RADIO
Reynaldo Lopez 2020 Outlook: Velocity Change Could Bring Lopez to Another Level
5 years agoReynaldo Lopez struggled in 2019, finishing with a 5.38 ERA in 184 innings pitched. He had trouble with command, consistency, and fooling hitters. But Reynaldo Lopez was really a tale of two halves. His ERA dipped from 6.34 in the first half to 4.29 in the second half. The question is, what contributed to this? For one, his BB/9 went from 3.49 in the first half to 2.83 in the second half, which means better control. Also, Reynaldo Lopez raised his fastball velocity from 94.8 MPH to 96.2 MPH. Velocity increases can typically push pitchers to another level. Reynaldo’s changeup and slider improved tremendously in the second half. Both pitches went from average to above-average, mainly due to his fastball’s better performance. Reynaldo also benefits from not only the addition of the best framer in the game but also significant additions to the offensive side of the ball as well. The real hope is he follows in Lucas Giolito’s footsteps. If he can get outside help like Giolito, he might be able to bring his game to a whole other level. We could see Lopez push for 200 innings with a high K% and sub-four ERA. With improved command, higher velocity, and a new team behind him, I see Reynaldo Lopez as a value pick at his current ADP of 291.
