Parker Messick's Rise: A Must-Add Pitcher After Dominating Performance
As the season progresses, caution against confirmation bias becomes crucial. While it's tempting to label every standout player a superstar after a hot start, the case of Parker Messick stands out for genuine reasons. In his recent outing against the Baltimore Orioles, Messick showcased his skills, nearly achieving a no-hitter. Despite finishing the spring with a 310.0 ADP in NFBC drafts, his performance has raised eyebrows. His ADP increased slightly, reaching 277.3 as he secured a spot in the rotation after Logan Allen was sent down to Triple-A. Several factors contributed to Messick’s initial oversight: Lack of prospect pedigree: He wasn't a top-100 prospect entering 2025. Physical appearance: His stocky build and moderate velocity (around 93 mph) didn't fit the typical mold of a standout pitcher. However, Messick's pitching style compensates for these perceived shortcomings. His changeup proved particularly effective against a righty-heavy lineup, earning him nine of his 18 whiffs. He completed the game allowing only two runs on two hits and two walks, striking out nine. Despite his impressive 1.05 ERA, expectations should be tempered. Messick might not reach 200 strikeouts, limiting his margin for error. His current performance suggests he’s a must-start pitcher, likely ranking around 50 among starters. In addition, here are some top waiver-wire targets following Thursday's actions: Brandon Sproat (SP, Brewers) – Limited the Blue Jays to one run over 6.2 innings. Landen Roupp (SP, Giants) – Achieved six shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 2.38. Chase Dollander (SP, Rockies) – Showed signs of improvement with nine strikeouts against the Astros. Steven Matz (RP, Rays) – Solid but remains a streaming option. Josh Jung (3B, Rangers) – Hit his first homer, showing potential despite struggles.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-17