James Karinchak 2020 Outlook: Huge Ks, Huge Question Marks
5 years agoCleveland Indians rookie relief pitcher James Karinchak will enter the 2020 season as one of the most interesting rookies pitchers to watch. Karinchak was ridiculous in 2019, striking out 74 batters in just 30 1/3 minor league innings. He pitched 5 1/3 innings at the big league level in September, striking out eight. He put up a 66.7 K% in Double-A and a 53.9 K% in Triple-A, both "video game" numbers in real life. He has the arm to continue racking up the Ks at the major league level, with the only real concern being his control. An unimpressive 16.7 BB% in Triple-A was followed up by a very small sample size 4.6% in his September cup of coffee. He'll start out in a seventh inning/middle relief role, but could quickly work his way up the hierarchy. He has the potential to be one of the best closers in fantasy baseball if he works his way into the role.