Hayden Birdsong

Known for his premium stuff and wild control heading into 2023, Birdsong kept the starting pitching dream alive by throwing more strikes than expected as a 21-year-old at Single-A and High-A. From April 26 through July 30, Birdsong had a 2.48 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 100 strikeouts and 25 walks in 69 innings. That dominant run was book-ended by some struggles, particularly a 12.5 percent walk rate in 23 innings after a late-season promotion to Double-A. Birdsong's stuff and potential home park are still an alluring combination in dynasty leagues. The 6-foot-4 righty boasts a plus mid-90s fastball, a potentially plus low-80s curveball and a solid slider. If he shows improved control in a return to Double-A, Birdsong will have an up arrow next to his name as a potential high-strikeout mid-rotation starter who could reach the majors in late 2024 or early 2025. An eventual move to relief remains a possibility. Read Past Outlooks