We’re back at it again with another starting pitcher rankings update! Most teams are about one-third of the way through the regular season and it has allowed us to get quite a few looks at starting pitchers now.
However you cut it, four or five starts is no way to truly judge a player holistically. It is very difficult to make a distinction of whether or not a starter is genuinely good or ‘bad’ in such a small sample. Still, we must acknowledge the fact that there just about eight more turns through the rotation this season. We must place emphasis in a small sample size, but being realistic about it at the same time.
I am someone who prefers a pitcher who has ‘already done it’ as opposed to taking significant risk attachment. This season furthered that viewpoint even more. There will always be exceptions to the rule based on clear and obvious repertoire alterations, usage changes, and mechanical adjustments a la Dylan Bundy. On the other side of the coin, there will be the stalwarts of guys like Zack Greinke who I might be ranking higher than you would expect.
So, with all of that being said, let’s take a look at some significant changes from the last version of our Top 100 Starting Pitcher rankings.
Rankings Notes
Dinelson Lamet was the talk of the town heading into the 2020 season, but it almost appears like we collectively did not provide him with enough love somehow. Lamet looks like a bonafide ace and I do not believe it is a stretch to call him a future Cy Young contender at this juncture. He might even be in the running already this season! He’s currently boasting a nice 23.3 K-BB% at the moment.
Chris Paddack, a San Diego counterpart of Lamet, has been getting absolutely torn apart to begin 2020. He was unraveled by the Dodgers’ offense — admittedly a very good one — but has not looked like a pitcher who is anywhere near justifiable at his ADP.
Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac were optioned to the Cleveland Indians’ alternative training site in relation to a recent incident that saw both right-handers see their names tossed in the mud. It is unclear when they will return and because of this, we will not be dropping them quite a bit.
Aaron Nola seems to be finding his groove after carving up the Atlanta Braves earlier this week.
Matthew Boyd owners cannot be too happy after seeing this start to the season.
Uh oh, Tyler Chatwood might not be a fantasy stud after all.