This continues my series where I predict the 2023 stats of each Braves player, moving onto someone I believe fans will become very fond with this year, Nick Anderson. If you missed any of the previous editions to this series, follow the links below.
- Sam Hilliard
- Kirby Yates
- Dylan Lee
- Collin McHugh
- Joe Jiménez
- A.J. Minter
- Raisel Iglesias
- Mike Soroka
- Travis d’Arnaud
- Sean Murphy
- Michael Harris II
- Marcell Ozuna
- Eddie Rosario
- Orlando Arcia
- Austin Riley
- Vaughn Grissom
- Ozzie Albies
- Matt Olson
- Ronald Acuña Jr.
- Max Fried
- Spencer Strider
- Kyle Wright
- Charlie Morton
- Ian Anderson
- Luca Luetge
Nick Anderson 2023 Stat Predictions
Anderson was an under the radar pick up early in the offseason. Tommy John surgery has limited him to just six innings since 2021, but his career numbers are silly, posting a 2.89 ERA and 14.1 K/9 over 87.1 innings.
Right now, he’s battling for one of the final spots in the bullpen, but he’s quickly getting the upper hand. In two appearances, he’s allowed no runs and one hit while striking out five batters. His fastball velocity is very close to where it was pre-injury, and he looks like the guy that was a dominant relief pitcher for the Rays.
Unless he experiences a drop off over his next few outings before the start of the season, I don’t see how the Braves don’t put Anderson on the Opening Day roster. Even if he has a minor-league option, his upside is too great for him not to start the year in Atlanta. I think the Braves ease him into things, as far as high leverage situations go, but by the end of the season, I predict he will be one of the most reliable relief pitchers on the team. Anderson very well could be the next gem Alex Anthopoulos was able to find at a bargain in free agency.
Nick Anderson 2023 Stat Predictions: 3-1, 3.01 ERA, 2.87 FIP, 13.1 K/9, 1.0 fWAR
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