Outlook Braxton Ashcraft
Braxton Ashcraft continues to excel as a mid-rotation pillar for Pittsburgh, making him a reliable starting option this week.
Ashcraft has been excellent lately, posting a sharp 2.45 ERA and 11 strikeouts over his last 11.0 innings. He currently slots in as a reliable number three starter for the fourth-place Pirates, who sit at 39-39. With fellow rotation mate Jared Jones currently questionable with an elbow injury, Ashcraft's role as a rotation anchor remains completely secure.
His 3.24 ERA and 1.13 WHIP on the season represent a massive step forward from his prior work, supported by an elite expected ERA. While our models project some regression toward a 3.89 ERA and 1.29 WHIP rest of season, his improved strikeout-to-walk ratio suggests his underlying pitching skills have legitimately taken a leap.
Ashcraft is scheduled for a single home start on Wednesday, June 24th, against the Mariners. He draws a decent matchup against Bryan Woo, who carries a 3.94 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. Our models project Ashcraft to allow under two earned runs with 5.6 strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Braxton Ashcraft
Outlook Gage Jump
Elite, multi-category anchor remains a premier high-floor building block in all fantasy formats
Secured firmly as the everyday starting catcher and primary cleanup hitter for the powerhouse, first-place Orioles, Rutschman enters his age-28 season in absolute peak physical prime. Our models project him to log nearly 550 at-bats as he continues to split time behind the plate and in the designated hitter slot, maximizing his lineup volume far beyond typical catchers. His elite plate discipline and high contact rate keep his roster spot completely secure and insulating him from the prolonged slumps common to the position.
According to our season projections, fantasy managers can expect another elite, multi-category campaign featuring 22 home runs, 79 runs, 84 RBIs, and a stellar .273/.369/.451 slash line. These expectations align closely with his established career baselines, proving that his outstanding plate profile is highly sustainable. While his speed remains a non-factor with just two projected stolen bases, his superior walk-to-strikeout ratio makes him an exceptional asset in points leagues and OBP formats alike.
Drafting Rutschman provides a massive structural advantage, offering an incredibly safe floor and top-three catcher upside without the typical ratio risks. He is a premier early-round target who will stabilize your team's batting average and heavily bolster counting stats from a historically weak position.
Updated 2 days ago
