Chris Sale

If a shoulder injury hadn't limited him to 158 innings, Sale would be competing with Max Scherzer for the top SP slot. He led all starters (with at least 150 IP) in K-BB% (32.9) and FIP (1.98) while posting a 2.11 ERA and 0.86 WHIP. While he'll draw no sympathy from Jacob deGrom, a dozen wins in 27 starts is a bit underwhelming for a superstar pitching for the World Series champions. He had previously topped 200 innings in three straight seasons and is turning 30 around Opening Day, so he's not necessarily a significant injury risk compared to the typical starter. Sale is a stud worth selecting as a staff anchor to end the first or commence the second round.

Chris Sale and Red Sox have reportedly had contract extension talks

Red Sox chairman Tom Werner says the team has had contract extension talks with ace southpaw Chris Sale.

Fantasy Impact

It doesn't sound like anything is close to being done but both Sale and the Sox have expressed interest in an extension. Sale is a free agent after this season so there might be a sense of urgency to get things done before Spring Training ends. The ace lefty is deservedly being drafted as one of the top hurlers in fantasy baseball.