Hayden Wesneski DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Houston Astros pitchers Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco and Spencer Arrighetti -- each of whom made at least 28 starts in 2024 -- are locked into the starting rotation. Right-hander Hayden Wesneski, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs this offseason in the deal that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago, is penciled in as the No. 5 starter, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. With Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr. all rehabbing injuries, prospect Colton Gordon and Ryan Gusto will also compete for a rotation spot this spring. The 27-year-old Wesneski has only 22 starts in 68 MLB outings over the last three years with the Cubs. He's posted a 4.21 ERA and 14.8 K-BB% of his 109 innings as a starter, though. He should open up his first year in Houston in a starting role, but it may not last for long.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are sending right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski to the Houston Astros in a package to acquire star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Wesneski was initially drafted by the New York Yankees but has spent his entire big-league career with the Chicago Cubs. Across his first three seasons in the majors (190 innings), the right-hander posted a 3.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Wesneski saw time as both a starter and a reliever and logged 22 starts over his 68 total games. Last summer, the 27-year-old generated a modest 4.17 xERA and .234 xBA. In addition, he posted a 23.7% K rate and 7.4% walk rate, which were both just above the average marks among qualified pitchers. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Spring Training as he may earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

The Chicago Cubs activated right-hander Hayden Wesneski (forearm) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and designated right-hander Shawn Armstrong for assignment in a corresponding move. Wesneski will return to Chicago's bullpen for the final stretch of the 2024 season over the next week and a half. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since late July with a strained right forearm and should slot into a middle-relief role for the Cubbies, leaving him with virtually zero fantasy appeal to close out the season. Wesneski made four minor-league rehab appearances with Triple-A Iowa before being activated and will return to a 3-6 record with a 3.94 ERA (4.73 FIP), a 1.20 WHIP and a 58:21 K:BB over 61 2/3 innings in 25 appearances (seven starts) in 2024 in his third year in the majors with Chicago.