Ian Anderson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Braves claimed pitcher Ian Anderson off waivers on Sunday from the Los Angeles Angels. It will be the 26-year-old's second go-round with the Braves after they traded him to Los Angeles earlier this year. Once a promising prospect who was even a key rotation piece during the Braves' 2021 World Series run, the righty hasn't been able to replicate that success ever since, and missed nearly all of 2023 and most of 2024 in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Anderson is out of minor league options, so he'll start with the big league club, although it's unclear if they plan to use him as a starter or reliever. He posted an 11.57 ERA, 2.57 WHIP, and 2.0 percent K-BB% over nine-and-a-third innings of relief with the Angels, and is best left to the waiver wire for now.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The right-hander has posted a strong 2.25 ERA across 20 innings of work this spring. However, Anderson has experienced trouble with his command considering he has walked 18 batters heading into Sunday's game. It's unclear if the Angels plan to use him in the rotation or send him to the bullpen until he's able to get his command under control. In exchange for Anderson, the Braves will receive left-hander Jose Suarez. The southpaw posted good numbers in 2021 and 2022. After that, Suarez completely fell apart, but it'll be good deal for Atlanta if they can get Suarez back on track.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson completed a live bullpen session on Wednesday. The right-hander's fastball sat around 92-93 mph. In 2021, his fastball averaged a slightly higher 94.6 mph. Anderson has battled numerous injuries over the past two seasons, including Tommy John. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during spring training as he could contend for a spot in the rotation with Spencer Strider (elbow) set to miss the first month. Last season, Anderson spent most of his campaign with Triple-A, holding a 3.96 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP across 52 1/3 innings of work. He struck out 53 batters. He last appeared in the majors during the 2022 campaign, where he held a career-worst 5.00 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. The former top prospect performed well during his first two MLB seasons, holding a 3.25 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He will likely compete for the final spot in the rotation alongside AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, and Bryce Elder.