Outlook Kyle Leahy
Ratios Inflate as Kyle Leahy Struggles to Maintain Rotation Foothold
Currently serving as the final starter in the rotation for the second-place Cardinals (40-32), Leahy has struggled over his last 30 days, posting a 5.98 ERA and a highly problematic 1.62 WHIP across 24.1 innings. Despite a strong Cardinals squad currently sitting in wild-card position, his individual performances have offered very little stability.
While Leahy managed a solid 3.45 ERA out of the bullpen last year, his transition to a heavier starting workload has exposed his lack of efficiency, with his 2026 ERA climbing to 4.68. Our models project him to settle around a 4.31 ERA and 1.35 WHIP rest-of-season, suggesting his recent high-whip stretch is a reflection of starting stamina issues rather than a temporary fluke.
Having already taken a loss on June 17th against San Diego, Leahy has no remaining starts for the rest of this matchup period. Given his highly damaging ratios and lack of immediate two-start upside, fantasy managers should move him to the bench. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Mitch Keller
Mitch Keller looks to stabilize ratios and secure mid-rotation value
Mitch Keller enters the 2026 campaign solidified as a mid-rotation staple for the Pirates, officially slotting in as the number two starter in the rotation behind sophomore sensation Paul Skenes. At 30 years old, Keller brings veteran stability to a young Pittsburgh rotation. He has proven durable throughout his career, throwing over 170 innings in each of his last three seasons. This reliability makes him a highly active asset for fantasy managers looking for volume, even if he occasionally experiences some performance volatility.
Our projections expect Keller to bounce back from last year's minor regression, forecasting a 4.24 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP over 176.0 projected innings. Keller's strikeout numbers should remain helpful but not elite, as our models project 110 strikeouts, translating to a moderate strikeout-to-walk ratio. While his career metrics suggest his ceiling is capped near a low-4.00 ERA, he is supported by a Pirates lineup that features some ascending bats, giving him decent opportunities to push for seven wins despite pitching in a highly competitive division.
Drafting near his ADP of 240, Keller represents a highly accessible depth starter who can anchor the back end of fantasy rotations. He is a relatively safe floor play who will provide valuable volume, though fantasy managers should be prepared for occasional ratio risk in tough matchups. Keller is best utilized as a matchup-dependent starter rather than an undisputed weekly option.
Updated 2 days ago
