Diamondbacks 2023: ESPN fantasy baseball projections (pitchers)

Zac Gallen 2023 projections (30 starts, 12 wins, 3.36 ERA)

Hmm, I am not too sure about these numbers.  Coming off a season where Gallen posted a 2.54 ERA over 31 starts, it seems a little harsh to me to inflate his ERA to 3.36.  I understand it would be hard for him to repeat the season he had a year ago, but you better believe everyone in the Diamondbacks organization thinks Gallen will finish the season with an ERA under 3 and more than 12 wins…

Merrill Kelly 2023 projections (32 starts, 11 wins, 3.86 ERA)

Another instance of ESPN being harsh to Diamondbacks pitchers.  Kelly a season ago recorded 13 wins, an ERA of 3.37, and a WHIP of 1.14.  A very solid season for a pitcher that is second in the rotation.  Look for both Gallen and Kelly to improve this offseason, and look for them to become one of the best 1-2 punches in the game…

Zach Davies 2023 projections (22 starts, 6 wins, 4.58 ERA)

It surprises me that Zachs' nickname isn’t ol’ reliable.  With a career ERA of 4.14 and an ERA of 4.09 a season ago, Davies always seems to be reliable.  Not a guy that goes out there and competes for the Cy Young, but a guy that always gives you a chance to win the ball game.  If the ESPN projections are correct, Davies is in store for the 3rd worst season of his lengthy career…

Madison Bumgarner 2023 projections (28 starts, 7 wins, 4.59 ERA)

If there is a single player the Diamondbacks need to have a good season it’s Bumgarner.  Madison is set to make $23 million this season.  That is the most of anyone on this Arizona team.  To be honest, it has been a nightmare for Bumgarner since joining the Diamondbacks.  But a good season in 2023, and everyone might forget about that…

Ryne Nelson 2023 projections (21 starts, 6 wins, 4.54 ERA)

There is no way around it; Nelson struggled at the minor league level a season ago.  In 26 AAA starts, Nelson went 10-5 which is impressive but he had an ERA of 5.43 and a BAA of .264.  A 5.43 ERA is not impressive in any way.  When he got to the bigs though, he shined.  In 3 starts with the Diamondbacks a season ago Nelson went 1-1 with a 1.47 ERA over 18.1 innings.  What is equally impressive is over those 18.1 innings he recorded a 0.82 WHIP and a .145 BAA.  ESPN’s numbers might be a little harsh, but is hard to predict what kind of season Ryne will have due to his inconsistency…