey Mize 2021 Outlook: Expect Improved Results From Future Ace
4 years agoMize's MLB debut didn't go quite as planned — although it was hardly a disaster. The former first overall draft pick (2018) of the Tigers struggled with his command and allowed 29 hits — including seven home runs — in 28.1 innings. The young right-hander's biggest issues came from working up in the zone too often with both his sinker and his slider. He had his most success with his four-seam fastball. His splitter — historically his best offering — generated a 28% Whiff rate but hitters also batted .313 in the small sample size. With last year's MLB experience now in his back pocket, there's no reason to think that Mize won't see improved results moving forward especially given his pedigree and past success. He's struggled this spring and has nine walks in 6.1 innings through his first three appearances. He may have to sort things out at the alternate training site before getting another big-league shot. Mize currently has an ADP in the 300 range and you may want to hold off investing too heavily in him for 2021 until he turns things around. The Tigers likely aren't going to win a ton of games in 2021 but he should eventually post solid strikeout numbers and the home run rate will normalize once the command improves.
