© Provided by RotoBaller patrick sandoval fantasy baseball rankings mlb player news BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 200

CURRENT ADP: ~215 overall

ANALYSIS: Although Sandoval's strikeout rate dropped from his 25.9% rate in 2021, his whiff rate remained in the 76th percentile (29.5%), and he managed a career-high 31.8% chase rate. He's always had trouble with command, but he likely won't do worse than his 9.4% mark due to his increased chases and a first-pitch strike percentage that improved for the second consecutive season. Sandoval's arsenal has been good throughout his time in the big leagues, but he finally perfected his pitch usage. His fastball, which has never owned a whiff% over 17.6% and posted a .558 xSLG in 2021, declined by 1.6% in usage, while his sinker, which is hardly a swing-and-miss pitch and managed a .454 xSLG last season, decreased by 4.5%. Sandoval kept throwing his changeup, which owned a 44.5% whiff rate, using it 24.6% of the time. And his best pitch, the slider, went from being thrown at a 17.2% clip two years ago to his most used offering at 29%.

The lefty's ERA is likely to see a rise. Although Sandoval's 3.09 FIP is impressive, his 3.76 xFIP is less so after he allowed a very minuscule 6.3% HR/FB while pitching home games in a great home run park. However, his WHIP should be similar, especially with better strikeout and walk rates to come. An ERA and WHIP of around 3.60 and 1.30, respectively, is acceptable. We need to assume Sandoval will provide more volume in 2023. The native of California threw a professional-high 148.2 innings last year, but with a healthy season, he'll start more than 27 games. The Angels also look better on paper (yes, we say this every year), and even if they don't improve their 73-win total, six wins from a solid arm is hard to sustain.

BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 200 CURRENT ADP: ~215 overall ANALYSIS: Although Sandoval's strikeout rate dropped from his 25.9% rate in 2021, his whiff rate remained in the 76th percentile (29.5%), and he managed a career-high 31.8% chase rate. He's always had trouble with command, but he likely won't do worse than his 9.4% mark due... Read More

BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 190 CURRENT ADP: ~230 overall ANALYSIS: While I'm not 100% sure that Walker makes the Opening Day roster, he's going to be up early in the season, and you're going to want him on your roster. Walker is coming off a phenomenal season in Double-A last year with a .306/.388/.510... Read More

BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 475 CURRENT ADP: ~550 overall ANALYSIS: David Peralta signing with the Dodgers was one of the more under-the-radar moves of the offseason. Now, with the injury to Gavin Lux forcing Chris Taylor to spend more time in the infield, it seems like Peralta may have a bit of a longer leash in the outfield... Read More

BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 240 CURRENT ADP: ~260 overall ANALYSIS: While it was a tale of two seasons for Trey Mancini before and after his trade to Houston, the pull rate numbers showed growth throughout 2022. While Statcast has him for a 40.9% pull rate, FanGraphs has a 45% mark, both of which are... Read More

BALLER MOVE: Draft target ~pick 300 CURRENT ADP: ~330 overall ANALYSIS: I'm sure many have already cursed the name of Washington Nationals second baseman Luis Garc a as they haphazardly draft him instead of the Astros starting pitcher. I have sympathy, but don't let any struggles with Fantrax's search bar feature change your perception of this... Read More

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