Going into the Memorial Day weekend, we should have a pretty good baseline of what the rest of the summer will yield (assuming another new ball isn’t introduced infused with leather from cows crossbred with rubber trees).
Given that this 2023 season has been more volatile than the Ron DeSantis/Elon Musk Twitter conference call from hell, between the bouncier ball, new rules, and cacophony of injuries, it’s a great time to re-examine what the MLB league averages are to adjust expectations going forward.
The biggest mental adjustment to make going forward is that the league average ERA and WHIP have been 4.28 and 1.32 (through games on May 24th), compared to 3.96 and 1.27 in 2022. That doesn’t seem like much, but it is roughly the difference between Kyle Gibson (4.27 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) and Corbin Burnes (3.97 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) right now. Sure, that’s a bit cherrypicked because Burnes hasn’t been himself so far, but that gap highlights the new filter we should be using going forward in evaluating waiver wire options.
On the offensive side, the league slash line has improved slightly to .247 / .320 / .408 (again, through May 24th) in 2023 compared to .243 / .312 / .395 in 2022. That is certainly a much smaller margin than the pitching side but it’s useful to note the bar for a batter has been raised overall. And honestly, that offensive line will probably go up further as we haven’t played through the hottest months of the season yet.
Now that we’re feeling properly re-calibrated, let’s see who’s available for pick up this holiday weekend.
The stats and ownership percentages below are updated as of noon central time on 5/26.
As always, if you want advice on specific roster decisions you might have, feel free to leave a comment. You can also find me on twitter (@mcouill7).
CATCHERS
10/12 Team Adds
Christian Bethancourt (TBR, 23% CBS Ownership) – Bethancourt continues to maintain his power-boosted start to the 2023 season, ranking 13th in our Player Rater at catcher to date, on pace for mid-20s home runs. Danny Jansen (one spot ahead of him in the Player Rater) is nursing a tender groin, so Bethancourt should jump into the top twelve soon. Hopefully, you weren’t still counting on him to be a two-way player, as Bethancourt was drubbed this week on the mound along with Luke Raley. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Gabriel Moreno (ARI, 46% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Shea Langeliers (OAK, 41% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Yan Gomes (CHC, 24% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Bo Naylor (CLE, 13% CBS Ownership) – Despite a putrid 21-28 start, the Guardians are only 4.5 games back of the division-leading Twins right now. Cleveland catchers rank dead last with a 33 wRC+ and second to last in WAR with -0.5, creating a blackhole on the team. Naylor was called up this week as the 27th man in doubleheader, so he seemingly is on the cusp of breaking into the team full-time. He’s hit enough in AAA so far with a 119 wRC+ and 9 homers, and now is the time to pick him up and stash before he creates the ultimate IRL Bash Bros with Josh Naylor. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Eric Haase (C/OF, DET, 16% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Blake Sabol (C/OF, SFG, 15% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Matt Thaiss (LAA, 5% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Connor Wong (BOS, 9% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)
INFIELDERS
10/12 Team Adds
Jake Burger (3B, CHW, 52% CBS Ownership) – Burger continues to bat in the middle of the White Sox order, DH-ing every day, and hitting the snot out of every ball he contacts. This week has seen two developments that could kick his value into a higher gear: 1) The Sox announced he will get some reps at 2B, something that should have happened in the shift era, much to the chagrin of every pitcher on the team. 2) He stole a base on Thursday night?!? Yes, Jake Burger is on the board with a stolen base, but look at that Statcast I linked earlier in this paragraph. Yes indeed, his sprint speed is in the red. It’s possible he’s got a handful of bags left in him as he could be a savior for many ailing 2B/MI spots upon Eloy Jimenez’s return. (5-7% FAAB)
Paul DeJong (SS, STL, 32% CBS Ownership) – When I initially included DeJong in this column last month as a NL Only suggestion, I was iffy on whether he would actually stick in this loaded Cardinals lineup. But now, he’s not only stuck, but he’s essential as his 162 wRC+ has carried the Cardinals back to within 3.5 games of the NL Central lead. DeJong’s on an all-time heater, squaring the ball up hard, even with a pretty similar plate approach statistically. But when you watch him, you can tell he’s dialed in and looks confident. The march to another mid-20’s home run season with a .250 average is well underway for DeJong. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Matt McLain (SS, CIN, 53% CBS Ownership, 5-7% FAAB), Orlando Arcia (2B/SS, ATL, 47% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Royce Lewis (SS, MIN, 45% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Spencer Torkelson (1B, DET, 44% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), LaMonte Wade (1B/OF, SFG, 43% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Ji-Hwan Bae (2B/OF, PIT, 42% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Josh Rojas (2B/3B, ARI, 42% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), CJ Abrams (SS, WSN, 41% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Nick Senzel (2B/3B/OF, CIN, 40% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Spencer Steer (1B/3B, CIN, 40% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Nick Pratto (1B/OF, KCR, 35% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Adam Frazier (2B/OF, BAL, 37% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jon Berti (2B/3B/SS, MIA, 30% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Zach Neto (SS, LAA, 28% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Gio Urshela (1B/3B/SS, LAA, 25% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Jose Caballero (2B, SEA, 7% CBS Ownership) – The Cowboy has ridden his way through the minor leagues for six years as a no-name prospect and now completely commandeered the Mariners 2B job from Kolten Wong. Caballero doesn’t have pop in the bat, currently rocking a sub-30% hard hit rate, but his superb defense will allow his main calling card – speed – to shine through. He currently ranks in 92nd percentile for sprint speed and could provide mid-teens stolen bases the rest of the way with a batting average that won’t kill you. (3% FAAB)
Willi Castro (2B/3B/SS/OF, MIN, 2% CBS Ownership) – With the constant cycle of injuries plaguing the Twins position players, Castro has now started every game over the past week at either 2B, LF, or CF. He’s a bit of a free swinger, so the batting average will always be limited to the .240-ish range, but he’s currently the only man on the Twins swiping bags right now. With Castro’s ability to move all around the diamond, he’s going to end up plugging in everywhere all summer and can do the same as a Swiss army knife of eligibilities for your fantasy team. (1-3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Luis Garcia (2B/SS, WSN, 18% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Edouard Julien (2B, MIN, 17% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Kyle Farmer (2B/3B/SS, MIN, 16% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Wilmer Flores (1B/2B/3B, SFG, 15% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Rodolfo Castro (2B/3B/SS, PIT, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Luke Raley (1B/OF, TBR, 15% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Darick Hall (1B, PHI, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brandon Belt (1B, TOR, 9% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ramon Urias (2B/3B, BAL, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ryan Noda (1B, OAK, 6% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Dominic Smith (1B, WSN, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB, Zach McKinstry (2B/3B/OF, DET, 6% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Maikel Garcia (3B/SS, KCR, 6% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Yuli Gurriel (1B, MIA, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Harold Castro (1B/2B/3B/OF, COL, 2% CBS Ownership) – Despite riding the pine a lot, Castro is currently trending for roughly 50 RBI on the season in his spot starts. This upcoming week is a no-Coors week for the Rockies, so if Castro is available, you can do worse than picking him up now to be ready for the next stretch of home games during the week of June 5th. (1-3% FAAB)
Spencer Horwitz (1B, TOR, 0% CBS Ownership) – As the Blue Jays have slowly crept to the AL East basement, their bench has been a mess. Cavan Biggio, Ernie Clement, and Nathan Lukes occupy the non-catching spots and offer subpar bats across the board. Surprisingly, the duct tape holding together Brandon Belt and Kevin Kiermeier has stuck this season, but how much longer can that be counted on? Horwitz is an all-bat prospect hitting to the tune of a 134 wRC+ down in AAA Buffalo right now. He’s projected to be a league average 100 wRC+ bat in the majors, which is more than Biggio, Clement, and Lukes can say. (1-3% FAAB)
OUTFIELDERS
10/12 Team Adds
Bryan De La Cruz (MIA, 43% CBS Ownership) – Coming into this season, De La Cruz was a popular sleeper pick but just couldn’t quite win a full-time job out the gate in the crowded Marlins outfield. Well, now that sleeper pedigree is coming to the forefront as he’s the 50th outfielder for the season, and 8th outfielder over the past week in our Player Rater. De La Cruz’s playing time shouldn’t take a hit when Jesus Sanchez returns (Mr. Slapdick Xavier Edwards and Garrett Hampson will be the losers), Jazz’s turf toe won’t be any easy fix, and Avisail Garcia looks cooked for good. That all adds up to a real pathway to full-time at-bats here. (5-7% FAAB)
Jake McCarthy (ARI, 24% CBS Ownership) – McCarthy sits on a lot of waiver wires after starting 2023 with an 82% ownership rate on CBS. After proving himself in AAA with a 132 wRC+ post-demotion, he has been recalled and should immediately step into the Diamondbacks lineup mix. Although there isn’t currently an open outfield spot with Pavin Smith, Corbin Carroll, and Lourdes Gurriel holding down the spacious Chase Field grass, McCarthy should be able to carve out at-bats as a fourth outfielder and DH. Look for him to swipe some extra bags to prove his mettle and hope he can course-correct back to a .250 batting average. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Mike Yastrzemski (SFG, 53% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Alex Kirilloff (1B/OF, MIN, 52% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Brian Anderson (3B/OF, MIL, 48% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Joey Gallo (MIN, 47% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Ramon Laureano (OAK, 39% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Marcell Ozuna (ATL, 28% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jurickson Profar (COL, 27% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), TJ Friedl (CIN, 26% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Myles Straw (CLE, 22% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Leody Taveras (TEX, 15% CBS Ownership) – After years of prospect hype, Taveras appears to be finally evolving into his final form. The owner of a .304 AVG and 119 wRC+ so far, he’s won the Rangers centerfield job outright. Taveras hits the ball hard (42.3% hard hit rate) but without much loft (only a 4.1% barrel rate in 2023, 5.0% for his career), so it’s possible there’s more power in his bat coming. But in the meantime, rely on his steals and volume of playing time in the league’s #2 offense by wRC+ and know there is still plenty of upside left for this 24-year-old. (3-5% FAAB)
Drew Waters (KCR, 7% CBS Ownership) – After shredding his oblique in Spring Training, Waters is finally nearing a return from the IL. He’s been annihilating AAA on his rehab assignment, posting a 154 wRC+ with an absurd .308 ISO over 58 plate appearances in Omaha. Pushing Jackie Bradley Jr. out of the Royals centerfield job shouldn’t be a problem, and the 24 year old Waters has a real legit chance at double digit homers and stolen bases the rest of this season and continue is growth following a 125 wRC+ in 2022. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Oswaldo Cabrera (NYY, 22% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Seth Brown (OAK, 21% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Connor Joe (1B/OF, PIT, 19% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Chas McCormick (HOU, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Randal Grichuk (COL, 18% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jose Siri (TBR, 15% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), JJ Bleday (OAK, 12% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Robbie Grossman (TEX, 10% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Gavin Sheets (1B/OF, CHW, 8% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Matt Vierling (DET, 5% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Corey Julks (HOU, 4% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Michael A. Taylor (MIN, 4% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Akil Baddoo (DET, 3% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Kevin Pillar (ATL, 1% CBS Ownership) – Pillar has been getting at-bats as the short-side platoon bat to Eddie Rosario, allowing him to hit 5 homers so far. The Braves face two lefties next week in their six games, but three of those come against the historically atrocious Athletics pitching staff. Pillar will get the start against JP Sears but should pick up some at-bats in the other two games as the Braves may take the opportunity to rest some regulars in Oakland. (1-3% FAAB)
Clint Frazier (CHW, 1% CBS Ownership) – Much like Pillar, Frazier is getting at-bats via a short-side platoon with Gavin Sheets. The White Sox face three juicy lefties at home next week (Tyler Anderson, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Matthew Boyd), giving Clint (Jackson?) Frazier his opportunity to produce before Eloy Jimenez’s return sends him right back to AAA Charlotte. (3% FAAB)
STARTING PITCHERS
10/12 Team Adds
Brayan Bello (BOS, 54% CBS Ownership) – The growth for Bello has been slowly coming this season, and he’s now produced his two of his three best career Pitching Game Scores in his last two outings. His latest outing against the Angels at home flashed all of the goodies – 7 IP with 6 Ks, no walks, and allowing 2 ER on solo shots. Bello looked crisp in that start and was consistently getting his sinker and changeup into the bottom of the strike zone. His strikeout upside is limited because of his groundball-inducing arsenal, and you will have to not play him against tough matchups, but Bello looks to be turning a corner and can maintain his 4.08 ERA with 9.4 K/9. (5% FAAB)
Andrew Abbott (CIN, 17% CBS Ownership) – When Abbott posted an absurd 20.6 K/9 in AA, there was some doubt about his true talent as the pre-tacked Southern League ball was giving him an insane amount of movement on all of his pitches. However, he’s continued rolling right along with a 13.2 K/9 in AAA, and the Reds need to bring him up soon as he’s just wasting bullets down in Louisville. Sure, Abbott’s not on the 40-man roster, but about half the Reds roster could be DFA-ed without batting an eye. If you are looking to jump on the next big pitching prospect callup before it arrives, now is the time with Abbott as he should be up in June. (3-5% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Louie Varland (MIN, 53% CBS Ownership, 5% FAAB), Vince Velasquez (PIT, 47% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Michael Lorenzen (DET, 47% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Brandon Pfaadt (ARI, 44% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Roansy Contreras (PIT, 40% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Ranger Suarez (PHI, 38% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), J.P. France (HOU, 41% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Dean Kremer (BAL, 44% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Gavin Stone (LAD, 43% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Kyle Bradish (BAL, 40% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Johan Oviedo (PIT, 37% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Alex Wood (SFG, 31% Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Tanner Houck (BOS, 27% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Clarke Schmidt (NYY, 26% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Ryne Nelson (ARI, 13% CBS Ownership) – Nelson has been a confounding pitcher as he has always rated as league average-ish in Stuff+ (101 overall, 103 on the fastball), but the results hadn’t been average at all with a 6.20 ERA and 5.05 FIP through May 12th. However, his last two starts have yielded game scores of 72 and 69 (nice) with a 0.79 ERA and 2.57 FIP over 11.1 IP. The Diamondbacks are a solid team, and if Nelson can hover around being league average, he’s going to be useful for wins and ratios in non-Dodgers matchups throughout the summer. (3% FAAB)
Quinn Priester (PIT, 9% CBS Ownership) – Although the Pirates rotation is a bit crowded with Vince Velasquez’s pending return and Luis Ortiz finally finding the strike zone in his latest outing, Priester seems to have proven everything he needed in Indianapolis. He’s been pitching solidly with a 3.13 FIP in nine starts, but more importantly, has shaved his AAA BB/9 from 6.8 last year to 2.9. Now will be the time to stash Preister as the Pirates season has shipwrecked, and they will start selling some of the veteran arms soon. (3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Braxton Garrett (MIA, 25% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Rich Hill (PIT, 23% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Patrick Corbin (WSN, 18% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Kyle Hendricks (CHC, 18% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brandon Williamson (CIN, 17% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Brandon Bielak (HOU, 16% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), JP Sears (OAK, 15% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Adrian Houser (MIL, 11% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Luis Ortiz (PIT, 10% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Griffin Canning (LAA, 9% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ben Lively (CIN, 9% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Ryan Weathers (SDP, 8% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Jaime Barria (LAA, 5% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Dylan Covey (PHI, 0% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Julio Teheran (MIL, 1% CBS Ownership) – Tell me if you’ve heard this before, but the Brewers are the latest team with a full rotation of injured starting pitchers thanks to Wade Miley’s pulled oblique. Miley joins Brandon Woodruff, Aaron Ashby, Eric Lauer, and Jason Alexander on the IL, which forced the Brew Crew to contract Teheran’s services. Once the top Braves prospect more than a decade ago, the 32 year old Teheran hadn’t pitched in the majors since 2021 and only produced a 5.63 ERA in AAA so far this year. However, that ERA is deceptive as he was pitching in the notoriously hitter-friendly International League environment at elevation with the El Paso Chihuahuas. Teheran was also striking AAA batters out at a 10.1 K/9 clip. He looked really sharp in his start against the Giants this week, posting a 5:1 K:BB ratio in 5 innings while allowing just one run. Even for an NL only league, you won’t want to start him against the likes of the Cardinals at home or in Cincinnati, but he should be allowed to throw a full starter’s workload and provide some much needed volume. (5-7% FAAB)
Brandon Walter (BOS, 4% CBS Ownership) – With Corey Kluber and Nick Pivetta’s demotions to the bullpen, one more boss has been defeated in Walter’s Scott Pilgrim-like march to finally crack the Red Sox rotation. Steamer currently projects the 26-year-old for a 4.26 ERA in the majors despite his current 5.82 ERA at AAA. I think Steamer is showing the upside of what Walter was slated to be – a league average-ish mid-rotation crafty lefty starter that relies on his command and control. All Walter needs now for a debut is for one of Chris Sale, Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, or James Paxton to morph into Jason Schwartzman and prepare for defeat (get injured). (3% FAAB)
RELIEVERS
10/12 Team Adds
Miguel Castro (ARI, 31% CBS Ownership) Slenderman (he supposedly only has 201 pounds strapped his 6’7” frame?!?) Miguel Castro has finally found a bullpen to conquer in Arizona, his sixth stop in his ninth MLB season. The Diamondbacks have been running Castro as the righty high leverage reliever to balance out Andrew Chafin from the left side. That means Castro should start seeing more opportunities as the season unfolds. He’s a solid pitcher (3.14 FIP currently) that has the experience and stuff to accrue double digit saves for the rest of the season. (7-9% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Michael King (NYY, 49% CBS Ownership, 5% FAAB), Dylan Floro (MIA, 44% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Bryan Abreu (HOU, 36% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Giovanny Gallegos (STL, 35% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Matt Strahm (PHI, 31% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Brusdar Graterol (LAD, 28% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Jorge Lopez (MIN, 28% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Nick Martinez (SDP, 28% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Wandy Peralta (NYY, 23% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Kendall Graveman (CHW, 22% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB), Mark Leiter Jr. (CHC, 21% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB)
15 Team Adds
Joe Kelly (CHW, 3% CBS Ownership) – Kelly looks terrific, and everything is humming right now as he’s re-found his fastball velo, averaging 98.6 MPH. He hasn’t thrown this hard since 2017 in Boston. There isn’t a flaw in Mariachi Joe’s line – 38.2 CSW%, 11.93 K/9, 34.6% K-BB%, 1.74 FIP – plus, he’s throwing it in the zone more than last year, up to 43.9%. They are absurd numbers, and yes, I’m suggesting you pick up Joe Kelly to massage your ratios. Godspeed to us all. (1-3% FAAB)
Garrett Acton (OAK, 0% CBS Ownership) – Although I really don’t recommend any exposure to the Athletics’ Chernobyl-feeling bullpen, if you must proceed into the radiation zone, Acton is probably the best choice. He has a short arm action that creates a lot of deception as his hand goes from zero to 100 after he cocks the ball back. His fastball is also rated as a 143 Stuff+ right now, although, with the caveat being the small sample size so far (4.2 IP). However, Acton posted double digit K/9 rates at every stop in the minors and has the talent and fortitude (he closed in college at Illinois) to possibly endear himself to the lion’s share of the 10-15 remaining saves in Oakland. (1-3% FAAB)
QUICK HITS: Matt Moore (LAA, 14% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Gregory Soto (PHI, 11% CBS Ownership, 3% FAAB, Josh Winckowski (BOS, 11% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Hunter Harvey (WSN, 9% CBS Ownership, 3-5% FAAB), Nick Anderson (ATL, 9% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Trevor Stephan (CLE, 8% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Nate Pearson (TOR, 8% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Peter Strzelecki (MIL, 7% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jason Foley (DET, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Brent Suter (COL, 3% CBS Ownership, 1% FAAB), Jeremiah Estrada (CHC, 2% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB), Justin Lawrence (COL, 2% CBS Ownership, 1-3% FAAB)
Only Team Adds
Scott Alexander (SFG, 0% CBS Ownership) – Alexander is the latest reliever in the league to draw use as an opener. That will always creep onto my radar for an Only league just to provide some basic level of volume and know it could lead to middle inning work to position for wins in the future. Alexander is already up to four wins on the season, which is obviously fluky, but the Giants are establishing a pattern of usage that should increase his chance at precious, precious dubs. (1% FAAB)
Danny Coulombe (BAL, 2% CBS Ownership) – The Astros-bred front office has officially dialed the pitcher makeover machine up to 11 in Baltimore as Coulombe joins Yennier Cano as a breakout this year. After being a league average-ish lefty (96 ERA- and 97 FIP-) since his 2014 debut, Coulombe has been using a totally different pitch mix in 2023 thus far, featuring his new dirty 133 Stuff+ slider nearly 70% of the time. The Orioles re-tooled his slider, and it has been sitting at 85.1 MPH in 2023 compared to 82.8 MPH last year, which has boosted Coulombe’s K/9 from 6.6 to 13.0 year over year. He can be a great ratios helper and maybe even start picking up some wins and saves as it appears Coulombe has overtaken Cionel Perez as the #1 high-leverage lefty in Baltimore. (3% FAAB)
