X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Rookie Starting Pitchers Worth Buying Into

Brant Chesser profiles rookie starting pitchers (SP) worth adding on the waiver wire for the 2018 MLB season. These starters are top prospects to target through free agency.

With pitchers going on the DL everyday and some struggling, it's never too early to start looking for their replacements.

Rookie starters are not known for their consistency, to say the least, and may scare fantasy owners away. There are, however, a few names that are worth holding onto this season. A few of these prospects have already made MLB starts, while others are still in the minors.

When looking at waiver wire pickups, here are three rookie SP you should consider giving a roster spot.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Rookie Pitchers to Believe In

Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals

Although he is probably rostered in most competitive leagues by now, check on Jack Flaherty. With Carlos Martinez on the shelf and Adam Wainwright on the 60-day DL, Flaherty is one of the Cardinals' top SP options.

His four-seam fastball has averaged 92.3 MPH in 2018, and he throws a slider, two-seam fastball, curveball, and change-up. According to Baseball Savant, his four-seam fastball has a perceived velocity of of 93.4 MPH. His slider has ranged from 80-85 MPH, and it has hitters chasing it out of the zone with a 27.4 SwStr% and 42.1 O-Swing%. Mixing in his two-seamer (57.1 GB%) keeps the ball on the ground, as the right-hander owns a 46.2 career-GB%.

Even though he may not offer the strikeout upside of other rookie pitchers, he improved his control in the minors in 2017. Flaherty owns an 8.3 career-K/9, and four projection systems on Fangraphs project an 8.3-8.5 K/9 for 2018. He lowered his walks to 2.5 BB/9 in AAA, and Steamer projects league-average control for 2018 while ZiPS is more optimistic with a 2.9 BB/9 projection.

In five Triple-A starts, Flaherty has improved his numbers. He increased his K/9 to 11.7 while lowering his BB/9 to 2.0. While it's a small sample, he has carried over that success over to his three MLB starts during the first two times through the order. As expected, his strikeouts (11.2 K/9) have been the highest the first time through the order. As hitters see him for a second time, his strikeouts have fallen (4.0 K/9) and his WHIP has increased from 0.88 to 1.20.

As far as splits go, he has had success against right-handed hitters with .291 wOBA and .658 OPS. Left-handed hitters have hit the ball with authority and a 43.3 Hard% against him. He has allowed five HR in 37 career-IP, and left-handed hitters have hit four of them. He has not fared as well against LHB, as they own a .370 wOBA and .871 OPS against him. During his 2017 in AAA, Flaherty allowed four HR with a 1.56 ERA in 40.1 IP vs. LHB.

If looking for floor, Flaherty is a solid target with his improving control.

 

Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers

While Freddy Peralta doesn't have the control of Flaherty, he has the strikeout upside that fantasy owners target. The 5'11" right-hander posted a 12.9 K/9 in AA in 2017 and an 11.9 K/9 in five AAA starts in 2018. In his electric debut at Colorado, Peralta relied upon his fastball with many grips to miss bats (16.9 SwStr%), as he threw 89 fastballs. He made an impression by striking out 13 hitters in 5.2 IP while mixing in eight curveballs.

In his first MLB start, his fastball velocity ranged from 87-95 MPH, but it was only in the zone 51% of the time. Striking out twelve batters shows his upside, but watch to see if he can locate the fastball against Minnesota in his second start on Saturday.

One downside in his profile is his control issues in the minors, which could lead to WHIP inflation on a roster. Peralta owned a 4.9 BB/9 in A and a 4.4 BB/9 in AA/AAA. His WHIP projections range from 1.37-1.62, which all are above league-average.

As he has risen through the minor leagues, he has increased his ground ball rate at each level. He has moved from 36.6 GB% in A to a 53.6 GB% in AAA.

Steamer projects a 4.03 ERA for Peralta with a 10.9 K/9, 4.8 BB/9, and 1.37 WHIP for 2018.

 

Alex Reyes, St. Louis Cardinals

Much like Peralta's profile, Alex Reyes offers strikeout upside and control can be a problem at times. His pitch mix features a four-seam fastball that can touch 100 MPH, a knee-buckling curveball that ranges from 75-81 MPH, and a change-up that splits the difference (88 MPH) between the two.

Currently, his future role is more muddled, as the Cardinals could use him as a SP or RP. Because of his upside, he is rostered in 72% of CBS leagues.

During his 2016 stint in St. Louis, his change-up missed bats at a 21.5 SwStr% and his slider and four-seam fastball were both over a 10.3 SwStr%. His electric stuff can add plenty of strikeouts to a roster as a SP or RP. Although he missed the 2017 season with Tommy John surgery, he looked strong in his first minor-league rehab start. On May 14, Reyes only allowed one hit in five scoreless IP while striking out 12 batters.

In 342 career-IP in the minor leagues, Reyes owns a 3.41 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with 467 strikeouts.His ground ball rates have ranged between 38.5% and 45.2% in the minor leagues. With a WHIP that's close to league-average, we can expect about the same once he arrives in St. Louis. Steamer projects a 3.63 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in 78 IP.

Reyes has the highest long-term upside of the three SP, but his 2018 value may depend on his role.

 

Other Names

If looking deeper, Sandy Alcantara (SP, MIA) and Kolby Allard (SP, ATL) are speculative plays. In eight GS in Triple-A, Alcantara has posted a 3.52 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He should be available as a stash in most leagues, as he's only owned in 7% of CBS leagues. During his career, he has posted 402 strikeouts in 415 IP with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP.

Kolby Allard has pitched well in AAA with a 1.71 ERA (3.17 FIP) and 1.07 WHIP in seven GS. Even though the Braves have other options like Luiz Gohara, Allard could see some IP if injuries arise. He doesn't offer the strikeout upside of some other SP, as he has a 6.8 K/9 in AAA, and projections have him around a 7.3-7.5 K/9 in the majors. He has kept the ball on the ground with a 44.5 GB% in 2018. Currently, he is owned in 11% of CBS leagues.

 

More 2018 MLB Prospects Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs With Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal With Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
Grayson Murphy

Could Provide Rotational Pass-Rush Depth
Joe Andreessen

in a Good Position to Compete for Backup Job
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Bhayshul Tuten

Needs to Improve Pass Protection
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
EDM

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact With Oilers
SEA

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
PHI

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NYI

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NJ

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
SJ

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF