Erik Swanson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (forearm) threw 10 pitches off the mound earlier this week. Swanson is recovering from right forearm fatigue and is slightly behind schedule. However, seeing him return to the mound is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout spring training. Last season, the 31-year-old posted a high 5.03 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings. He tallied just 37 strikeouts and served up walks at a modest 8.3 percent rate. However, Swanson was an effective high-leverage option during the 2023 campaign, holding a 2.97 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 66 2/3 innings. He tallied a strong 75 punchouts with just 21 free passes. If healthy, fantasy managers should expect Swanson to have a high-leverage role in 2025 and would be a viable target in holds leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Erik Swanson (forearm) experienced right-forearm fatigue last month and is "going to be a little bit behind" in spring training, according to manager John Schneider. Swanson is currently throwing at 120 feet, though, and still has a chance to be ready for Opening Day in late March. The 31-year-old struggled early on in 2024 and was sent to the minors briefly. Overall, the former Seattle Mariners hurler posted an elevated 5.03 ERA (6.06 FIP) and 1.27 WHIP with 37 strikeouts, nine holds and 14 walks in 39 1/3 innings over 45 relief appearances in his second year in Toronto. Swanson averaged a 31% strikeout rate and solid 6.6% walk rate the previous two seasons, so there is bounce-back potential for him in 2025 if he's healthy. He's unlikely to see save chances if both Jeff Hoffman and Chad Green are healthy, but he should once again be in line to pick up some holds.

Relief pitcher Erik Swanson and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Swanson struggled last season as he posted a rough 5.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 frames. In 2023, Swanson was one of the top options in the Toronto bullpen, and carried a strong 2.97 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. This past summer, Swanson saw his hard-hit rate jump up ten points and barrel rate double compared to his 2023 production. In addition, he saw his K rate drop by six points. Even though he struggled in 2024, fantasy managers in holds leagues should consider targeting Swanson late in drafts this offseason, as he will likely return to his typical eighth-inning role.

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Erik Swanson (illness) was removed while warming up to pitch for Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday due to "heat-related illness symptoms." However, it's considered a minor issue and he's day-to-day. Swanson's last two outings for the Bisons have been strong, and the Blue Jays have considering calling him up to the majors in the near-term. The 30-year-old was sent to the minors earlier this year after allowing 14 earned runs on 20 hits (five homers) while striking out 10 and walking four in just 13 2/3 innings in Toronto. He was just as bad early on with Buffalo but has looked better of late and looks likely to get another shot in the big-league bullpen either just before the All-Star break or just after it.

The Toronto Blue Jays officially activated right-handed relievers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday and optioned right-hander Nate Pearson to Triple-A Buffalo and designated right-hander Mitch White for assignment. Romano and Swanson came out of their short minor-league rehab assignments healthy and are ready to make their 2024 debuts with Toronto at the back end of their bullpen. While the 30-year-old Romano could be eased into his regular closer role, fantasy managers should be ready to throw him right into their starting lineups in season-long leagues after he recorded 36 saves in each of the last two seasons for the Blue Jays. Swanson has fantasy appeal as well in holds leagues and as a handcuff to Romano for his late-inning setup role.