MLB: 2017’s Best Player Values at Each Position Ranked

RHP Lance McCullers – HOU

2017 salary: $548,000 

fWAR: 2.0

There are a few MLB players still hurling on their “rookie contracts” to consider here. Michael Fulmer (2.2 fWAR) of the Tigers is one. So too is Robbie Ray (1.9 fWAR) of the D-backs. Chase Anderson (1.8 fWAR) of the Brewers deserves mention here too, though he’s in arbitration years and commands a $2.45 million salary this season.

However, no guy is having a bigger impact on his club from within the rotation than Lance McCullers Jr. More so now than ever with ace Dallas Keuchel on the disabled list for the second time this season, it’s tough to deny McCullers’s value towards baseball’s best team.

The Houston Astros have rode him to a 6-1 record so far. That’s better than Fulmer (6-4) and Ray (6-3) and his ERA of 2.58 and FIP of 2.87 put him among the six best starting pitchers in league in both categories. Only Chris Sale, Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer have better FIPs. That’s impressive company.

McCullers’ K/9 of 10.45 also more than holds its own as a starting pitcher in the league and he’s surrendered only six long balls across 13 starts, tied for the third least amongst qualified starting pitchers in 2017.