Ian Hamilton DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees relief pitcher Ian Hamilton (infection) will open the season on the injured list. Hamilton has begun to increase his workload and recently made his spring debut, which suggests he should not face an extended absence. Last season, Hamilton tossed 37 2/3 innings in the Yankee bullpen and held a 3.82 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP. During this stint, Hamilton tallied 41 punchouts but held a modest 8.6 percent walk rate. However, he generated an elite 3.8 percent barrel rate and a strong 37.1 percent hard-hit rate, which suggests he may face some positive regression in 2025. He also tallied 11 holds operating primarily in a high-leverage role. While Hamilton remains out, fantasy managers should expect the Yankees to deploy Luke Weaver as the primary setup man, with Fernando Cruz also seeing high-leverage work.

New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Ian Hamilton (infection) is nearing his spring training debut. Hamilton has been dealing with an infection during the early part of camp. However, given that the team is expressing optimism about his status, suggests he will not be in any danger of missing Opening Day. Last season, Hamilton logged 37 2/3 innings out of the Yankee bullpen and held a 3.82 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at a solid 25.2 percent rate and walks at an 8.6 percent rate. Hamilton also generated whiffs at an elite 36.5 percent rate, which suggests he should see positive regression in his strikeout production when he returns to the bump. While he is cleared to return to action, fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to compete for a high-leverage role in the New York bullpen and will be a viable target in deeper leagues that score holds.

New York Yankees right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton (calf) faced hitters in a live batting practice session at spring training on Thursday. Hamilton should be ready for Opening Day in late March after injuring his calf in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series last October against the Cleveland Guardians. In his second season in the Bronx in 2024, Hamilton produced a 3.82 ERA (3.03 FIP), a 1.35 WHIP, one save, 41 strikeouts and 14 walks in 37 2/3 relief innings in the regular season. He's been productive out of the Yankees' bullpen when healthy, but he battled through multiple injuries last year for the second straight season. Despite his injury concerns, the 29-year-old's swing-and-miss stuff makes him interesting in deeper fantasy leagues for his well above-average strikeout rate.