There are some live arms in baseball these days. We have people coming in during the middle innings throwing in the upper 90s. Not so long ago, fantasy players targeted any arm in the minor leagues that threw hard. Now, it’s not so simple. Obviously everybody has their favorites for dynasty leagues. In this article, I’m going to focus on the rookie arms most likely to contribute at a high level this year. Some dirty arms who have been flirting with filth ever since their respective signing or draft dates.

Nate Pearson

This feels like cheating. Nate Pearson is my pick for AL ROY. He’s been making the competition look silly ever since he set foot on a professional mound. He has three above-average pitches, including his double-plus fastball and plus changeup. His career in the minor leagues includes a WHIP of 0.87 and 10.7 K/9 to accompany above-average command of his elite arsenal. For a lot of people, Nate Pearson isn’t a secret. That said, I was able to take him in the penultimate round of my ten-team, four-player keeper league Sunday night. That’s value. Even if the Blue Jays aren’t so great this year, they will want to get their future ace experience and innings ASAP this season as they advance one year closer to competing. I’m all in on Pearson this year, and I’m hoping he can be a league winner for me. Didn’t look great against the Red Sox in his final tuneup, but he did display some pretty filthy changeups, like this one:

Nate Pearson, bend the knee changeup pic.twitter.com/p19EwBg3n0

— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) July 21, 2020

Brusdar Graterol

This recommendation isn’t the sexiest in a redraft league unless yours counts holds. Last night (7/20), the Buffalo Bazooka made the Diamondbacks look stupid in the ninth inning of their exhibition game. Shout out to Dave Roberts for dropping his new nickname during his broadcast interview. He flirts with filth to the tune of 101 sinking in on righties with minimal effort. He puts batters in the rocking chair with his wind-up before putting them in a rocket ship with his sinker/slider combo. That slider, with a 33.3% Whiff rate last year was better than Chaz Roe, who has arguably the best slider in baseball. Granted, Graterol’s numbers came with a small sample size. Impressive, nonetheless. Go pick him up if you’re in a holds league. I’m not super high on the rest of that Dodger bullpen, and I believe there’s a good chance Graterol ends up in their eighth inning before too long.

Brusdar Graterol, 101mph and 99mph Fastballs (and Sword). 🔥⚔️ pic.twitter.com/7xnI0VyDBp

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 21, 2020

James Karinchak

Cleveland’s closer-in-waiting, Karinchak appears to be safely ensconced in the late innings. Another one who is sure to produce in holds leagues, he’s also someone to monitor in a traditional 5×5. Cleveland will be looking to trade Brad Hand, and Karinchak would be next man up. Reminiscent of Wild Thing Ricky Vaughn, Karinchak throws hard with a power curve, and he usually has no clue where the ball is going. While his haircut might not be as cool as Charlie Sheen’s in Major League, he’s just as filthy.

Jesus Luzardo

One day, this kid could win a Cy Young. The start to his career has unfortunately been wrought with injuries. Last year, though, he was able to make his debut and already looked like the best pitcher on Oakland’s roster. Before Spring Training ended, Lizard King was looking like an ace with 13 Ks in eight and a third innings and only one run allowed. Still only 22, he has a long career ahead of him if he can stay healthy. With his delayed start due to COVID-19, starting might be a little beyond him this year. What he could be is that Josh Hader type fireman out of the bullpen. If that’s his role, he could wrap up wins, holds, and maybe even saves while putting up ridiculous strikeout ratios, a low ERA, and a low WHIP. He’s worth drafting fairly early on, especially in a Holds league. The Peruvian Punisher (can we make that stick?) is a special arm ready to break out.

I think this Jesus Luzardo dude is supposed to be pretty good…

Here are all 8 Ks from his 3.1 IP outing today pic.twitter.com/lhBVBpyt8c

— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) March 7, 2020

Honorable Mentions

MacKenzie Gore: While a special talent, he hasn’t appeared quite ready for the highest level. He might contribute this year, but it won’t be much, and it won’t be early.

Brady Singer: In a deeper league, Singer is absolutely worth drafting. He’s been named the Royals starter for Saturday, and he shouldn’t have any concern about being removed from the rotation.

Spencer Howard: Another special arm, he should be up within the first month of the season. Keep an eye on Phillies’ news to see how the back end of their rotation is performing.

Kyle Wright: Breaking News! I just happen to be watching the Braves broadcast as I type this, and it was reported by Kelly Crull that it is “Kyle Wright’s job to lose.” His stuff isn’t quite where it needs to be yet, but he’s definitely worth picking up.

Thanks for stopping by! While you’re here, check out the great fantasy content at Belly Up Fantasy Sports and follow me on Twitter @saint_patricio for more insight on the pitchers flirting with filth.