Ivan Nova (P-PIT): Ivan Nova took the no-decision after allowing one run on four hits with five strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings in a rain shortened affair vs. the Pirates. Nova finishes the year with a 3.71 xFIP and a 127:28 K:BB ratio over 162 innings. Nova took several giant steps forward this year, pushing his first pitch strike rate to 62 percent and his swinging strike rate to 9.4 percent while lowering his walk rate to an elite 4.1 percent. While he may land a deal away from Pittsburgh and Ray Searage, the Searage effect--as evidenced by J.A. Happ's 2016--should translate wherever he ends up, which should put him on all radars for a solid middle round pick.
Yasiel Puig (OF-LAD): Yasiel Puig went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored as the Dodgers defeated the Padres. After posting a 10:47 BB:K ratio during the season's first three months, Puig has posted a respectable 14:23 mark over his last two. While his hard hit rate has fluctuated throughout the season, he is posting a mark north of 40 percent in the season's final month. With a postseason and offseason to continue to mend fences and develop, Puig could finally be ready--both physically and mentally--to deliver for fantasy owners in 2017.
Mauricio Cabrera (P-ATL): Mauricio Cabrera picked up the win after logging his fifth consecutive scoreless appearance. Cabrera AVERAGES over 100 MPH on his fastball and mixes in a developing curveball and changeup. The control continues to be an issue for the youngster, but he has moved his BB/9 under 4 after posting rates above 5 in the high minors. Throw in a 50 percent groundball rate, and you have the ingredients for an elite back-end option as early as 2017.
Jon Gray (P-COL): Jon Gray lost after allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits and three walks with three strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings vs. the Giants. Gray finishes the year with a 3.61 xFIP and a 185:59 K:BB ratio over 168 innings. He tired a bit down the stretch, but Gray flashed elite potential and has the potential to strikeout 200 while posting solid ratios across the board. His ERA and lack of wins, not to mention the COL next to his name, may make him a bargain come draft day.
Yangervis Solarte (3B-SD): Yangervis Solarte ($2600) looks like an intriguing tournament play today for his matchup against Braden Shipley and the D-backs. Shipley has allowed 10 homers, a 36 percent hard hit rate, and a .366 wOBA to lefties. Solarte has hit 12 homers with a .357 wOBA vs. righties. Add in the Chase Field effect--it is second in homers and second in overall Park Factors for 2016--and you have the ingredients for a huge ROI for a Padres play.
