Fantasy Baseball Player Notes

Cole Ragans was a hot entity heading into the 2024 fantasy season, and he delivered on expectations. He pitched 186 1/3 innings, struck out 223 batters, and ended with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. His xERA and xFIP mostly backed up these numbers, and his 29.3% K rate landed him in the 88th percentile of the league. He walked a few more batters than fantasy managers would have liked (8.8 BB%) and seemed to run out of steam near the end of the season. However, he has plenty of upside heading into 2025 and can hold down a fantasy rotation's SP1 spot.

Lucas Erceg landed with the Royals after a midseason trade from the A's, and he promptly took command of the ninth inning in Kansas City. In sum, the 29-year-old former infielder tossed 61 2/3 innings, striking out 72 batters, and saving 14 games. He ended the season with a 3.36 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Erceg has a fastball that sits in the 98th percentile at 98.6 mph, leading to a 97th percentile average exit velocity at 85.9. He has the stuff to close games for the Royals in 2025 and could be a sleeper closer for those willing to bet he will enter the season in the role. A potential 30-save guy you can draft in the 10th round is a decent pick.