NATIONAL LEAGUE PITCHER PROJECTIONS
Here’s a closer look at the top NL starting and relief pitchers, with 2023 projections from BaseballHQ.com. Projections are based on a full season so should be used as a tool, not a predictor of actual stats. The values are based on maximum league size and should be used for comparison purposes, rather than specific bid limits.
Starting pitcher
Most of the game’s high-end starters (seven of the top nine by our count) pitch in the National League, which makes it significantly easier to secure a staff ace than it is in the AL. Perhaps it’s even possible to have co-aces – as the Brewers (with Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff) and Mets (Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander) do.
There’s value in steadiness as well, with Aaron Nola, Julio Urias, Zack Wheeler and Yu Darvish also worth considering as front-line starters. Meanwhile, Dustin May, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Kodai Senga will be popular breakout picks.
Only eight pitchers reached the 200-inning mark last season, but 11 of them topped 200 strikeouts. Draft-day decisions may come down to a choice of quantity vs. quality.
Team
W
IP
K
ERA
WHIP $
Relief pitcher
With more and more MLB teams turning to closer committees, the importance of having a lock-down source of saves has risen considerably. The Mets’ Edwin Diaz not only racked up 32 saves in 2022, he led all relievers with 118 strikeouts. He’s the NL’s clear No. 1 choice.
On the other hand, relief pitchers who demonstrate an ability to produce in highleverage situations can occasionally take over the closer’s role during the season – as Ryan Helsley and Camilo Doval did last year. The Phillies loaded up on bullpen arms during the offseason, so keep an eye on whether Seranthony Dominguez, Craig Kimbrel or someone else assumes their ninth-inning role.
Team W IP K
Sv
ERA
WHIP $