Declan Cronin DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Miami Marlins pitchers Declan Cronin (hip) and Andrew Nardi (back) have both resumed their throwing programs, according to Fish On First's Kevin Barral. Cronin, a 27-year-old right-hander, is recovering from a left-hip strain that he suffered late in spring training. If he can avoid setbacks with his hip, he could be an option for the Marlins' bullpen by mid- to late-April. In his first year in Miami in 2024, Cronin had a 4.35 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 72 K's and 25 walks in 70 1/3 relief innings. Nardi, a 26-year-old lefty, is on the 60-day injured list due to lower-back inflammation that shut him down in early March in camp. He is behind Cronin in his recovery and won't be eligible to make his 2025 debut until late May. In his third season with the Fish last year, Nardi posted a bloated 5.07 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 70 K's and 18 walks in 49 2/3 relief innings.

The Miami Marlins have claimed right-hander Declan Cronin off waivers from the Houston Astros. The 26-year-old has been designated for assignment twice this winter, once by the White Sox to make room for righty Erick Fedde and once again by Houston to clear a spot for closer Josh Hader. Cronin made his big-league debut in the 2023 season with the White Sox, allowing 11 earned runs on three home runs and seven walks against eight strikeouts in 11 innings of work. He fared much better at Triple-A where he posted a 3.83 ERA across 47 outings. Cronin's bread and butter is his ability to keep the ball on the ground as he posted a 55.9% ground-ball rate with the big leagues last season alongside a 54.5% clip at the Triple-A level.

The Houston Astros have designated right-hander Declan Cronin for assignment in order to clear a 40-man roster spot for outfielder Trey Cabbage, who the club acquired via trade earlier on Wednesday from the Los Angeles Angels. It's the second time this offseason Cronin has been DFA'd, as the White Sox cut him loose in order to make room for the signing of free-agent pitcher Erick Fedde. The 26-year-old made his MLB debut in 2023, allowing 11 earned runs in as many innings with just eight strikeouts against seven walks in that time. He was far better at Triple-A, where he posted a 3.83 ERA across 47 appearances a season ago. Given his minor-league success, Cronin should receive interest from an MLB club ahead of spring training.