Yency Almonte DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Yency Almonte (shoulder) could contend for a role in the bullpen during the 2025 season. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs signed Almonte to a minor-league contract. Almonte at first elected free agency but returned to his former club. The Cubs initially acquired Almonte in the Michael Busch trade last winter. The Cubs viewed Almonte as an integral piece of their bullpen. The 30-year-old held a 3.45 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP across his first 15 2/3 innings with the Cubs before being shut down with a shoulder injury. Almonte is still recovering from this injury and will likely open the 2025 season in Triple-A as he increases his workload. However, fantasy managers should expect Almonte to be viewed as one of the top options in the system when the Cubs need additional bullpen depth. When he does return to the majors, he could have value in deeper holds leagues as he tallied six in just 17 appearances last summer.

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.

Chicago Cubs right-hander Yency Almonte (shoulder) didn't receive great news from the second opinion on his right-shoulder strain and will stop his throwing program, rest and then make a decision on whether to resume his rehab or consider a surgical option, according to manager Craig Counsell. Surgery would most likely put Almonte out for the remainder of the 2024 season. The 30-year-old veteran reliever went on the injured list back in May. Before his injury, he posted a 3.45 ERA (3.35 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, his third career save, six holds, eight walks and 20 strikeouts in 15 2/3 relief innings in his first year in Chicago. The Cubs moved Almonte from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on June 27.