4 years agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kwang Hyun Kim's 2020 MLB debut was a resounding success. He finished the year with a 3-0 record, 1.62 ERA, 1.026 WHIP and a 24:12 K:BB ratio over 39 innings (seven starts). He did make all seven of those starts against the offensively challenged National League Central, though, so bear that in mind. Kim began the season as the Cards closer, securing one save before moving into the rotation following the team's COVID-19-related hiatus. He put up those numbers despite below-average movement, spin and velocity in his pitching arsenal. His four-seam fastball averaged just 89.9 mph and his curveball was in the ninth percentile in spin rate. His 15.6% strikeout rate ranked in the bottom 10% of the league as well. There was a disparity between his 1.62 ERA, 3.81 xERA and 3.88 FIP. The advanced stats, while still solid, are more in line with Kim's skill set. It wasn't all luck for Kim, though. He was above-average at limiting free passes (7.8% walk rate) and preventing hard contact. His barrel rate (4.2%) and hard-hit rate (31.4%) allowed were both in the 84th percentile, while his 50% ground-ball rate shows that he was able to induce a fair amount of weak contact. He's been sidelined from Grapefruit League play since March 13 while dealing with some back tightness. He registered a 21.00 ERA over three innings prior to the injury so perhaps that had something to do with the poor performance. Kim is working his way back currently and should be ready to begin the season in the Cards rotation. He lacks strikeout upside but he does have solid command and should serve as a capable back-end starter for St. Louis. At his 292 ADP, which is down from the 260s before the back issue popped up, he makes for a serviceable back-end fantasy starter.--Jon Mathisen - RotoBaller