The Texas Rangers Signing middle infielders helped them sign their two major free-agent hitters from last offseason. Corey Seager And Marcus Semien. They’ve now got their staff ace in Jacob deGromHe signed a $185 million five-year contract with the team on Friday night.
This is significant news for fantasy baseball, even though it means that the best pitcher in baseball has moved teams. From 2020-22, deGrom topped all baseball in ERA (2.05) and WHIP (0.73). He had 38 starts, or 224 1/3 innings, during this time and led in ERA by almost four-tenths of a runs and WHIP nearly one-quarter of a baserunner. DeGrom also had 17 games that featured double-digit strikeouts over the three-year period, which tied him for third in baseball. Gerrit Cole (21) Corbin Burnes (20).
Problem is, any contract deGrom may have received this winter didn’t help the main obstacle to his becoming No. The number one pitcher in fantasy is Health. He made 38 starts in the last three seasons and missed 188 of 384 Mets games (49%). Cole and Burnes, on the other hand, had 75 and 70 starts respectively. Four pitchers (Jose Berrios, Dylan Cease, German Marquez And Aaron Nola) made twice as many starts as deGrom did (76).
DeGrom has suffered a number of injuries in the past three seasons. These included a broken back, neck, neck, elbow, forearm, shoulder and elbow issues. It’s encouraging to note that deGrom finished last year with 12 strong starts, including his one postseason appearance. He also passed a physical at the Rangers which surely suggests that he is healthy. He could possibly return to double his 2017 totals, which would mean 22 starts and 128 1/3 innings. That’d be nearly two-thirds of the way towards his final full season in 2019. This would translate into 25 starts and 157 1/3 innings.
Either threshold would allow him to pitch at the level deGrom is used to, which would be sufficient to merit his inclusion in the top 10 starters. I have moved him to No. 8 for points leagues. I still consider him a top-20 overall pick.
But it is easy to justify deGrom’s status as fantasy’s number one. His injury history makes deGrom a frightening selection in the top 20.
DeGrom’s arrival to Texas adds interest in the team. Bruce Bochy, who is also back from retirement to manage Rangers, should make the team part of the wild-card mix. Fantasy managers will find it much more beneficial to have their teams play in meaningful September games. This is especially true for those of us who play head-to-head.
DeGrom could decrease the Rangers’ chances of using a six-man rotation as they did in previous seasons. They’ll also want to maximize his usage whenever possible. This means that there is a higher chance of a daily schedule for other starters. Jon Gray, Martin Perez, Jake Odorizzi And maybe Glenn Otto Oder Dane DunningIt does make each pitcher an attractive fantasy pick.
Spring training is a good time to pay more attention to the Rangers’ closer view. The team is likely win more games which could lead to more save chances. Jose Leclerc He should be the favourite when camps open. But he could be challenged by Jonathan Hernandez, Joe Barlow You can also make an offseason purchase.