Jon Gray (SP, COL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 21% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: At first glance, you might not be too excited about taking a chance on top Rockies prospect Jon Gray. With an ERA of 5.33, a 2015 ERA of 5.53, and Coors Field for a home turf, he doesn't exude much appeal. However, his numbers tell a different story. Gray has a solid WHIP at 1.26 and a FIP of 3.43 that is made up of a 2.9 BB/9, a phenomenal 10.5 K/9, and just 1.0 HR/9 despite pitching in Denver. So why the high ERA? First off, Gray has a BABIP of .328 despite his opponents doing nothing too special with 29% line drives on the 60% of balls in play. Also, his numbers are highly inflated by a bad start. Gray made two starts in April, and he compiled an ERA of 11.42, a WHIP of 2.192, and an opponent OPS of 1.082. Since then, he has improved dramatically. In May, he made six starts and produced a 4.42 ERA and 1.12 WHIP off of a .639 opponent OPS, and in his first start in June he has a 2.57 ERA and 0.857 WHIP off of an opponent OPS of .591. Cash in on the young gun's learning experience and add him to your rotation. He is worth starting for his outstanding strikeout potential alone.