Patrick Corbin

Corbin had a disastrous 2020 season, during which he went 2-7 with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. His strikeout rate plummeted, and his velocity dropped significantly, with his fastball seeing a dip of almost two miles per hour. Corbin leans heavily into his slider, and he needs it to be pristine to be an effective pitcher. And although it wasn't a terrible pitch in 2020, the swinging strike rate on it dropped from 28.1% to 21.2%, and the whiff rate from 52% to just 38.2%. If the loss in velocity and effectiveness of his slider were entirely due to the oddities of the shortened season, then Corbin is going to be a major value in drafts this year. But if not, then his days as a "set it and forget it" starter are likely over. Monitor Corbin's performance this spring, particularly with his velocity. If it's back up to prior levels, then push him up your board significantly.

Patrick Corbin drops seventh consecutive decision Thursday

Nationals starter Patrick Corbin allowed three earned runs on 10 hits and three walks while striking out three over seven innings in Thursday's loss to the New York Mets. The loss drops him to 2-7 on the season.

Fantasy Impact

Corbin started the season 2-0 and then finished the year with seven straight losses. The Nationals lost nine of his 11 starts this season. Not all of those losses have been his fault, of course, but he pitched to a 4.66 ERA and 1.57 WHIP while striking out just 60 batters over 65 2/3 innings after striking out 238 batters over 202 innings with a 3.25 ERA in 2019.