Patrick Corbin

Corbin's breakout came as a result of leaning more on a devastating slider that yielded a .195 wOBA and 29.3% swinging-strike rate. It steered him to MLB's third-lowest FIP (2.47), seventh-highest strikeout % (30.8), and second-lowest contact rate (66.8%) among all qualified starters. The peripherals back the 29-year-old southpaw's breakout, but skeptics will point to an alarming 41.7% hard-hit rate and lack of a second plus pitch. Luckily the market is bearish enough on an encore to price Corbin as a high-end No. 2 starter rather than staff anchor.

Patrick Corbin reportedly agrees to six-year deal with the Nationals

Patrick Corbin and the Nationals have reportedly agreed to a six-year deal.

Fantasy Impact

Corbin is coming off a breakout season, during which he reached the 200-inning plateau while pitching to a 3.15 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP with a 30.8% strikeout rate. Corbin's home run rate will likely increase above the minuscule 0.68/9 mark he set last year, but remaining in the National League is obviously a positive for his long-term value. Overall, expect another big year from Corbin, though his velocity drop as last season wore on could portend trouble down the road.