Chris Paddack DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Minnesota Twins pitcher Chris Paddack allowed three hits and one earned run over 7 2/3 innings in his team's 3-1 win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday. The 29-year-old struck out six and walked none for the first time in 2025, earning his first quality start and win. Paddack had done well to limit damage against him coming into today, but had walked two or more batters in five of seven starts, so it was nice to see him display some control. It was the first time that he'd gone longer than five innings in any of his starts. He looked superb early on in this one, and it's worth noting that his fastball was up a few ticks against the Giants. We'll see if an extra bit of velocity is enough to make him relevant again after years of subpar performance following a promising rookie campaign. He'll square off against the Orioles in their first series next week.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (head) exited Saturday's spring training contest early with a head contusion. Paddack was hit in the head by a deflected line drive. He did not suffer a concussion. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but it appears that Paddack avoided a significant injury. The 29-year-old is currently one of the favorites to earn one of the final spots in the Minnesota rotation. Last summer, Paddack logged 88 1/3 innings of work to the tune of a 4.99 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. He tallied 79 punchouts and held a strong 5.5 percent walk rate. However, he generated a high 4.84 xERA with a .272 xBA. If he does claim one of the final spots in the Minnesota rotation, he will have value as a streaming option in deeper leagues.

According to Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune, Twins starting pitcher Chris Paddack is "seen as a part of the rotation." Paddack has battled injuries throughout the past three seasons but will enter spring training fully healthy. Given his current status, fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to be penciled in a rotation spot. Last summer, Paddack logged 88 1/3 innings in the majors and held a 4.99 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. He dealt with a forearm strain late in the season and was nearing a return for the postseason. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training as his performance and status could dictate his place on the Opening Day roster. Last season, he generated strikeouts at a weak 20.6 percent rate but showed strong command with a 5.5 percent walk rate. If Paddack faces a setback or struggles, Minnesota's young arms like David Feta or Zebby Matthews could overtake his spot.