What to expect from Seattle Mariners rookie Tony Zych

One of the bright spots for the Seattle Mariners in 2015 was the emergence of relief pitcher prospect Tony Zych. In 18 big league innings he posted a nice 2.45 ERA but a spectacular 24/3 K/BB ratio. Fluke or no? He's made the roster entering 2016 so we'll get a chance to find out.

From the 2016 Baseball Prospect Book:

Tony Zych, RHP, Seattle Mariners
Bats: R Throws: R HT: 6-3 WT: 190 DOB: August 7, 1990
2012: Grade C+; 2013: Grade C; 2014: Grade C; 2015: Grade C

Zych was drafted by the Cubs from the University of Louisville back in 2011, a fourth rounder. He reached Double-A in 2013 but got stuck there, then was traded to the Cubs last April. The organization switch unlocked his ability, with a dramatic improvement in command and control. He’s got a fine arm with a 93-97 MPH fastball and an above-average slider and he maintained this during his major league trial. He’s gone from forgotten Double-A mop-up man to legitimate relief prospect in less than a year and he may get a chance to close games at some point. Grade C+.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY:

The Mariners turned him around by making some minor changes to his delivery, shortening his stride; the change boosted his velocity a tad but dramatically improved his command. All of his component ratios took large steps forward compared to what he was doing in the Cubs system.

Zych posted a 5.59 ERA in 9.2 innings this spring but the Mariners wisely paid closer attention to his excellent 18/1 K/BB ratio. Projection systems view him as a solid reliever, with K/9 between 8.5 and 8.7 and ERAs slightly above league. That may be under-selling him a bit, but overall both the numbers and the scouting reports indicate Zych has what it takes to be a successful asset in the bullpen.

For fantasy purposes, the main question is role: will Zych pick up saves? Steve Cishek holds the role right now but if something happens to him, Zych would be a candidate for the job if he pitches up to his ability. In the meantime, he should provide quality middle innings.