Ross Stripling’s Masterful 2022 Performance Coming at Perfect Time
Few players have been more impactful for the Toronto Blue Jays this season than right-hander Ross Stripling, who’s increasing his value with every start.
Stripling began the campaign as the club’s multi-inning reliever – a role he also occupied for most of last season – but his versatility has allowed him to appear in other situations, as well. His duties have ranged from a bulk-innings eater, an emergency closer and now a quality starting pitcher.
The 32-year-old has done everything that’s been asked of him thus far, and he couldn’t have picked a better season to do so in as he’s eligible to hit free agency this off-season.
You always want to enjoy a strong performance in your walk year, but sometimes things don’t work out that way. For Stripling, however, the veteran right-hander is currently enjoying one of the top – if not the best – statistical showings of his career.
As a reliever, the 6-foot-3 hurler has posted a 4.09 ERA, a 3.94 FIP and a .233 OPP AVG across 11.0 innings. He also registered his fourth career save versus the Los Angeles Angels on May 28.
Any time the Blue Jays needed length from their bullpen, they immediately turned to Stripling, who saved the team from burning through several other relievers. But after Hyun Jin Ryu required Tommy John surgery, they asked him to step in as a starter once more, and he ran with the opportunity.
The former Los Angeles Dodger has excelled since rejoining Toronto’s starting rotation, recording a 2.21 ERA in 11 starts. He’s also posted a 2.65 FIP, .212 OPP AVG, 20.8 percent strikeout rate, 3.2 percent walk rate and a 0.47 HR/9.
Most recently, Stripling threw six-perfect innings against the Baltimore Orioles in his first start off the injured list. The 2018 All-Star didn’t allow a base runner until centre fielder Cedric Mullins led off the seventh inning with a single, ending his perfect game.
Nevertheless, the talented righty delivered another quality outing, registering seven strikeouts and 13 whiffs before departing, leading the Blue Jays to a much-needed 6-1 victory.
Despite starting the year as a reliever, Stripling has been one of the most effective starters in the majors since June 6 – his first start after taking Ryu’s spot. As a result, he ranks near the top of the majors in multiple categories.
Toronto’s versatile hurler is currently tied with Arizona’s Merrill Kelly for the seventh-best ERA and owns the 12th-best FIP among all MLB starters who’ve thrown at least 50.0 innings during this span, according to FanGraphs. His walk rate is also the best in the big leagues.
Additionally, Stripling leads all Blue Jays pitchers in fWAR (1.7) since Jun. 6, with Kevin Gausman close behind in second at 1.6. Thus, making him arguably the team’s most valuable arm.
Amid José Berríos’ inconsistencies and Yusei Kikuchi’s season-long woes, Stripling has been a model of consistency for much of this season. And though a successful playoff run is his main priority, he’s poised to be rewarded for his efforts this winter.
The upcoming free-agent class of starting pitchers could include several notable names: Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, Carlos Rodon, Nathan Eovaldi, Sean Manaea, Mike Clevinger and more. So, there should be tons of quality arms available, although Stripling could stand out amongst the mid-level group.
Given how he’s performed in 2022, there’s no question the Blue Jays will have interest in re-signing the Blue Bell, Pennsylvania native. But they likely won’t be the only franchise vying for his services.
Stripling has earned a 2.2 fWAR rating this season, tying his career-best mark. Assuming he remains healthy, that figure will probably finish closer to three wins, similar to Kyle Gibson’s 2019 fWAR (2.6) – who became a free agent following his age-31 campaign.
After spending his entire career in Minnesota, Gibson signed a three-year, $28-million contract ($9.3 million AAV) with the Texas Rangers during the 2019-20 off-season. His deal could potentially serve as an ideal comparison for Stripling.
Though the former Texas A&M standout will be 33 next season, a year older than Gibson was after signing with the Rangers, he’s still deserving of a multi-year contract. Injuries largely haven’t played much of a factor, and his stock is likely the highest it’s ever been.
For any team that’s seeking a reliable middle-of-the-rotation pitcher, Stripling should probably be atop of their wish list. He’s going to be paid handsomely by someone this winter, though, his value could take a significant hit if the Blue Jays submit a qualifying offer.
MLB’s qualifying offer was worth $18.4 million last off-season, which may increase slightly this time around. Even if it doesn’t, it’s unlikely Toronto would risk having Stripling accept such an expensive one-year deal, limiting them from addressing other needs.
At a more affordable figure, it’d be very beneficial to have Stripling remain within a rotation headlined by Gausman, Berríos and Alek Manoah. Together, along with Mitch White and eventually Ricky Tiedemann, they’d be a legitimate threat in 2023 and beyond.
Most baseball fans tend to focus on the front of the Blue Jays’ rotation, but Stripling has been just as good – if not better – than his teammates. He’s been crucial since being acquired from the Dodgers in 2020, and the team likely wouldn’t be in a playoff spot if not for him.
Stripling has often been undervalued in previous seasons, although that’s likely to change with a lucrative deal this off-season.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @ThomasHall85
Photo: David. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.