(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
In 2022, Cole Ragans was a pitcher for the Texas Rangers organization and averaged around 92 mph with his fastball.
He had a 4.95 ERA in 40 frames.
After a 5.92 ERA in 24.1 innings this year, he was traded to the Kansas City Royals in the Aroldis Chapman deal.
All he has done since landing in Kansas City is dominate.
Before taking the ball on Monday against the Chicago White Sox, Ragans (a former first-round draft pick) had a 3.27 ERA in 2023 overall and a 1.73 ERA (!) in 41.2 innings with the Royals.
His marked improvement stems from an uptick in velocity: evidently, there was a mechanical overhaul because he went from throwing 92 mph last year to 96.6 mph on average in 2023.
Now, the Royals finally have an ace, at least for the time being.
He will need to prove he can stay at this level over time, but the early results are impressive and promising.
He routinely attacks the zone with his high-90s fastball and is earning incredible results.
After dominating yet another foe (the White Sox) to open the week, his ERA with Kansas City went down to 1.51.
“Cole Ragans has 14 whiffs through 4 IP with 5 K. FB sitting 97.2 mph/t99.7. Who is the last pitcher you remember being traded and becoming elite like this?” fantasy analyst Chris Clegg tweeted.
Cole Ragans has 14 whiffs through 4 IP with 5 K. FB sitting 97.2 mph/t99.7
Who is the last pitcher you remember being traded and becoming elite like this?
pic.twitter.com/ulTyV37UNp
— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) September 4, 2023
That was through four innings: his overall outing ended with six scoreless frames and seven strikeouts.
He only allowed just one hit and no walks.
What he has done since his change of scenery has been nothing short of amazing.
The post Cole Ragans Is Becoming Elite After Midseason Trade appeared first on The Cold Wire.