Jack Kochanowicz DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Jack Kochanowicz likely has a "leg up" for the final spot in the Angels starting rotation. Bollinger noted that given his strong play at the end of the season, the 24-year-old should have a better chance to win the final spot over Reid Detmers and Chase Silseth. While the Angels could also give their top pitching prospect, Caden Dana, a look, it will likely be Kochanowicz's job to lose. After allowing a hefty 11 earned runs over his first seven innings, Kochanowicz allowed just 18 earned runs over his final 58 1/3 innings. During this stretch, he held a solid 2.78 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He struggled to generate whiffs as he tallied just 20 punchouts but showed elite command as he allowed just seven free passes. Given his low strikeout upside, Kochanowicz should only be targeted in deeper formats if he earns the final spot in the rotation.

The Athletic's Sam Blum has a hunch that the Los Angeles Angels will have right-hander Jack Kochanowicz pitching in a relief role to begin the 2025 season until a spot in the starting rotation becomes available. In addition, Kochanowicz might make more sense out of the bullpen given his limited pitch mix. Sam Bachman, the ninth overall pick in the 2021 draft, is a starter in the Angels' eyes, but if he looks good this spring, he could also have a spot waiting for him in the bullpen. Over 11 starts (65 1/3 innings) in 2024, Kochanowicz had a 3.99 ERA, although he had a 2.78 ERA in his final nine starts. The 24-year-old had a miniscule 9.4% strikeout rate, though, leaving him a very slim path to fantasy relevance moving forward, whether he's in the bullpen or the rotation.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz (1-2) notched his first career win on Sunday as the Halos beat the Washington Nationals 6-4. Kochanowicz gave up two runs on six hits, walked one, and struck out two across 7 2/3 innings. He picked up his first career win on Sunday. According to MLB Pipeline, the 23-year-old ranks as the Angels' No. 9 prospect. He has been back and forth between the Triple-A and the major leagues, but now may be here to stay given his most recent performance. Kochanowicz is scheduled to start Friday against the Atlanta Braves.