Fantasy Baseball 2016: Rookie Sleepers At Each Position
By Scott Dillon
Starting Pitcher: Kyle Zimmer – ADP: Undrafted
Kyle Zimmer isn’t going to crack the Royals’ opening day roster, but on a team that struggled to get innings from their starters last year, it shouldn’t be long until he earns a spot.
All he has to do is take care of his right arm and he’ll be just fine. He was pretty impressive in his first Spring Training giving up one run on seven hits in six innings. He’s also struck out five batters and walked none.
In his minor league career, when he’s healthy, he’s got a strikeout rate of 10.8 Ks/9 innings and his K/BB ratio is an impressive 3.81.
He’s got great control and three plus pitches that should all play at the Major League level. His curveball especially, is very devastating. Just take a look for yourself:
He offers the ability to strikeout at least a batter per inning and maintain a low ERA. He’s kept an ERA of 3.28 but posted an ERA of just 2.39 in 2015.
Keep a watchful eye on his status and the Royals’ starters this season. If a Royals’ starter stumbles, Zimmer’s phone could be ringing.
Next: Bonus Pick And Analysis