For every lackluster performance in 2017, there was an outstanding breakout. Blake Parker, JC Ramirez, and Martin Maldonado all contributed to varying degrees, and the team and fans alike are hoping that they can continue the success that kept the team in contention all year. However, one player’s output from last year stands out as prime regression material.
Parker Bridwell’s rise was an unanticipated yet welcome counter to the fiasco that was Nolasco. Across twenty starts and one relief appearance, he compiled a 3.64 ERA (first on the team by a considerable amount among players with at least 100 innings pitched), had a 10-3 record, and pulled off a particularly incredible July.