Yency Almonte DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Chicago Cubs are signing right-handed pitcher Yency Almonte to a minor-league contract. Almonte spent the 2024 campaign with the Cubs and will reunite with his former club. Last season, Almonte logged 15 2/3 innings of work with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. He tallied 20 strikeouts but held a high 11.9 percent walk rate. He generated an elite .199 xBA and a 32.4 percent hard-hit rate. His season was cut short in July when he underwent season-ending surgery. Fantasy managers should expect Almonte to slowly ramp up his workload as he works his way back from the operation. However, he is not expected to return until later in the 2025 season. As a result, Almonte will likely open the season in the minor leagues and could eventually work his way back to the major leagues.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Yency Almonte has cleared waivers and will test free agency, according to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports. The right-hander was only able to log 15 2/3 innings of work before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. In the short stint, Almonte posted a 3.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 8:20 BB:K with one save. Under the hood, Almonte boasted stellar metrics with a 3.15 xERA and a .198 xBA. In addition, he generated a strong 29.9% strikeout rate and 30.9% whiff rate. Almonte is worth monitoring during the offseason, as he could earn a role as a high-leverage option in 2025 given his ability to generate a high number of strikeouts.

Chicago Cubs reliever Yency Almonte (shoulder) is electing to undergo right-shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the 2024 season, according to sources. The 30-year-old right-hander had posted a 3.45 ERA (3.35 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, his third career save, 20 strikeouts and eight walks in 15 2/3 relief innings in his first year with the Cubbies after he was acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Depending on how much damage they find in Almonte's shoulder, he might not be ready for the start of the 2025 season, either. In seven big-league seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Dodgers and Cubs, Almonte has posted a 4.44 ERA (4.41 FIP), a 1.30 WHIP, three saves and a mediocre 22.5% strikeout rate for a reliever in 223 innings out of the bullpen.