Potential Exceptions to the Spring Training Rule: Jordan Hicks and Jack Flaherty in Fantasy Baseball
Spring training is often seen as a time for players to shake off the rust and get ready for the regular season. Many fantasy baseball owners dismiss the statistics from these exhibition games, believing that they hold little meaning for the upcoming season. However, there are instances where performances in spring training cannot be ignored, as they may indicate a player’s potential for success in fantasy baseball. Two players who have caught the attention of Roto Rage are Jordan Hicks and Jack Flaherty.
Jordan Hicks, known for his blazing fastball, has spent most of his career as a reliever. However, after signing with the Giants in the offseason, he has been converted into a starter. This transition seems to have paid off, as Hicks showcased his skills during spring training. In five appearances, he maintained a 2.65 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, striking out an impressive 14.8 batters per nine innings. Hicks limited opponents to a .167 average and had a remarkable swinging strike rate of 28.1 percent. His last three exhibition starts were particularly impressive, allowing just one earned run over 12 ²/₃ innings while striking out 22 batters. Hicks’ decreased velocity may be a concern for some fantasy owners, but he has been working with Logan Webb, who finished second in Cy Young voting in 2023. This collaboration may help improve Hicks’ control and lower his walk rate. Despite his velocity not reaching triple digits anymore, Hicks should definitely be on fantasy owners’ radars.
Another player worth keeping an eye on is Jack Flaherty. Since finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting in 2019, Flaherty has been trying to regain his form. His performances have been inconsistent, resulting in a disappointing 4.42 ERA and 1.398 WHIP since 2019. However, during spring training with the Tigers, Flaherty showed signs of returning to his previous level of success. In six appearances, he recorded a 2.95 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and a 15.3 percent swinging strike rate over 17 ¹/₃ innings. Flaherty struck out 26 batters, walked only four, and limited opponents to a .212 average. His velocity was also up, which is an encouraging sign. If Flaherty can sustain his velocity and minimize walks, as he did in 2019, he could be a great addition to fantasy rosters for the 2024 season.
In addition to Hicks and Flaherty, other pitchers who had strong spring performances include Casey Mize of the Tigers, Ryne Nelson of the Diamondbacks, and Luis Severino of the Mets. These players could also be potential exceptions to the spring training rule and may provide value in fantasy baseball.
While it’s important to take spring training statistics with a grain of salt, there are instances where performances are too promising to ignore. Jordan Hicks and Jack Flaherty have shown potential during exhibition games, and fantasy owners should consider monitoring their progress as the regular season unfolds. These players may prove to be valuable assets for fantasy teams in the upcoming season.
