Position: SP B/T: R/R
Age: 31 (02/25/1993)
2024 Traditional Stats: 21 G, 121.2 IP, 7-4, 3.11 ERA, 1.142 WHIP, 108 SO, 34 BB
2024 Advanced Stats: 133 ERA+, 21.5% SO%, 6.8% BB%, 3.76 xERA, 3.75 FIP, 3.95 xFIP, 2.7 fWAR, 4.7 bWAR
Jul 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Erick Fedde (20) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Erick Fedde, one of the most underrated starting pitchers on the trade market, is expected to be moved by the Chicago White Sox before the July 30 trade deadline.
The Washington Nationals drafted the righty in the first round of the 2014 Draft, and he made his big league debut in September 2017. Fedde went on to play five seasons with the Nationals but struggled towards the end of his tenure in DC. In 2022, he signed a one-year deal with the Nationals but struggled over his 27 starts, posting a 5.81 ERA, and ended up a free agent.
Fedde took a different approach to the 2023 season and went to play in the KBO league in Korea to focus on his pitch mix. That season, he held a 20-6 record with a 2.30 ERA and caught the attention of MLB once more. Before the start of the 2024 season, Fedde signed with the White Sox for two years, $15 million, and has looked like a completely different pitcher.
Regardless of the White Sox record (27-79), Fedde has been one of the lone bright spots in a dark time in the Southside. He is one of the highest-rated pitchers in pitching run value and fastball run value, in the 93rd percentile for both per Baseball Savant. Over 21 starts, he has a 7-4 record with a 3.11 ERA and a great pitch mix, primarily using a cutter and sinker combination.
Since joining the White Sox, Fedde has completely changed his approach to pitching, predominantly throwing breaking pitches. Fedde’s four-pitch repertoire consists of a cutter, sinker, sweeper, and change-up. At times throughout this year, he has struggled against left-handed batters, giving up nine home runs with 22 walks, but due to his array of pitches, he has been able to work around the walks.
That said, he has had a great month of July, posting a 2.53 ERA over four starts, striking out 17. It is important to note the 121.2 innings pitched, as Fedde has only pitched past that twice in his previous five big league seasons. It was always the Mets’ plan to switch to a six-man rotation with the return of Kodai Senga, but he is now out the rest of the season, and if the Mets add another starting pitcher, the six-man rotation will come to fruition.
Fedde is under contract with the White Sox through the end of the 2025 season and is set to earn $7.5 million for that year. As one of the top options for starting pitching on the trade market, it may come down to a team willing to take on his contract along with multiple top prospects.
METS RECEIVE:
WHITE SOX RECEIVE:
For the Mets, landing Fedde may come at a smaller price if they take his contract with them. Reports show that the Mets are looking to go for it at the trade deadline in a way that does not impact their future, and Fedde is one of the few available pieces out there to fit that mold.
A foreseeable deterrent will be the asking price. It’s a sellers market as the baseball world has seen the past few days, which may drive up the price.
With the injury to Kodai Senga, it is inevitable that the Mets go and get a starting pitcher. While the rotation has surprised many this year, the top half of the rotation is now in desperate need of support to make a run at the playoffs. In addition, having Fedde for 2025 would give the Mets an extra boost heading into next season as their rotation which would need some serious rebuilding due to contracts expiring.
The post MMO Trade Profile: Erick Fedde, RHP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.
