MLB 2015: Six Pitchers Primed for Big Seasons

‘Tis the season for projecting “breakout” candidates for the upcoming baseball season, if only since fantasy drafts are right around the corner. For the purposes of this list (and post) I’ve looked into my crystal ball to identify six guys who haven’t found themselves in the thick of the voting for the Cy Young Award … yet. However you want to term or define it, these six hurlers should be in line for strong 2015 seasons.

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Michael Pineda, Yankees

It’s difficult to talk about Pineda and not immediately think about injuries, since they cost him all of 2012 and 2013, along with a chunk of 2014. If he were healthy, Pineda would probably be remembered for more than that pine tar incident from last April against the Red Sox. Durability remains the No. 1 issue for Pineda, who only threw 76 innings in 2014. Those 76 innings were excellent and produced a 1.89 ERA (206 ERA+) with only seven walks. If Pineda is healthy and figures out a way to throw 150+ innings, the Yankees will be ecstatic. In a sense the 6-foot-7 righty’s already “broken out” … we just need to see it over a full season.

Carlos Carrasco, Indians

Better late than never, right? Cleveland acquired Carrasco all the way back in 2009 as part of the Cliff Lee trade to the Phillies. Carrasco never really did much of anything during his first four stints in Cleveland, but put it together over the second half of 2014, finishing with a 1.30 ERA over his final 10 starts. All told he posted a sub-1.00 WHIP with 140 strikeouts in 136 innings. Odds are Carrasco doesn’t break out like teammate Corey Kluber and win the Cy Young, but if you’re doing a fantasy draft he’s a guy worth targeting.

Chris Archer, Rays

Durability remains an important asset for starters and Archer is primed to throw 200+ innings in Tampa this year. The previous two seasons he’s finished with ERAs below 3.50 and last season his strikeout rate improved to 8.0 per 9. Whether or not Archer steps up as a top of the rotation pitcher is probably tied to developing his changeup. Either way, with Archer, Alex Cobb and Jake Odorizzi, the Rays should have a solid starting rotation.

Mike Fiers, Brewers

Fiers only threw 71 innings in 2014, but it’s doubtful even Bernie Brewer saw what was coming down the stretch. During a brief cameo in 2013 Fiers posted a 7.25 ERA. Last year he joined the Milwaukee rotation in August and dazzled, posting a 178 ERA+ with a 0.879 WHIP over 10 starts. Fiers was decent for the Brewers back in 2012 when he threw 127 innings, so maybe he carries his late-2014 form in this year.

Aaron Sanchez, Blue Jays

With news that Marcus Stroman is out for the year with a torn ACL, the Jays face a decision on Sanchez — keep him at the back end of the bullpen or move him into the rotation? In a late-season cameo last year, Sanchez pitched lights out giving up four runs in 33 innings. Sanchez appears on track to be a fine reliever. As a starter it’s much more of a question mark, but Toronto might not have a choice given their limited organizational depth.

Jose Quintana, White Sox

A lot’s been made over Chicago’s acquisition of Jeff Samardzija to back up Chris Sale in the rotation. Quietly Quintana’s been quite good over his three seasons in the majors, with an above average ERA+ each year and a 2.81 FIP in 2014. Regardless, Quintana will probably be overshadowed by Sale and Samardzija although he shouldn’t be given his fine career so far.

[photos via Getty]