Chris Hatcher

Hatcher started the 2017 season with the Dodgers, compiling a 4.66 ERA and 43:12 K:BB across 36.2 innings before landing on the disabled list for nearly two months with thoracic inflammation in his right shoulder. Shortly after being activated from the DL, Hatcher was dealt to the A's, where he turned in a more respectable 3.52 ERA across 23 innings despite indicators suggesting that may not have told the entire story (4.28 FIP and 4.32 xFIP with the Los Angeles, 4.29 FIP and 4.60 xFIP with Oakland). He saw his walk rate jump from 3.0 BB/9 to 3.5 following the trade while also seeing his strikeout rate dip from 10.6 K/9 to 7.8. While the veteran reliever could ultimately fall into a few save opportunities in 2018, his value will come primarily in leagues that count holds. Even so, there are more reliable and effective options out there.

Hatcher came to the Dodgers in the blockbuster deal involving Dee Gordon, and it's safe to say he got off to a poor start. Hatcher had a 6.38 ERA through 18 innings on June 14 when he suffered an oblique injury that was serious enough to sideline him for two months. Hatcher looked to be a completely different pitcher upon his return, posting a 1.31 ERA and 26:6 K:BB in 20.1 innings from August 15 through the end of the season. Hatcher averages a closer-like 96 mph with his fastball while also featuring a slider and changeup. His struggles appeared to be command-related, as prior to getting hurt he was leaving too many fastballs up in the zone. Hatcher will be back with the Dodgers, though the presence of Kenley Jansen and the likelihood that the Dodgers will bring in additional bullpen help should minimize his chances of picking up more than a save or two.

Hatcher was a solid piece in the Marlins’ bullpen during his first significant exposure in the big leagues during the 2014 season. He made 52 appearances in Miami as a middle reliever and shined with a 3.38 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 56 innings pitched. Hatcher upped both his groundball and strikeout rates in 2014, working with a three-pitch arsenal including a mid-90s heater, hard 87-mph slider and a changeup. Hatcher chipped in an excellent 60:12 K:BB ratio over his 56 innings for the Marlins last season, and he was targeted by the Dodgers in an offseason trade between the two clubs. In Los Angeles, Hatcher will have an opportunity to hold a key role in the bridge to closer Kenley Jansen in 2015.

Hatcher appeared in just 11 games for the Marlins in 2012 during his age-27 season, using his 93 mph fastball while mixing in a slider and a changeup to put up a 4.30 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 14.2 innings. Despite the mediocre numbers at the major league level, Hatcher was absolutely dominant at Triple-A last year, with a 45:15 K:BB in 47 innings and a 0.77 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. Walks and home runs have been the main issue for Hatcher during his stints in the big leagues over the past two seasons as he's allowed 1.8 HR/9 and 3.6 BB/9 compared to 0.2 HR/9 and 2.9 BB/9 down on the farm in 2012. Once Hatcher proves capable of bringing his Triple-A game to the big club with any sort of consistency, he'll provide value in the Marlins' bullpen.