Fantasy managers need 2020 version of Drew Smyly
Drew Smyly turned in a great campaign in the shortened 2020 season, earning a one-year deal from the Braves. If managers can get last year's version of Smyly, he provides an excellent rotation option in fantasy.
Video Transcript
- If you blinked, you might have missed what Drew Smyly did last year. Seven appearances for the Giants, including five starts, resulting in a 3.42 ERA. But obviously, the Braves didn't miss it as they signed him to a one year $11 million contract over the winter.
Now, the move raised some eyebrows with Smyly's injury history, and justifiably so. But there's no denying that something seemed to click for him last year as he posted a 42 to nine strikeout to walk ratio, while increasing his average fastball velocity by three miles per hour. Smyly was a tad down in this area in his season debut, and he barely through the cutter, which was an effective pitch for him in 2020. So it's going to be an interesting case to follow as the year moves along. With Mike Soroka's return delayed, the Braves need the 2020 version to show up, and so do fantasy managers.