Chris Paddack - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 8)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 15% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: After needing the second Tommy John surgery of his career in May of 2022, causing him to miss the rest of the season and most of 2023, Chris Paddack finally looks healthy. Paddack is coming off the fourth consecutive start in which he's recorded a win and second start of the season in which he struck out 10 batters, putting him squarely into the waiver wire conversation. You would think a pitcher that is 4-1 with that type of strikeout potential is basically a no-brainer add, but not so fast.

Chris Paddack's last 4 starts 👀

4-0
23.1 IP
1.93 ERA
3 BB
28 K

The @Twins 28-year-old RHP joined #MLBCentral to reflect on his journey back to a Big League rotation. pic.twitter.com/4SYf3P1LEz

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 9, 2024

One problem is consistency because, in addition to the two starts with 10 strikeouts, the righty also has three starts in which he struck out just two batters. Keep in mind the two opponents he struck out 10 times were the Mariners and the White Sox. The Mariners as a team strike out the most in the entire league, while the White Sox have the second-lowest team batting average.

Another problem is that, despite what the strikeouts suggest, he's been very hittable. Opponents are batting a robust .304 off the 28-year-old, collecting 48 hits in 37 1/3 innings pitched. Add in eight walks and you have a 1.50 WHIP. With all that traffic and a 1.45 HR/9, the righty is sporting a 4.34 ERA on year.

This all adds up to a pitcher that is walking a tightrope, bound for some more strong starts as well as some big-time blowouts. He is probably best rostered in deeper 12-team and larger leagues or used in favorable DFS matchups. For season-long managers interested in his services, he's available in 85% of Yahoo leagues. The former eighth-round MLB draft pick's next start lines up with the Yankees at home, who are middle of the pack in both batting average and strikeouts.

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