Brandon Pfaadt

Don't be discouraged by Pfaadt's bloated 4.71 ERA; all the estimators peg it at least a run better. He was victimized by a low 64.5 percent left on base mark. The righty improved his strikeout and walk rates last season while fixing the gopheritis plaguing him in his rookie year. Pfaadt adjusted his pitch mix, throwing more sinkers at the expense of four-seam fastballs. In 2023, his changeup generated a negative Fangraphs Pitch Value, but last year it rated as Pfaadt's second best offering, though he used it only 11.2 percent of the time. His sweeper sported the highest swinging strike rate of his repertoire. Pfaadt has demonstrated willingness to adjust, and it appears he has the arsenal to fine tune even more. Last season's high ERA could drop his acquisition cost. Buy the floor, and dream on further tweaks elevating Pfaadt to the next level. Read Past Outlooks