Chris Paddack

After a promising return from Tommy John surgery in 2023 where he excelled as a reliever, Paddack moved back to the rotation but struggled in 2024 before his season ended in July due to a forearm strain. Paddack saw declines in his strikeout rate (8.1 K/9) and velocity (93.3 mph average fastball), while giving up a lot of home runs (1.4 HR/9). Paddack does limit walks (2.1 BB/9) and gets batters to chase (11.4% swinging strike rate) at a good rate. Ultimately he hasn't been able to stay healthy. Paddack has had two Tommy John surgeries and thrown more than 100 innings just twice in his career. He was close to returning from his forearm strain at the end of last season, so he should be ready for spring training where he'll return as the No. 4 or No. 5 starter. Read Past Outlooks