RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 24% of Fleaflicker Leagues
ANALYSIS: The Year of the Youth carries on with Aaron Nola, the highest rated pitching prospect (28th overall) to reach the majors this year. The Nola hype train only added more coal to its burners in his debut (6 IP, 1 ER, 6/0 K/BB), so what’s up with the 22% ownership? This needs to be addressed now.
Yes, it was the Tampa Rays’ putrid offense, but Nola looked like a poised veteran on the mound with his only mistake being a Nathan Karns HR, which is safe to say a first in MLB history for a pitcher’s debut.
If you didn’t get a chance to view his outing he relied primarily on his fastball (65%) while mixing in his curve (18%) and changeup (17%). His changeup had some serious bite as it dives out the zone and I anticipate it being his best pitch here on out.
The reason Nola has staying power is his ability to limit the walks (ZiPs and Steamer project a 2.15 BB/9 rate). The wins are going to be hard to come by for Nola with his own anemic offense behind him, so if he can maintain solid ratios, which I think he can, Nola will be a useful fantasy commodity in any league size.
The matchups aren’t too intimidating (@ CHC, vs ATL, vs LAD) and Nola’s ownership should propel up for his start vs Atlanta, but be on the front end of this one if you still can. It’s crazy how obsessed owners are in the young hitters but Nola remains available in 78% of leagues.
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
