Ryne Nelson

Nelson's improved strike-throwing ability in spring training earned him a spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation in 2024. He maintained that skill into the regular season and finished with 10 wins and the second-most innings among Arizona starters. The 26-year-old right-hander upped his strikeout rate to 20.0 percent (from 15.5 in 2023), moving from the sixth percentile to the 26th. An already good walk rate got better, while he shaved one run off his ERA (5.31 to 4.24) and cut down on home runs. In a promising sign, Nelson's performance improved deeper into the season, posting a 3.23 ERA and 28.7 K% over the second half. Still very much a two-pitch pitcher (fastballs and cutters), developing a third pitch might continue the righty's upward trajectory. There was enough development in his performance last year that he will not need to compete for a rotation spot in 2025. Read Past Outlooks