Royals, Phillies, Cubs, Angels, Marlins

Spring Training has started and here are five pens that you should watch more closely than others. Why?  Because they all have some highly-skilled pitchers competing for roles and you could snag a bargain if you can read the tea leaves.

Let's start in Kansas City. The Royals have mashed together some similar arms in newcomers Will Smith (LHP, KC) and Nick Anderson (RHP, KC), holdovers James McArthur (RHP, KC) and John McMillon (RHP, KC), and experienced arms Chris Stratton (RHP, KC) and Carlos Hernández (RHP, KC). Here are the current projections:

KC SVIPxERAWHIPK%K-BB%HR9$
Smith, WillL13584.201.1725%17%0.9-4
McArthur, JamesR5653.741.3221%13%1.1-7
Anderson, NickR5514.041.1427%19%0.9-2
McMillon, JohnR3513.691.2731%18%0.7-4
Stratton, ChrisR0

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Relief Pitchers

Buyers and sellers at the deadline always disrupt bullpens. Here are some potential teams to watch.
Jul 19 2026 3:06am
The relievers in this article are the ones most likely to have 20 or more holds at the end of the season.
Jul 12 2026 3:06am
This column examines the RPs who have at least a 20% K%-BB%, no more than a 1.0 HR/9, and no more than a 3.50 xERA as of July 1.
Jul 5 2026 3:09am
Returning closers and ineffective closers--this column has both and what to expect.
Jun 28 2026 3:07am
This column gets away from closers and looks at relievers who are being used in leverage by their teams. They are divided into groups by current xERA.
Jun 21 2026 3:07am

Tools