RADIO
Nathan Eovaldi 2019 Outlook: Still Something To Prove Despite Success
6 years agoNathan Eovaldi made a triumphant return from the Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2017 season last year, pitching 111 innings between the Rays and Red Sox in a season that culminated in a World Series ring and a contract extension in Beantown. Much of his success can be tied to a new cutter he threw 32.2% of the time, finally giving Eovaldi a secondary offering to pair with his 97mph fastball. Unfortunately, his K% was still only league-average (22.2%). Eovaldi was incredibly stingy with walks last year (4.4%), but fantasy owners are still looking for the dominance that the radar gun says is in here somewhere. The defending champs figure to provide Eovaldi with a fantastic supporting cast, but he's yet to prove that he's anything more than an average fantasy arm in a good situation. He's fine as the last arm on your staff, but you'd have to draft him near the 13th round to acquire his service. Be cautious of banking on a full season of health or success commensurate with his postseason performance.
