Alex Faedo DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Alex Faedo (shoulder) was seen throwing a live batting practice session at spring training on Wednesday. Faedo is embarking on his first year with the Rays after he was drafted 18th overall in 2017 by the Detroit Tigers out of the University of Florida. The 29-year-old didn't pan out with the Tigers in three MLB seasons after debuting in 2022 and he didn't pitch past August in 2024 due to a right-shoulder strain. He's apparently healthy now, though, as he tries to win an Opening Day roster spot in Tampa's bullpen. The fact that Faedo is out of minor-league options will give him a better chance to make the team out of spring training. He has a 5.00 ERA in 30 MLB starts but a 3.44 ERA as a reliever, so the Rays are hoping he can continue excelling out of the bullpen. Faedo won't be much of a fantasy asset, though, if he's in a middle-relief role.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-hander Alex Faedo from the Detroit Tigers on Monday in exchange for minor-league catcher Enderson Delgado and cash considerations, according to sources. The Tigers designated Faedo for assignment after signing right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle last week. Faedo was decent for the Tigers in his third big-league season in 2024, sporting a career-low 3.61 ERA (4.91 FIP) and 1.34 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 28 walks in 57 1/3 innings pitched over only 37 appearances (six starts). Because the 29-year-old is out of minor-league options, if he's not on Tampa's major-league roster this year, he'll be subject to the waiver process again. The former 18th overall pick in 2017 out of the University of Florida hasn't lived up to his draft stock and has struggled as a starter, but he has a 3.44 ERA as a reliever and could be in line for some high-leverage bullpen work for the Rays.

According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, the Detroit Tigers have designated right-handed pitcher Alex Faedo for assignment. This transaction opened the roster spot for right-handed pitcher Tommy Kahnle, who the team signed earlier on Wednesday. Last season, Faedo spent most of his time operating out of the bullpen, as he made just six starts. Across 57 1/3 innings, the former first-round pick held a 3.61 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP. He struck out 55 batters while showing poor command with a high 11.4% walk rate. However, the Florida product was able to limit hard contact as he generated a strong 6.3% barrel rate and 34.4% hard-hit rate, which were both well above the average marks. Fantasy managers should expect Faedo to draw some interest on waivers as a long relief option.