Struggling Starters and an Aging Catcher-May 7, 2026
Zac Gallen-Diamondbacks-SP
Zac Gallen went 6.0 IP and gave up 4 ER on 6 H, 2 BB, and 5 K’s against the Pirates. Gallen has struggled to start 2026, posting a 4.70 ERA and 1.49 WHIP across 38.1 IP. This is coming off his worst season as a professional (4.83 ERA and 1.26 WHIP). The biggest concern is the sharp drop in strikeouts (14% K) paired with a mediocre 7% K-BB%. His 4.70 SIERA suggests the struggles are deserved, and he has not generated many swings and misses (8% SwStr). Gallen is still limiting home runs (0.94 HR/9), but the overall profile is concerning right now. This is backed up by a career-low 89 Stuff+. The stuff has dropped off dramatically, and the results have started to follow. He is a clear sell at this point.
MacKenzie Gore-Rangers-SP
MacKenzie Gore went 5.1 IP and gave up 5 ER on 6 H, 3 BB, and 3 K’s against the Yankees. Gore has had an uneven start to 2026, posting a 5.18 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 40 IP. The strikeout ability remains strong (30% K), but his command continues to hold him back (12% BB). Gore’s 18% K-BB% and 3.67 SIERA suggest he has pitched better than the ERA indicates. He is still missing bats at a high level, but the walks continue to create volatility from start to start. There was a strong belief that a move out of Washington to Texas would help unlock Gore’s potential. He has made a slight change to his pitch mix. He has started throwing a sinker, fewer sliders, and more changeups. Gore needs his slider to come back as his dominant pitch. He remains a high-upside arm, but one that comes with ratio risk.
Shoto Imanaga-Cubs-SP
Shoto Imanaga went 6 IP and gave up 1 ER on 6 H, 3 BB, and 10 K’s against the Reds. Imanaga has been excellent to start 2026, posting a 2.28 ERA and 0.93 WHIP across 47.1 IP. He continues to show excellent command (6% BB) while missing bats at a high level (27% K and 1% 5SwStr). He has been able to regain the velocity that he lost last year, which is a big reason why he has bounced back nicely so far. The elevated fly ball profile (46% FB) remains a concern long term, but he has done a good job limiting damage (0.76 HR/9). His 3.37 SIERA supports the strong start. Imanaga continues to look like a reliable SP2 with excellent ratios.
Chase DeLauter-Guardians-OF
Chase DeLauter was 1-4 with a walk against the Royals. DeLauter has impressed early in 2026, hitting .306 with 6 HR, 15 R, and 23 RBI in 143 PA. He has shown an advanced approach (13% BB and 11% K) while consistently putting together quality at-bats. DeLauter’s contact quality has been solid (8 % Barrels and 39% HardHit), and he is elevating the ball enough (43% FB) to support the power output. His .308 BABIP looks sustainable given how much contact he makes and the ability to hit it hard on the right pitch. DeLauter is emerging as a strong four-category contributor, with steals not really being a factor. It has taken longer than expected for him to get here due to injuries, but he has made good on the hype so far.
Salvador Perez-Royals-C
Salvador Perez was 0-5 with a strikeout against the Guardians. Perez has struggled to start 2026, hitting just .199 with 5 HR and 17 RBI in 151 PA. The aggressive approach remains an issue (49% O-Swing and 3.3% BB), and his .220 BABIP has not helped matters. The good news is that the power metrics remain solid (9% Barrels and 41% HardHit), which supports the home run production. Perez should continue to provide power at catcher, but the batting average risk remains significant given his age.
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