Michael Wacha Fantasy

New York Mets starting pitcher Michael Wacha showed improved velocity in his first outing of spring training on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers. Wacha consistently threw 94 to 96 mph in two innings of work, allowing one hit and two walks with two strikeouts. Last season with the Cardinals, Wacha averaged 93.4 mph with his fastball. Wacha is currently competing for a starting rotation spot with Steven Matz. The belief is that the Mets may choose their fifth starter based on specific matchups, use an opener and then turn to Wacha and/or Matz later in games, or just choose between Wacha and Matz based on their spring performances. Wacha, who currently has an ADP of 649, is primarily viewed as an option for owners in NL-only leagues. However, if Wacha wins a rotation spot and shows continued velocity improvement, his fantasy outlook will rise considerably. In that scenario, he will become worth a selection in deep mixed leagues as a late-round SP option. Alternatively, if the Mets opt to use Wacha in a capacity such as a middle reliever or spot starter, his fantasy value will remain low. Much will depend on what both he and Matz show us this spring, whether the other Mets starters remain healthy and what Mets management decides.

3 months ago

The New York Mets agreed to a one-year deal with starting pitcher Michael Wacha on Wednesday, according to a source. The 28-year-old right-hander will get $3 million guaranteed and can make another $7 million in performance-based incentives. He had spent the previous seven seasons with the Cardinals, and Wacha went a disappointing 6-7 last year with a 4.76 ERA in 29 games (24 starts). He did not win a game after July 19 and dealt with a strained right shoulder down the stretch. Wacha will replace Zack Wheeler in a rotation that also includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz. Wacha's fantasy stock is down, but he could be a decent matchup-based streamer in deep mixed leagues in his new home.

5 months ago

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha was okay on Thursday, throwing five innings but taking a loss. He allowed two runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out three and threw 80 pitches. Wacha hasn't been great this season as his 5.44 ERA shows, but he did well enough this time to likely earn another start the next time through the rotation.

over 9 months ago