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2023 Player Outlook

Injuries. Injuries. Injuries. That has been the story of Velasquez’s career. He’s logged just two campaigns with over 130 IP (2016, 2018). The White Sox used him as a starter and reliever last year, and as a reliever, he was significantly better, posting a 4.25 ERA, 23.3 percent strikeout rate, and 3.22 FIP. Given the state of affairs in the Pittsburgh rotation, Velasquez is going to get a chance to start, but he hasn’t pitched more than 100 innings in over three years, so what are the chances he gets there this year? Also, even if he does, is the juice really worth the squeeze? The Pirates will be slightly below average at best, and what good is an oft-injured right-hander with a 5.61 ERA and 9.55 K/9 over the last three seasons? Ignore Velasquez outside of the deepest of NL-only formats.