RADIO
Chris Paddack 2020 Outlook: Strong Rookie Season Showcases Ace Potential
5 years agoSan Diego Padres starting pitcher Chris Paddack delivered on the preseason hype as a rookie, posting a 3.33 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 31 BB, and 153 K in 140.2 IP. The most impressive aspect of his debut season was his walk rate of 5.5 BB%, which ranked 14th in MLB. That kind of pinpoint of control as a rookie is extremely rare and provides a ton of optimism for his future. Paddack possesses a four-seamer that averages 94 MPH and a dominant changeup that produced a 29.2 Whiff%, limiting opposing hitters to a .254 wOBA. Paddack pitches for a Padres squad that figures to contend this upcoming season, so he will have more opportunities for wins. But the most intriguing component of his 2020 season is that now the young Padres' ace will no longer have an innings limit. Expect Paddack to approach 160-170 innings in his sophomore campaign. He's currently being drafted ~50th overall, ahead of veterans like Clayton Kershaw, so his upside is definitely factored into his draft cost. However, this is the type of pitcher that can anchor your staff - his upside is too tantalizing to pass up. Paddack is a player to target in 2020 if you can grab him around his ADP.
