According to Zack Meisel of The Athletic, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi will be built up as a starting pitcher during spring training. Meisel noted that manager Stephen Vogt has "raved" about Cecconi's pure stuff and that he has already been making adjustments to his delivery. Currently, the Guardians have several pitchers with starting experience and will likely have competition during spring training. Cecconi made 13 starts last season (20 games) and held a 6.66 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. He struck out 64 batters across 77 innings. Fantasy managers should expect Cecconi to compete for the final spot in the rotation alongside Luis Ortiz. However, with Shane Bieber returning from Tommy John and Triston McKenzie's struggles, Cecconi may have a viable path to finding a role in the starting rotation. For now, he should only be targeted in deeper AL-only formats.
According to Jeff Passan, right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi was traded to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for first baseman Josh Naylor. Cecconi has spent his entire professional career in the Arizona Diamondbacks system. He made his major league debut in 2023 and posted a 4.33 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP across 27 innings. Last summer, posted a high 6.66 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP across 77 innings. The Miami product bounced between the rotation and the bullpen during both of his major league stints. In the minor leagues he operated primarily as a starter and held a 5.23 ERA and 1.27 WHIP through 163 1/3 innings. Despite his high ratios, he possess great command as he posted an impressive 5.0% walk rate. With the Guardians losing Matthew Boyd earlier this offseason to the Chicago Cubs, Cecconi could have an opportunity to compete for a spot in the starting rotation during Spring Training.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Slade Cecconi was selected 33rd overall pick in the 2020 draft. He appeared in seven MLB games last season but retains his prospect status. Furthermore, given the Diamondbacks' strong rotation, there was simply no room for Cecconi in the Opening Day rotation. The right-hander boasts an impressive four-pitch mix, and while he has nearly hit 100 mph with his heater, Cecconi's best results come when throwing the breaking ball. Cecconi made his 2024 debut last week in a start for the Reno Aces. He tossed five no-hit innings, allowing just two walks and striking out five batters. He was also quite efficient, requiring just 68 pitches before being replaced. Although he won't be an MLB ace anytime soon, Cecconi could be the first player called up when a Diamondbacks starter gets hurt.
Slade Cecconi Included On Arizona's Roster For NLCS
Arizona Diamondbacks rookie right-hander Slade Cecconi has been added to the team's playoff roster for the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, which begins on Monday in Philadelphia. Cecconi will take infielder Jace Peterson's spot on the roster as they add an extra bullpen arm. The 24-year-old posted a 4.33 ERA (4.37 FIP), 1.15 WHIP, four walks and 20 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched in his first seven big-league appearances (four starts) for Arizona in the regular season. Cecconi did not face the Phillies at all in 2023 and made his last appearance on Sept. 22 against the New York Yankees, giving up an earned run while walking none and striking out two in 2 2/3 innings out of the 'pen.
The Arizona Diamondbacks plan to add rookie right-hander Slade Cecconi to their starting rotation this week after they placed Tommy Henry (elbow) on the injured list on Sunday. The 24-year-old Cecconi, who is the team's No. 9 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is 4-8 with a 6.38 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 103 innings at Triple-A Reno this year, and there's a good chance he'll be making his major-league debut on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants. Cecconi has some intriguing strikeout upside, but he has had trouble keeping the ball in the yard in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League in 2023. Given the lack of serviceable starting options for the D-backs, Cecconi could stick in a starting role down the stretch if he pitches well this week and moving forward.
Slade Cecconi
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Guardians
