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Eric Lauer 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Unsexy But Steady Later Round Fantasy Option
2 years agoEric Lauer had a solid season in 2022 with an 11-7 W-L record, 3.69 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 157 Ks in 29 starts (158.2 IP). For the second straight year, Lauer outperformed his underlying numbers as he had a 4.02 xERA, 4.08 xFIP and 4.07 SIERA. None of Lauer's numbers stand out with a 23.8% K% which ranked in the 58th percentile and an 8.9% BB% which ranked in the 34th percentile. Lauer's 31.9% FB% was significantly higher than the league average (23.1% FB) and his 14.1% HR/FB was tied-11th highest among all pitchers (62) with 150.0+ IP last year. Put that together with the below average walk-rate, a home field that had the seventh highest home run ballpark factor and an 8.0% Barrel% (36th percentile), having a 3.69 ERA was a big achievement. But Lauer has proven to be a reliable option who has only spent 14 days on the IL for non-Covid issues in the last four years and if he is able to limit the flyballs, there's certainly room for growth. As it is, volume is key for Lauer to provide value on his ADP of ~267 (77th starting pitcher) and even if we do see some regression, as long as he tops 150.0 IP, Lauer can be a solid late-round fantasy option.
