Mike Foltynewicz (SP, ATL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 10% of Fleaflicker leagues

ANALYSIS: So a 3-2 record with a 4.29 ERA from Mike Foltynewicz on a weaker team does not excite you at first glance. Okay, how about a 3.83 FIP. Still no? What about a 9.31 K/9? Now you're listening? Good. Atlanta's random assortment of letters is allowing walks at a high clip (3.21 BB/9), but he should stop doing that shortly as he can throw strikes. His fastball averages 94.6 mph and is a strike 55.2% of the time, while his change of pace is 82.9 mph (nice differential) and a strike 70.6% of the time. A 2-seam fastball is a strike 60.4% of the time, and his slider is a strike the majority of the time (51.8%). There is no reason a pitcher with this many weapons capable of working in the strike zone should be walking 3 per 9. It may just be major league jitters.

None of Foltenywicz's offerings stand out as truly dominant, but a few are at least above average. His curve generates whiffs at a 15.4% rate while being chased out of the zone a healthy 40.6% of the time - not a bad wipe out pitch. The slide piece generates a 14.3 SwStr%, while the heat sports a solid 10% rate. The above average strikeouts are legitimate.

Thus far, the young hurler has also seen some unfortunate batted ball luck, as evidenced by his .319 BABIP against despite a high fly ball rate (47.1%) and a low line drive rate (19%). His 8.8% HR/FB is slightly favorable, but that could be a consequence of pitching at pitcher friendly Turner Field.

Being a Brave also has other advantages, namely a bunch of games against the Mets, Marlins, and Phillies - none of which represent a huge offensive threat. The rookie's albatross thus far has been left handed hitters (triple slashing .291/.362/.476 against him), but his stuff should be good enough to improve on that number at least somewhat. His only real divisional opponent lacks left handed power save Bryce Harper, so he should be able to handle even Washington. Everything is trending in the right direction, and a failure to add him now could result in regret later.