Kevin Gausman (SP, SF) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 11% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Kevin Gausman has gone under the radar somewhat in 2020 which isn't too surprising given he's got a 4.05 ERA and has a 0-1 record in four appearances (three starts). His role seemed a bit up-in-the-air when he made his season debut in relief for the Giants but he has since made three starts and outside the three earned runs he gave up in 4.1 IP against the Padres, Gausman has been good. He's also put up very good strikeout numbers with 23 Ks in 20 IP and has limited baserunners with just a 1.10 WHIP so far.

The ERA, WHIP and strikeout numbers alone are enough to warrant picking up Gausman in most fantasy leagues. When we take a closer look at his numbers, Gausman warrants even more consideration. While he has a 4.05 ERA, his underlying numbers are far more impressive with a 2.43 FIP, 3.25 xFIP and 3.17 SIERA. These analytical stats were part of the reason why Gausman was a sleeper pick heading into the season as he had a 5.72 ERA in 2019 but a FIP, xFIP and SIERA all 4.10 or below. Providing his luck improves, Gausman could end up being a must add in all leagues and even if his ERA lingers around 4.00 and the wins don't materialize, he's still someone who should be getting rostered in 12+ team leagues.