As we eagerly anticipate the return of baseball, one name is rising back into the spotlight—Emmet Sheehan. You might have forgotten him; his last stint on the mound was in 2023, where he showcased performances culminating in a 4.92 ERA over 60.1 innings. However, the upcoming weeks will demand your attention as Sheehan prepares to take the field once again following Tommy John surgery.
Sheehan, a player worth reconsidering, once boasted impressive minor league numbers on the verge of his promotion. His tenure leading up to the big leagues highlighted a remarkable 2.43 ERA, an enviable 0.91 WHIP, and an astonishing 14.6 K/9. These statistics stand out, especially when you consider that success like this isn’t commonplace among pitching prospects, making him a player to stash away in fantasy leagues.
One of the most striking metrics from Sheehan’s minor league career was his swinging-strike rate, an impressive 19.2 percent. To put this into perspective, the current major league leader, Tarik Skubal, stands at 17.2 percent, and last year’s top performer was Logan Gilbert at just 14.9 percent. This means Sheehan’s minor league performance was almost on another level. When he made an appearance in the majors two years ago, his swinging-strike rate settled at a commendable 13.7 percent, which, while impressive, didn’t quite capture the exceptional nature of his earlier success.
During his five September outings last season, Sheehan’s swinging-strike rate shot back up to an exhilarating 19.7 percent. This translated to 19 strikeouts across just 10.2 innings in his final two starts, solidifying his reputation as a formidable strikeout artist. His ability to miss bats is noteworthy, and crucially, this talent persisted during his recovery—his Triple-A rehab starts this season revealed a staggering swinging-strike rate of 22.0 percent.
Yet, as with many players returning from injury, challenges will undoubtedly surface. While Sheehan has demonstrated a unique ability to take down batters, he has also faced issues controlling runs and maintaining consistency. His rookie season showed that managing innings could prove challenging, especially given he’s under the watchful eye of the Los Angeles Dodgers. History teaches us that other high-end pitchers, such as Spencer Strider and Sandy Alcantara, have had mixed returns from similar procedures.
Despite these hurdles, Sheehan finds himself ranked at 33rd among pitchers on the brink of his return. Even with potential concerns, this rank underscores his value—he’s certainly too valuable to drop on your fantasy roster. Should you have the space, keeping him stashed could yield significant dividends in the coming months.
When evaluating Sheehan’s future, it’s essential to keep in mind not only his statistics but also narratives from other players. Often, those returning from Tommy John surgery take time to regain their effectiveness. The truth is, baseball players who comeback from serious injuries often take a season or two to hit their stride, which means empathy and patience would be fitting for those entrusting Sheehan with a roster spot.
As you prepare for the upcoming fantasy baseball season, it’s vital to identify promising talents like Emmet Sheehan. The nuances of pitching performance can often get lost in translation amid injury hurdles and recovery tales, yet history also teaches us that talent often prevails.
As Sheehan steps out onto the mound again, there’s a feeling of excited anticipation. If he can harness his exceptional ability to generate swinging strikes while controlling his run allowances, we might witness something remarkable. Here’s hoping he can overcome the tribulations that often accompany a comeback from a serious injury and fulfill the promise he has shown.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll watch closely as Emmet Sheehan re-establishes himself within the league. For now, fantasy baseball aficionados should keep a keen eye on this next chapter of his career, snatching him off the waiver wire if possible. After all, sometimes the greatest stories in sports are born from the moments when players once sidelined rise back to the top. Don’t overlook Sheehan as he looks to recapture his status in the world of major league pitching. The time to pay attention is now.
