RADIO
PROSPECT: Cristian Mena, SP, Chicago White Sox
ANALYSIS: Signed by the White Sox out of the Dominican Republic in 2019, the pandemic delayed the debut of Mena, and his first showing at the complex level would not have impressed casual observers (7.82 ERA in 48 1/3 innings with a 62/21 BB/K ratio).
However, the evident strikeout stuff played up even further in 2022 as Mena began to control his stuff better, and he struck out 126 over 104 1/3 innings, reaching Double-A by the end of the season. He returned to Birmingham to open 2023, and while many have reported about the excellence some pitchers are getting from the Southern League tackified baseball, Mena is on the opposite end.
So far, even with strong control, Mena is posting a 6.27 ERA over 33 innings, as his once-elite fastball spin has seemingly disappeared with the new ball. He's also struggling to command his stuff, leading to many pitches in the heart of the zone, as evidenced by six home runs allowed already in 33 innings after allowing seven in more than three times as many innings in 2022.
VERDICT: Mena is just 20, so there's no reason for Chicago to push him. He does have legit upper mid-rotation stuff, though, which should make him a desired stash in deep leagues, especially before his results balance out with a change in the ball in the Southern League in the second half of the year.
More Fantasy Baseball Analysis
Joey Ortiz, Connor Norby, Michael Conforto - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
If you need some fantasy baseball sleeper targets or you are looking to avoid busts in your upcoming drafts, then look no further! Joey Ortiz, Connor Norby, and Michael Conforto are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these three are values or busts at their current ADP? Should you draft Ortiz, Norby, […]
Justin Steele, David Festa, Jesus Luzardo - Fantasy Baseball Draft Values
Finding value in fantasy drafts is the most important thing you can do to build a winning fantasy baseball team! Justin Steele, David Festa, and Jesus Luzardo are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these three can be considered "sleepers" at their current ADP? Should you draft Steele, Festa, or Luzardo in […]
3 Fantasy Baseball Draft Values - Joe Ryan, Jeffrey Springs, Ryan Weathers Outlooks
Looking for some fantasy baseball sleeper targets? Then you've come to the right place! Finding value in fantasy drafts is the most important thing you can do to build a winning fantasy baseball team. Joe Ryan, Jeffrey Springs, and Ryan Weathers are all interesting fantasy targets this year, but which of these three are values […]
3 Fantasy Baseball Draft Values - Isaac Paredes, Michael Toglia, Parker Meadows Outlooks
If you need some fantasy baseball sleeper targets or you are looking to avoid busts, then you've come to the right place! Finding value in fantasy drafts is the most important thing you can do to build a winning fantasy baseball team. Isaac Paredes, Michael Toglia, and Parker Meadows are all interesting fantasy targets this […]
Jacob deGrom - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 75% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is on the verge of returning to the major leagues and should be rostered in all formats. The former two-time Cy Young winner underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and began a rehab assignment in late August. Through […]
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!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
