Spring Training Dynasty Notes: March 17

Chris Clegg breaks down all of Thursday's action from a dynasty perspective.

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Spring Training Dynasty Notes: March 16

Jared Shuster, LHP, ATL

Jared Shuster continues to take a hold on the fifth starter spot for the Braves with another dominant performance. Shuster fired four scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and one walk. He struck out seven Red Sox and lowered his spring ERA to 0.71.

The former first-round selection out of Wake Forest displayed his plus changeup and a good feel for his slider. He also located the fastball well up in the zone. The fastball does not feature high-end velocity, but it plays up when he’s locating it well.

If Shuster makes the rotation and pitches a full season in Atlanta, what can we expect? He does not walk a ton of batters and his strikeout rates have been all over the place in the minors. Ultimately, an ERA in the mid to upper threes with a 25 percent strikeout rate and a walk rate between seven and eight percent seems likely. Given how good the Braves are, he should have plenty of chances to win ball games.

Eury Perez, RHP, MIA

You may wonder why I am highlighting someone who made a “bad” start. Eury Perez was roughed up again and has seemingly been getting some questions about how legit he is. He threw three innings and allowed four hits, four earned runs, walked one, and struck out three.

Most of the damage that Perez took was when he came back out in the fourth inning. He allowed a single on a weak line drive to start the inning. That pitch was 98 mph up in the zone. He allowed a double to Mark Canha on a pretty good pitch. Catchers interference allowed Darin Ruf on baseball and his last batter he faced was Luis Guillorme who also had a double.

I actually think Perez pitched well and has for most of the spring. His overall stat line does not reflect his performance. Perez had a 27 percent whiff rate and a 30 percent CSW. He threw strikes and located his pitches well for the most part. His four-seam averaged 97.1 mph. His sinker sat at 93.8 and his cutter at 89 mph.

If someone in your dynasty league is down on Eury Perez, I would look to see if you could acquire him via trade. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B/OF, MIA

Jazz Chisholm Jr. looks primed for the breakout we have been waiting on. Last year it was delayed by injuries, but a healthy Jazz in 2023 could return near first-round production.

On Friday, he smoked a home run that left the bat at 109.5 mph. His spring slash line is up to .310/.355/.586 with two home runs and a stolen base.

Some are concerned about him losing second base eligibility. While he will be playing centerfield to start the season I would be surprised if it lasts all year. Having Chisholm on your roster means you could potentially get two seasons over him having second and outfield eligibility which is very valuable. Buy him everywhere in dynasty leagues.

Nate Pearson, RHP, TOR

Speaking of players to buy in dynasty leagues, I would look to acquire Nate Pearson. Pearson’s days of being a starter are over, but he could be an elite asset in saves and holds leagues and has the potential to be a closer at some point.

Pearson fired two scoreless innings on Friday, allowing two hits and striking out two. He pumped his four-seam at an average of nearly 98 mph and is seeing massive increase in spin on both his four-seam and curve. His four-seam is also getting more horizontal movement than in the past.

Pearson finished with a 33 percent CSW for the day. He looks healthy and ready to go for 2023. He should be a very cheap post-hype dynasty target.

Matt Manning, RHP, DET

Matt Manning looked much improved in his start on Friday against the Yankees. He threw 3.2 innings, allowed zero earned runs, walked one, and struck out four.

His fastball velocity was back up to normal after sitting well below his 2022 numbers for several spring starts. Manning’s sinker velocity was up nearly one mph. His spin rates are up tremendously on all his pitches. The curveball and slider saw an increased vertical break, while his changeup saw an increase of 3 inches of horizontal fade.

Manning is a pitcher I really struggle with. I don’t know what to make of him. But seeing his arsenal look better is something that has caught my eye. Manning had an elite prospect pedigree and could be coming into his own as a 25-year-old pitcher.

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