Tanner Bibee

Cleveland has a track record of developing pitchers and getting the most out of them, and Bibee looked to be on that path heading into 2024. The final numbers were good, as he improved his strikeout rate along with being one of just 14 pitchers (min 150 IP) with a K-BB percentage greater than 20. He also allowed two or fewer earned runs in 20 of his 31 starts. Yet, it is tough to overlook just how hittable his fastball was in 2024, as the league hit .282 off the pitch (.288 xBA) while hitting .235 or lower off the rest of his offerings. That blueprint makes it possible for teams to have success against him when they are disciplined enough with their approach. Bibee also allowed four or more earned runs eight different times in 2024, including four times against division foes, and half the homers came off that aforementioned fastball. Bibee will carry a price tag tax of "staff ace" with his results to date and expected growth in his third full season at the big league level, but in order for that path to become actualized, Bibee needs his fastball to step up to the plate in a big way in 2025. Read Past Outlooks