Two Elite Arms in Pittsburgh?-May 21, 2026
Casey Mize-Tigers-SP
Casey Mize went 6.2 IP and gave up 2 ER on 4 H, 0 BB, and 4 K’s against the Guardians. Mize has been excellent through his first 43.2 innings, posting a 2.47 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. He has shown improved strikeout ability (25% K) while maintaining decent control (8% BB), leading to a strong 17% K-BB%. Mize is also missing more bats than in previous seasons (12% SwStr), which helps support the breakout. The big difference for Mize is that he has gone with more sliders this year and fewer curves, but the biggest change has been that his splitter has finally performed up to the hype coming out of the draft. His 3.49 SIERA suggests some regression is possible, but the skills growth appears legitimate. Mize looks like a clear breakout arm so far in 2026.
Braxton Ashcraft-Pirates-SP
Braxton Ashcraft went 7 IP and gave up 1 ER on 4 H, 2 BB, and 9 K’s against the Cardinals. Ashcraft has impressed early in 2026, posting a 2.89 ERA and 1.03 WHIP across 62.1 IP. He has paired a strong 26% strikeout rate with solid control (6% BB), leading to an impressive 19% K-BB%. Ashcraft also continues to generate ground balls at a high rate (49% GB), which has helped limit damage. His 3.32 SIERA supports the strong start and suggests the performance is mostly legitimate. Ashcraft has emerged as a legitimate breakout arm with the caveat that he has a long list of injuries, and his max innings pitched is 118 IP from last year.
Sandy Alcantara-Marlins-SP
Sandy Alcantara went 6 IP and gave up 6 ER on 9 H, 0 BB, and 3 K’s against the Braves. Alcantara had looked to be settling in after a rough 2025 season but after today’s start he has a 4.00 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 69.2 IP. The strikeout rate remains below his peak levels (16% K), but he continues to limit damage with a strong ground ball profile (49% GB) and low home run rate (0.78 HR/9). The strikeouts don’t appear to be coming back, given that his slider is down 4 mph and his fastball has lost effectiveness. His 4.40 SIERA suggests he has outperformed his underlying skills to this point. Alcantara looks more like a volume-driven SP4 right now than the ace-level arm he was earlier in his career.
Kevin McGonigle-Tigers-SS
Kevin McGonigle was 1-3 with a walk against the Guardians. McGonigle has struggled in the month of May. Over 75 PA this month, he is hitting just .206, but he has continued to show excellent plate discipline (15% BB and 13% K) while adding 5 SB. The low average has largely been driven by a poor .245 BABIP, despite a strong approach (17% O-Swing). On the season, McGonigle is hitting .286 with 29 R, 16 RBI, and 7 SB in 215 PA. He has continued to show advanced plate skills (14% BB and 13% K) while improving the quality of contact (10% Barrels). McGonigle’s fantasy value comes from his ability to get on base, score runs, and contribute steals without hurting batting average. The power is still developing, but the overall profile continues to be one to buy.
Michael Harris II-Braves-OF
Michael Harris II was 2-5 with 2 HR, 2 R, and 3 RBI against the Marlins. Harris has been electric at the plate, slashing .298 with 11 HR, 22 R, 29 RBI, and 3 SB across 176 PA. The power breakout looks legitimate as he’s pairing elite contact authority (16% Barrel, 55% HardHit, 114.9 maxEV) with improved lift (37% FB), while keeping the strikeouts under control at 20% K. There’s still some aggressiveness in the profile (45.0% O-Swing, 4% BB), but the quality of contact has more than compensated. Harris has looked fully healthy and back to impacting the ball like his rookie-season form (.297 AVG with 19 HR, 75 R, 64 RBI, and 20 SB), making him a true five-category guy in a good Braves’ lineup.
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