Joe Mantiply

Mantiply made the All-Star team for the first time in 2022 after a strong first half that saw him compile a 2.21 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 38:2 K:BB ratio over 36.2 innings. The D'Backs' lefty wasn't as good after the All-Star break (3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP), but he had the best walk rate among relievers for much of the season and finished 2nd in the category with a 2.5% clip. Mantiply was also adept at inducing ground balls (53.5%) and getting hitters to chase balls out of the zone, as his 42.9% O-Swing was 4th-best among relievers. The southpaw doesn't throw hard - his sinker averages just 90.4 mph - but his curve and change are effective secondary offerings. If he maintains elite command and continues improving his strikeout rate after a 3.6% jump from 2021, more save opportunities could be in the cards, as he doesn't have much competition in the Arizona pen.

After doing well in the minors, Mantiply earned his chance with the Tigers during the 2016 season, although it didn't go as planned. The lefty walked two and surrendered five runs in just 2.2 innings pitched, registering an ERA of 16.88. After the 2016 season, the Tigers removed Mantiply from their 40-man roster and the Yankees claimed him off of waivers. The 25-year-old only didn't make it long with New York, however, as they cut him loose just three weeks after claiming him off of waivers, subjecting him to the process once more this offseason. The reliever could prove to be a viable lefty-specialist, as he has pitched well over four years in the minor leagues, especially against lefties. Last season at Double-A, Mantiply posted a gaudy .143 BAA and a 39:2 K:BB ratio against same-sided hitters. He has also maintained a 2.44 ERA over 154 games and 239.1 innings in the minors, only giving up 11 homers in that span and producing a respectable 8.9 K/9 rate. Although he may not start the 2017 season in the majors, expect Mantiply to be scooped up quickly off of waivers.