Cole Ragans
SP,RP - Kansas City Royals
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Eligibility
The Royals have announced that SP Cole Ragans will serve as the team’s Opening Day starter.
Fantasy Impact
Ragans turned in a solid 2023 season, posting a 3.47 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 96 innings pitched. Despite posting a 5.40 ERA in four spring outings, the 26-year-old will take the mound to open the season for the rebuilding Royals.
Cole Ragans agreed to a contract for the 2024 season with the Royals to avoid arbitration.
Fantasy Impact
Ragans was traded to Kansas City last season as part of the trade that sent Aroldis Chapman to the Rangers. He made 12 starts last season for the Royals, posting a dominant 2.64 ERA across 71 2/3 innings. He should remain a strong starter for Kansas City this season.
Ragans delivered a solid outing, going six innings and allowing just three hits and two earned runs while striking out five.
Fantasy Impact
With this performance, Ragans continues to build on his impressive season, boasting a 3.31 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and a strong 10.5 K/9 rate. While he did issue four walks in this contest, his ability to limit hits and generate strikeouts remains a positive sign for fantasy managers moving forward.
Ragans had a rough outing against the Blue Jays, allowing six walks and two earned runs in just 5 2/3 innings pitched.
Fantasy Impact
Despite his six strikeouts, his lack of command resulted in a high pitch count and an early exit from the game. This performance raises concerns about Ragans' ability to consistently throw strikes, which could impact his fantasy value going forward. Prior to this game, Ragans had been solid with a 3.13 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and a strong strikeout rate of 10.9 K/9, but his 3.48 strikeout-to-walk ratio suggests that his control has been an ongoing issue. Fantasy managers should monitor Ragans closely to see if he can improve his command in future outings.
Cole Ragans turned in a dominant performance against the White Sox, pitching 6 innings and allowing just one hit while not issuing any walks or earned runs.
Fantasy Impact
He also recorded seven strikeouts, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable strikeout pitcher. With this outing, Ragans showcased his ability to consistently generate swings and misses, adding to his impressive season-long numbers of a 3.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a stellar 10.9 K/9 rate. Fantasy managers can continue to rely on Ragans for strong performances and strikeouts moving forward.