Brandon Woodruff Fantasy: A Deep Dive into the Brewers' Ace

Hello, fantasy baseball enthusiasts! Today, we're going to take a closer look at Milwaukee Brewers' ace, Brandon Woodruff, and why he's a fantastic option for your fantasy team. So, grab a beer (or your favorite beverage) and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and brandon woodruff fantasy.

Who is Brandon Woodruff?

Before we delve into why Woodruff is a great fantasy asset, let's quickly recap who he is. Brandon Woodruff is a right-handed starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. Drafted in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB draft, Woodruff has steadily climbed the ranks to become one of the Brewers' most reliable pitchers. He broke into the big leagues in 2017 and has since established himself as a key member of the Brewers' rotation.

Woodruff's Fantasy Relevance

Now, let's talk about why Brandon Woodruff fantasy value is on the rise. Woodruff has consistently shown promise in his young career, and his 2021 season was a breakout year that put him on the fantasy radar.

Strikeout Machine

Woodruff's most valuable fantasy asset is his ability to rack up strikeouts. In 2021, he punched out 211 batters in just 180.1 innings. That's good for a 10.6 K/9 rate, which was the best among qualified Brewers pitchers and ranked 14th in all of baseball. If you're in a league that rewards strikeouts, Woodruff is a must-own.

Impressive ERA and WHIP

Woodruff's strikeout ability translates to fantasy success in other categories as well. In 2021, he posted an impressive 3.05 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Both of these numbers were career bests and indicate that Woodruff is more than just a strikeout artist – he's a complete pitcher who can help your team in multiple categories.

Innings Eater

One concern fantasy managers might have about Woodruff is his innings count. In 2021, he threw just 180.1 innings, which might not seem like enough to warrant a starting spot in your rotation. However, it's important to note that Woodruff missed time due to injury. When healthy, he's shown the ability to eat innings – in 2019, he threw 121.2 innings, and in 2020, he threw 73.2 innings in just 12 starts. With a full season under his belt, Woodruff should be able to approach or even exceed the 200-inning mark in 2022.

Why Woodruff is a Sleeper in 2022

If you're looking for a Brandon Woodruff fantasy sleeper in 2022, you've come to the right place. Here's why Woodruff could be a steal in this year's drafts:

Underrated in Drafts

After his breakout 2021 season, you might think Woodruff is being drafted too high to be considered a sleeper. However, as of now, he's being drafted as the 25th starting pitcher off the board, according to FantasyPros. That's great value for a pitcher who has shown the ability to be a top-20 arm in his best seasons.

Improving Pitch Mix

Woodruff has been tinkering with his pitch mix in recent years, and the results have been encouraging. In 2021, he increased his usage of his slider and curveball, both of which have become effective weapons against hitters. If Woodruff can continue to refine his pitch mix, there's no reason to think he can't maintain or even improve upon his 2021 numbers.

Brewers' Rotation Stability

The Brewers' rotation is one of the most stable in baseball, with Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, and Freddy Peralta leading the way. This stability means Woodruff should have plenty of opportunities to rack up innings and strikeouts throughout the season.

When to Draft Brandon Woodruff

So, when should you be targeting Brandon Woodruff fantasy in your drafts? As mentioned earlier, he's currently being drafted as the 25th starting pitcher off the board. If you're looking for a high-upside arm to pair with a safer, more established option, Woodruff is an excellent target in the mid-to-late rounds of your draft.

Final Thoughts on Brandon Woodruff Fantasy

There's a lot to like about Brandon Woodruff fantasy in 2022. He's a strikeout machine with a solid ERA and WHIP, and he's being drafted at a price that provides excellent value. If you're looking for a high-upside starter to help you win your league this year, Woodruff should be high on your radar.

So, there you have it, folks! We've covered everything you need to know about Brandon Woodruff fantasy in 2022. Now get out there and draft that ace! Until next time, happy drafting!