Pittsburgh Pirates: Four Chris Stratton Trades With Values

The Los Angeles Angels are a team who is seemingly always in need of pitching. Last season their bullpen ranked 24th in ERA at 4.59, WHIP at 1.40, 14th in FIP at 4.19, and 22nd in K/BB ratio (2.29). Shutdown closer Raisel Iglesias is returning to LAA, as is right-hander Mike Mayers. However, they are the only two relievers on the 26-man roster to pitch 30+ innings out of the pen and have an ERA/FIP below 4.00.

Given that, the Angels will likely be in the market for relievers post-lockout. The team will likely be willing to deal with their farm system to bolster their major league pitching staff further. If the Angels look into Stratton, I would ask about southpaw Adam Seminaris.

Don’t be fooled by Seminaris’s ERA. He had a 4.86 mark through 83.1 innings but had a 30.4% strikeout rate, 7.1% walk rate, and a healthy 0.97 HR/9. Seminaris posted a solid 4.00 FIP, as well as a great 3.44 xFIP. A .366 batting average played a role in inflating his ERA. He was able to induce a ground ball over 50% of the time, 53% of the time. Fly balls were also almost no problem with a 22.3% rate. However, a 24.7% line-drive rate was the only flaw among his statistical resume from 2021.

Seminaris is a pitcher who relies on his command and ability to induce weak contact to get outs. His four-seamer only comes in the high-80’s with 2000 RPM of spin. But his curveball has above average spin at 2500 RPM, while his change-up is a third offering with plus potential. He has a quick delivery with an arm slot just under three-quarters.

Seminaris’ long-term role is questionable, given his profile. He’s a soft-tossing lefty who needs to rely on command to get outs. According to FanGraphs, that’s a solid mid-reliever like Stratton. However, the Pirates’ system doesn’t have very many left-handers. Adding one we may see by the end of 2022 would be a good addition to the farm. FanGraphs also states that lefties with great changeups can play above their expectations.