January 13, 2020

Andrew Heaney had a 4-6 record and 4.91 ERA in his 95 1/3 IP in 2019, but the 28-year-old's peripherals suggest that he could be much better in 2020. First, he'll presumably have a clean bill of health after two separate IL stints with left shoulder inflammation a season ago. He also had a 4.18 xFIP in 2019, suggesting that his ERA could be much-improved if his 18.3% HR/FB drifts toward the league average. However, the biggest reason to want Heaney is his 28.9% strikeout rate last season. Heaney generates Ks with a three-pitch mix: sinker, curve, and change. While sinkers generally don't help generate strikeouts, Heaney's offers a very high spin rate (2,524 RPM) and Active Spin percentage (94%) that make it more of a good 4-seamer (11.5 SwStr%, 62.6 Zone%) than a traditional sinker. His curve is a true wipeout pitch, making up for a low 28.4 Zone% with a 42.3% chase rate and 19.3 SwStr%. His change is the weakest of the three, but flashes potential as well (15 SwStr%, 46.9 Zone%, 34.1% chase). Heaney should also be in line for improved run support with the addition of Anthony Rendon to the Angels offense, and the defensive wizardry of Andrelton Simmons (16 Outs Above Average last season) could help Heaney as well. Overall, Heaney's 186.94 ADP is a bargain for a pitcher who could have SP2 upside in fantasy.--Rick Lucks - RotoBaller