Lesser Known Pitching Prospects that will make an Impact in 2021
By: Chris Phillips
Tags: Prospects, Logan Gilbert, Fantasy Baseball, Triston Mckenzie, MLB

The MLB season is underway. And it is so great to have it back. The opening week of games has gone relatively smooth. The only hiccup was the NY Mets v the Washington Nationals series being postponed due to COVID. Yes, the pandemic is still ongoing, but the end appears to be nearing.

Prior to the season starting, I gave you my 5 under the radar prospect hitters. Now, it’s time to reveal the pitchers. In my experience pitchers in fantasy are just as in demand as in real life. Grabbing the next ace is wonderful. But maybe with pitchers more so than hitters you need to be a week to two weeks early on getting them. Once the pitcher gets his call up, the window to grab him early is over.

Just a quick refresher the big names of Mackenzie Gore and Casey Mize aren’t going to be on this list. We’re looking for the guys who are expected to get the call or are already on the team. These guys aren’t the household names. So, without further ado let’s get to the goods.

Pitchers

Triston McKenzie (SP) Cleveland Indians bats R throws R

The big stick. McKenzie made his MLB debut last year. It was maybe a bit unexpected due to the shortened regular season. But he busted open the front door by striking out 10 Detroit Tigers! He threw 33 1/3 innings with a 3.24 ERA and a 42/9 strikeout to walk ratio. So, there is obviously immense talent and promise. He’s got the goods to be a fantasy ace.

For those who may have yet to draft he’s going later so just remember his name once you get beyond the 5th round of the draft. For those who have already drafted. Make a great offer to the owner of McKenzie, if it’s not you. If that doesn’t work, then hope for McKenzie to carry over his worrisome spring training results to lower the price tag.

Associated Press

Spencer Howard (SP) Philadelphia Phillis bats R throws R

The top pitching prospect in the Phillies. Also, their overall top prospect. Like McKenzie, Howard also made his MLB debut in 2020. While he isn’t as electrifying as say a Nate Pearson. Howard knows how to pitch and locate his arsenal to be most effective. Unfortunately, Howard dealt with injury that ultimately ended his first year in the MLB.

Currently, starting 2021 in the minors because a back injury hampered his spring training. The Phillies are also most likely using Howard in some sort of “hybrid” role. It’s yet to be determined if Howard is going to be an opener, a multi inning reliever or both. He’s most likely on the waiver wire so just monitor his progress. When the word comes out about him nearing his call up asses your pitching staff to see if this type of pitcher will be beneficial to you.

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Brendan McKay (SP) Tampa Bay Rays bats L throws L

One of three two-way players, Shohei Ohtani and Michael Lorenzen. McKay had an impressive “rookie” year in the MLB in 2019 by making their post season roster! A big step forward and impact in the rotation was the thought for him 2020. Unfortunately, he got COVID and then needed season ending shoulder surgery in August.

McKay’s arsenal and pitching ability is a bit of a combination of the previously mentioned pitchers. He’s got good stuff with good command to both sides of the plate. At least that was the case prior to the surgery. It remains to be seen how effective he’ll be post-surgery. The Rays most likely won’t rush his return as he’s receiving competition from newcomer Luis Patino for the Rays best pitching prospect.

DIRK SHADD | Times

A.J. Puk (RP/SP) Oakland A’s bats L throws L

This is one of my favorite pitching prospects. I’m just nervous that injuries will ruin his bright career. He already has a Tommy John surgery (2018) to his name and shoulder surgery (2020). In 2019 Puk did help the A’s reach the wild card. While not as big as Randy Johnson, Puk draws comparisons. That was until Puk cut his hair. Get the Puk out of here! His fastball can reach triple digits that he pairs that with a devastating slider. see where the Big Unit comparisons come from?

His 2021 start to the year was slow because the A’s are being careful. He logged enough innings to be considered the top candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation. But he started the year at the A’s alternate training site. Earlier this week they recalled him, where he pitched 3 1/3 innings with three walks and four strikeouts and a zero ERA. Hopefully he’s up for good. Besides that, question the next biggest question is how much time he’ll spend in the bullpen in 2021. Regardless, he’s a weapon that needs to be rostered.

Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group

Logan Gilbert (SP) Seattle Mariners bats R throws R

As a Mariners’ fan this guy is extra special to me. If came down to picking Puk or Gilbert, I’d take Puk but that isn’t meant to take anything away from Gilbert. He’s drawn comparisons to Tyler Glasnow of the Rays in both looks, delivery and stuff. Gilbert played collegiately at Stetson University where both Jacob DeGrom and Corey Kluber played.

The M’s haven’t rushed him up even though their rotation could use his help. Some scouts think his ceiling is that of a #2 starter. M’s fans believe he’ll be the ace of their staff or at worst a 1A of their rotation. Regardless, this is the only pitcher on the list to not have any MLB experience. But that is expected to be rectified this year. In fact, his call up is most likely only a few weeks away. The expectation is that once he’s up with the M’s, he’ll be up for good. This guy is absolutely a player you want to stash now (if you have the room). Or at the very least check his status at least 3 times a day. He’s the waiver wire pickup that everyone will be fighting to add to their team.