BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues
CALL-UP ETA: June
ANALYSIS: One of our favorite pitching prospects is Shane Baz. Depending on where you look, Baz has graduated off lists that use service time, but he's still under the 50-inning threshold and worthy of discussing in an article such as this. After missing all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery and being delayed by oblique issues this spring, Baz finally made his first rehab appearances on Saturday for Triple-A Durham, allowing three runs in three innings.
It was just nice to see Baz back in action. He's likely going to need several additional rehab outings so his return to Tampa Bay is probably sometime in late May or June, but the upside here is considerable and worth stashing in all fantasy leagues. Both of Baz's breaking balls had a whiff rate above 40% in 2021 and 2022, and don't forget how good he was in the minors back in 2021 after making massive strides with his command and control.
In case anyone forgot how damn good Shane Baz is, here is 2021 in the minors compared to a current Top-5 dynasty SP for me (Grayson Rodriguez).
G-Rod: 103 IP, 2.36 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 33.7% K-BB
Baz: 78.2 IP, 2.06 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 33.6% K-BB#FantasyBaseball #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/xp3NoqLl7a— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) December 29, 2023
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