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Hayden Wesneski 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Rookie Could Be A Solid Source Of Strikeouts
2 years agoLast season Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski had an up-and-down season. He pitched to a 3.51 ERA in AAA before a midseason trade sent him from the New York Yankees system to the Cubs. He started four games in AAA for the Cubs to the tune of a 5.66 ERA but was given a chance with the Northsiders down the stretch. In six games, with four starts, Wesneski pitched to a 2.18 earned run average and 3.20 FIP. He struck out 25% of the batters he faced during that time, a number equal to that of Cleveland Guardians starter Shane Bieber. His minor league numbers don't indicate that number being a fluke, either. The 25-year-old was striking out 26.7% of hitters in his brief time with the Cubs' AAA affiliate. Wesneski has a fastball and slider combination that makes him tough on righties, and his overall batting average against was .197 in the majors last season. ATC has him projected for a 4.40 ERA, but he could beat that number if he keeps the strikeouts up. The right-hander currently has an ADP of 320 and won't have big win totals on a mediocre team, but Wesneski is worth a late-round pick, as he could help your squad in other categories.
