Pair of returning aces could be difference makers…
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As fantasy baseball draft season heats up right here in March, two pitchers returning from Tommy John surgical procedure stand out as tantalizing choices: Shane McClanahan of the Rays and Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins.
Both aces have showcased spectacular type in spring coaching, flashing the strikeout charges and command that made them elite earlier than their accidents.
For managers prepared to guess on their restoration, McClanahan and Alcantara could be the difference makers in 2025.
McClanahan — who missed the 2024 season, after his August 2023 surgical procedure — has been electric this spring.
The left-hander, who underwent his second Tommy John process, hit 99 mph in his first outing, racking up strikeouts with a filthy changeup and escaping a bases-loaded jam.
Before the damage, McClanahan was a strikeout machine, boasting a 33.4 % whiff fee from 2021-23—among the many prime 10 pitchers with no less than 400 innings.
Sandy Alcantara is pictured during his spring coaching outing for the Marlins on Feb. 28. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
His profession 3.02 ERA and 456 strikeouts over 404 ²/₃ innings underscores his dominance.
Command has at all times been a power, with a profession 1.10 WHIP reflecting his capacity to restrict walks (2.6 BB/9).
Spring experiences recommend the Rays will cap him round 150 innings, however his quality-over-quantity profile nonetheless makes him a mid-round steal, typically obtainable after choose 100.
If his command holds post-surgery, McClanahan could reclaim his spot as a fantasy ace.
Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, missed 2024 recovering from his October 2023 surgical procedure however seems to be poised for a triumphant return.
In spring coaching, he has clocked 99 mph, pairing his triple-digit heat with a devastating slider and changeup.
Shane McClanahan throws a pitch for the Rays during his spring coaching outing March 1. IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Connect
Pre-injury, Alcantara wasn’t a strikeout king (profession 21.4 % Ok fee), however his elite command set him aside.
His 3.32 profession ERA and 1.16 WHIP, fueled by a stingy 7.4 % stroll fee, made him a ratio stabilizer who could log 200-plus innings.
He has proven no rust this spring, attacking hitters with precision.
Sandy Alcantara throws a pitch during the Marlins’ spring coaching sport Feb. 28. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Marlins plan to ease him in, doubtlessly limiting early innings, however his ADP round 150 displays the low cost for that risk.
If Alcantara’s command stays intact — and his velocity bump holds — he could outperform that draft slot by June.
Both pitchers carry risk, as Tommy John returnees typically see command wobble earlier than totally settling in.
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Yet, their spring coaching dominance suggests the upside outweighs the uncertainty.
McClanahan gives strikeout sizzle, and Alcantara brings sturdiness and stability.
Drafting both, or each, could give your rotation a high-ceiling edge.
Target McClanahan for punchouts and Alcantara for ratios, and also you may simply snag 2025’s breakout arms.
Howard Bender is the top of content material at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports activities channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all of your fantasy baseball information and advice.
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