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The New York Mets are undoubtedly an organization in transition that has placed an emphasis on developing young stud pitchers under GM Sandy Alderson‘s regime. The same regime acquired Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard through trade and signed international prospect Rafael Montero. Alderson inherited some spectacular talent in Matt Harvey from his predecessor Omar Minaya. Less notably, Alderson also inherited RHP Jacob deGrom, who was not surrounded by an incredible buzz upon his arrival to the show last month, but he has made quite the impression since receiving the opportunity.
Despite an 0-2 record, the 25-year-old right-hander has pitched very well while receiving virtually no run support. In his four starts he has pitched to an impressive 2.42 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 26 innings and has struck out 25 batters, good for an 8.7 K/9. deGrom has struggled at times with his command, averaging 4.2 BB/9, but he has worked out of most of the trouble he has gotten himself into.
Later this evening, deGrom will take the mound against the floundering Chicago Cubs in Chicago at Wrigley Field. With the wind blowing against an offensively inconsistent lineup, this makes him an ideal candidate for value pitcher of the day on daily fantasy baseball sites considering he carries a mid-tier to low price tag.
Expecting six innings pitched with six strikeouts, having given up two runs or less is a fair assumption. The Mets have dropped the first two games of this series in dramatic fashion and are desperately due for a win; deGrom projects to get his first of the season.
Timothy Downs is a fantasy sports writer for www.RantSports.com. You can add him on Google or follow on Twitter @Tidow1212.
