X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Champ or Chump: Rhett Lowder Fantasy Baseball Outlook

fantasy baseball prospects MLB prospects rookies call-ups

Is Reds SP Rhett Lowder a fantasy breakout, bust, or neither? Rick Lucks takes a deep dive into his 2024 fantasy baseball value in redraft leagues.

Have you heard? A dominant college pitcher was taken in the 2023 Draft's first round. Scouts loved his stuff and control, and he was expected to advance quickly. He debuted in the NL Central this season, and his career is off to a solid start with an ERA of 0.87.

That sounds like we're talking about Paul Skenes, but we're not. Rhett Lowder was taken seventh overall and would have much more prospect buzz if Skenes wasn't in the same class. He has a glowing scouting report, MiLB success, and even won "Best Pitchability" in a 2024 poll of MLB Pipeline executives.

Somehow, this 22-year-old top prospect is only rostered in 12% of leagues. That's way too low, and here's why.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

The Scouting Report on Rhett Lowder

FanGraphs ranks Lowder as the top prospect in Cincinnati's system with the following grades:

Lowder's fastball and change are both plus MLB pitches already, with his slider standing out as the best pitch in his arsenal. The current 45-grade command might be a red flag, but the writeup downplays it: "Lowder's touch and feel for location, especially of his breaking ball, is special."

Three plus pitches with command is an excellent base, and it gets better. Lowder's fastball has natural sink, encouraging ground balls that won't turn into homers even at power-friendly Great American Ballpark.

Lowder is only ranked second in Cincinnati's system by MLB.com, but his scouting report is just as positive:

Lowder's writeup notes that he repeats his three-quarters arm slot well, allowing him to fill the zone with constant strikes. It also states that "his fastball... has more sink than ride, getting a lot of weak ground-ball contact." Sounds like a great fit for Great American!

Interestingly, the writeup disagrees with FanGraphs on Lowder's best secondary pitch, noting that Lowder "brings one of the best changeups in the college game to the Reds." Both outlets like Lowder's slider and change, so we can assume he possesses two excellent secondaries.

Lowder would've been the best pitcher in a normal draft class, and his call-up would've been huge news. He doesn't have the hype he should thanks to Skenes, creating a buying opportunity for astute fantasy managers.

 

The MiLB Performance of Rhett Lowder

Lowder began the year at High-A (Dayton), pitching to a 2.49 ERA, 3.13 FIP, and 3.01 xFIP in 25.1 IP. He dominated opposing hitters with a 28.4% K% and 5.9% BB%, and hitters who made contact struggled with a 49.2% GB% and .254 BABIP.

He quickly earned a ticket to Double-A (Chattanooga), where his 4.31 ERA in 77.1 IP wasn't quite as impressive. However, his 3.30 FIP and 2.92 xFIP were in line with what he did at Dayton. Lowder's 5.6% BB% and 50.9% GB% were similar to his work at High-A as well, with his .333 BABIP likely a small sample fluke as opposed to a real issue.

The only problem was that Lowder's K% fell to 23.8%, but that will work in real life and fantasy so long as he isn't walking people. Lowder made one start for Triple-A (Louisville) and recorded six shutout innings with zero walks and seven strikeouts before making his MLB debut.

We don't have tons of MiLB data to work with here, but what we have supports the scouting report. Lowder pitched like a guy with good control, good enough stuff to punch guys out, and a strong ground ball tendency when the ball is in play.

 

The MLB Performance of Rhett Lowder

Lowder's 0.87 ERA in 10.1 IP is sparkly, but his 3.76 FIP, 4.02 xERA, and 5.37 xFIP are not. The issue is a relatively low 20.5% K% against an inflated 18.2% BB%. We knew that Lowder probably wouldn't set the world on fire with his strikeout totals, but the walks are a surprise. What happened to his control?

In a word, nothing. Lowder features a four-pitch mix: fastball, sinker, slider, and change. His heater has a Zone% of 52.2%. His sinker is nearly always a strike with a 69% Zone%. His slider has a 56.1% Zone%, supporting the FanGraphs scouting report's assertion that he can place it wherever he likes. His change has a 36.7% Zone%, but it's his least-thrown offering.

Per Jeff Zimmerman's research at FanGraphs, Lowder deserves a 2.9 BB/9 based on the number of strikes he's thrown rather than the 7.0 BB/9 he currently sports. If the walks decline, the rest of Lowder's profile falls into place nicely.

Lowder's fastballs aren't great for strikeouts, with his four-seamer generating a 6.5% SwStr% while his sinker only gets 4.8%. However, his sinker produces an exceptional 66.7% GB%, giving him a reliable weapon to keep the ball on the ground.

Likewise, his slider plays like a really good fastball with a 14.6% SwStr% and 50% GB%. Lowder's change looks like a work in progress with a 10% SwStr% and 31.6% chase rate, but it was an effective put-away pitch in college and on the farm. Hopefully, Lowder will figure out how to turn it into a wipeout offering against MLB hitters.

 

The Final Verdict on Rhett Lowder

Lowder is a promising arm, but we have to consider his upcoming schedule this late in the fantasy baseball season. He's pitching at St. Louis tonight, a favorable matchup. His next start is scheduled at Minnesota on September 15, which would be tricky if the team was fully healthy. Luckily, they won't be.

Lowder's next turn would come either September 20 or September 21 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving him another favorable matchup. If he gets another start, it would be against either the Guardians or the Cubs. Neither is particularly scary.

Lowder said he threw about 120 innings in college last season in a recent interview, adding that the Reds thought he was in a good place for a full workload in 2024. That should mean fantasy managers won't have to worry about limitations when Lowder takes the hill, though he might be shut down for the last week.

Overall, Lowder is an easy Champ. The only issue is the walks, and his MLB Zone%, scouting report, and MiLB performance all suggest he'll clean them up.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Luther Burden III

Still Missing From Practice
Jaquan Brisker

Feeling Better
Devaughn Vele

Turning Heads During Offseason Workouts
Carlos Correa

Back in Action on Saturday
Cody Ware

Could Cody Ware Be a Super Punt DFS Option at Michigan?
Bryce Harper

Lands on Injured List
Sam Hauser

Possibly on the Move?
De'Aaron Fox

: "I'll be Ready for Next Year"
Evan Bouchard

Enjoys Three-Point Period In Game 2 Against Panthers
Connor McDavid

Joins Rare Company with Three-Assist Effort
Sam Bennett

Makes NHL History with Another Goal Friday
Seth Jones

Fills Stat Sheet in Game 2 Against Oilers
Anton Lundell

Notches Two Assists in Friday's Win
Brad Marchand

Leads Panthers to Victory in Game 2 Against Oilers
Tee Higgins

Trying to Prevent Injuries
Lamar Jackson

Extension for Lamar Jackson on Ravens Docket
Anthony Volpe

Leaves Early Friday With Elbow Contusion
Gabriel Moreno

Exits Early on Friday With Hand Injury
Tyreek Hill

Won't Catch Passes Until August
Shane Bieber

Shut Down From Throwing Until Next Week
Ryan Mountcastle

Out 8-12 Months With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
Rome Odunze

Anticipates Big Year 2
Shea Langeliers

A's Place Shea Langeliers on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Keilan Robinson

Joins Eagles
Ladd McConkey

Focused on Staying Healthy
Logan O'Connor

to Miss 5-6 Months Following Hip Procedure
Ezequiel Tovar

Rockies Place Ezequiel Tovar on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Lindor

Out Again on Friday With Toe Injury
Tyler Seguin

Nursing a Shoulder Injury
DAL

Pete DeBoer Fired by Stars
Stuart Skinner

Seeks Sixth Consecutive Win Friday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Friday
A.J. Greer

Remains Out Friday
Corbin Burnes

to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Bryce Harper

Day-to-Day With Sore Wrist, Not Playing on Friday
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning on Friday
Ryan Ritter

Promoted to Major Leagues
Gardner Minshew II

Throwing at OTAs
Rondale Moore

Active at OTAs
Colston Loveland

Could Return Soon
Kyle Monangai

has "Really Stepped Up"
Anthony Richardson

No Structural Damage to Anthony Richardson's Shoulder
Sean O'Malley

Set For A Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Second Title Defense
Kayla Harrison

Could Become The New UFC Champion
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena Set For Co-Main Event
Joe Pyfer

A Favorite At UFC 316
Kelvin Gastelum

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Mario Bautista

Looks For His Eighth Consecutive Win
Isaac Guerendo

Taking Part in OTAs
Patchy Mix

Makes His UFC Debut
Evan Engram

Off to a Good Start at OTAs
Alvin Kamara

Not Present for OTAs
Vicente Luque

An Underdog At UFC 316
Kevin Holland

Set To Open Up UFC 316 Main Card
Derek Carr

Didn't Want to "Just Take the Saints Money"
Trevor Lawrence

Making Progress at OTAs
Framber Valdez

Dominates the Pirates on Thursday
Marcus Semien

Goes Deep Twice on Thursday
Alex Caruso

Shines Off the Bench in Game 1
Luguentz Dort

Knocks Down Five Triples in Game 1
Cason Wallace

Moves into the Starting Lineup in Game 1 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores 38 Points in Game 1 Defeat
Obi Toppin

Drops 17 Points in Game 1
Aaron Nesmith

Posts a Double-Double in Pacers Game 1 Victory
Pascal Siakam

Leads the Pacers with 19 Points in Game 1 Win
Tyrese Haliburton

Hits Game-Winning Shot as Pacers Steal Game 1
Davante Adams

Making Positive Impact on Puka Nacua
Anthony Richardson

Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Karl-Anthony Towns

Undergoes Treatment for Knee, Finger Issues
Kevin Durant

Knicks Reportedly Make an Offer for Kevin Durant
Tyler Soderstrom

Slugs Two Homers in Blowout Win Over Twins
Kyle Teel

Being Called Up by White Sox
Shea Langeliers

Exits Early on Thursday
Shane Bieber

Scratched With Elbow Soreness
Zack Wheeler

Phillies Expect Zack Wheeler to Return Early Next Week
Josh Naylor

Day-to-Day With Multiple Injuries
Nicolas Batum

Clippers Expect Nicolas Batum to Return for Next Season
Tyus Jones

Reportedly on Kings Radar
Jeff Green

Wants to Play for Two More Years
Steven Adams

Rockets Desperate to Get Steven Adams Under a New Contract
Fred VanVleet

Likely to Remain in Houston
Nate Schmidt

Logs Pair of Helpers Wednesday
Carter Verhaeghe

Registers Two Assists In Game 1 Loss Against Oilers
Sam Bennett

Establishes New Franchise Record with 12 Postseason Goals
Kasperi Kapanen

Stays Productive in Finals Opener
Connor McDavid

Records Two Assists in Wednesday's Win
Leon Draisaitl

Scores Twice in Game 1 Win Against Panthers
Kristaps Porzingis

to be Moved This Offseason?
Phoenix Suns

Jordan Ott Named Suns Head Coach
Zion Williamson

to Remain Pelicans "Focal Point"
Nikita Kucherov

Takes Home Second Ted Lindsay Award
Derek Forbort

Sticking with Canucks for One More Year
Noah Cates

Lands Four-Year, $16 Million Extension
Rico Hoey

a Decent Dark-Horse Option at TPC Toronto
Harry Hall

a Decent Option at TPC Toronto
Beau Hossler

Not Appealing Ahead of RBC Canadian Open
Taylor Pendrith

Could See Success at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Fox

a Solid Option at TPC Toronto
Mackenzie Hughes

is a Risky Option at TPC Toronto
Eric Cole

Not A Great Option For RBC Canadian Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at TPC Toronto
Quade Cummins

Hard to Trust at RBC Canadian Open
PGA

Matti Schmid a High-Risk, High-Reward Play at TPC Toronto
Jake Knapp

a Boom-or-Bust Option at RBC Canadian Open
Doug Ghim

a Sneaky Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Gary Woodland

a Solid Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy

Eyes Third RBC Canadian Open Title
Wyndham Clark

Hoping to Reverse Slide at RBC Canadian Open
Erik Van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen Continues Rocky 2025 Campaign
Sahith Theegala

Trying to Find Positives in 2025
Justin Rose

Enjoying Career Renaissance at 44
John Pak

Striving to Improve on PGA Tour
Kurt Kitayama

Roller-Coaster Season to Continue in Canada
Max Homa

Motivated for RBC Canadian Open
New York Knicks

Knicks Fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau
Ludovit Klein

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 107
Mateusz Gamrot

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Ramiz Brahimaj

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Billy Ray Goff

Gets Submitted
Bruno Lopes

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Dustin Jacoby

Scores First-Round Knockout
Ketlen Vieira

Dominates at UFC Vegas 107
Macy Chiasson

Dominated At UFC Vegas 107
Duško Todorović

Dusko Todorovic Drops Three Fights in a Row
Zachary Reese

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joey Logano

Puts Together a Clean Race and Finishes In the Top Five At Nashville
William Byron

Steady Performance Earns Him a Top-Five Finish At Nashville
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Finally Returns to the Top 10 At Nashville
Kyle Larson

Rollercoaster Day At Nashville Ends In the Top 10
Tyler Reddick

Makes A Top-10 Recovery At Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Denny Hamlin Factors for Nashville Win Until Ryan Blaney's Three-Wide Pass
Ryan Blaney

Joey Logano Runs Better Than Expected, Still No Match for Teammate Ryan Blaney
Erik Jones

Delivers Best Run Since 2022 at Nashville
Christopher Bell

Recovers From Stage 2 Crash to Finish 10th
Ross Chastain

Mildly Disappointing at Nashville but Still Runs Decently
Chase Briscoe

Dominates Early but Struggles in Traffic
Carson Hocevar

a Great DFS Option to Consider for Nashville Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Solid Value Option For Nashville DFS Lineups
Justin Haley

Should DFS Players Roster Justin Haley At Nashville?
Todd Gilliland

Is A Safe Value Play For Nashville DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF