Jake McGee - Fantasy Baseball Profile

Jake McGee - Fantasy Baseball Profile and Scouting Report. Includes player profile information, fantasy baseball analysis, stat projections, and dynasty keeper league outlook.

Jake McGee
Height: 6-3
Weight: 230
Born: August 6, 1986
Draft: 2004 - 5th round
Position: Relief Pitcher

Player Profile:
After being drafted in the 5th round of the 2004 mlb draft, McGee soared into the top ranks as one of the best starting pitcher prospects in all of the minors entering the 2008 season. Unfortunately injury struck McGee midway through the 2008 season, and he had to undergo Tommy John surgery. After missing the entire 2009 season, McGee returned to the mound in 2010 and once again looked every bit as good as he did before the arm injury. After transitioning from a starter to a relief pitcher to finish the 2010 season, McGee and his power fastball and pitching style appear destined to convert him into a top closer during his major league career.

Fantasy Baseball Analysis:
While the dreaded Tommy John surgery for any major league pitcher is cause for concern, Jake McGee has proven that his pitching velocity and fastball are every bit as good as they were before the surgery. Displaying a post Tommy John surgery fastball that reached 96-97 mph during the 2010 season, there seems to be little doubt that McGee can still overpower hitters if need be. Having tallied 127 strikeouts over just 105 innings pitched between Double A and Triple A during the 2010 season, McGee could easily become a 9+ strikeout per 9 innings pitched relief pitcher in the major leagues. With a history as a starting pitcher, McGee appears best suited to transition full time into a relief pitcher at the major league level, at least for the early part of his career before possibly switching back as a starter if his arm continues to stay healthy and get stronger.

Fantasy Baseball MLB Player Comparison: Billy Wagner

Dynasty Keeper League Outlook:
Jake McGee was once considered a top prospect as a starting pitcher, however Tommy John surgery has seemingly transitioned his power arm into a relief role at the major league level. So while dynasty keeper league teams will not want to look at McGee as a potential all-star starting pitcher, they will want to look at him as a potential all-star closer. With an ability to rack up strikeouts at over 9 per 9 innings pitched, to go along with solid control and natural movement on his fastball, McGee could become one of the best closers in the majors by the 2014 season. But until then, expect a steady rise into the ranks as one of the better relief pitchers in the majors beginning in 2011.

Stat Projections:
Over 60 innings pitched as a relief pitcher, McGee has the ability to tally 70 strikeouts while maintaining an ERA under 3.00 and a WHIP around 1.15. During the prime of his career, McGee could easily become a top closer while posting stats in the range of 70 innings pitched, 90 strikeouts, sub 2.00 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP.