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Player Outlook
Hayden Wesneski turned a strong spring training into the No. 5 spot in Chicago's rotation to begin the 2023 campaign, though he failed to do a ton with the opportunity. The righty finished with a 4.63 ERA and 83 strikeouts across 89.1 innings, making 11 starts and appearing in 34 games overall. His 5.48 FIP and .258 BABIP suggest that Wesneski's middling ERA could have been worse, and if he regresses closer to a 5.00 ERA in 2024, fantasy managers will want to look elsewhere. However, there are still a few encouraging signs here. Wesneski struck out 28 batters in only 20 innings while with Triple-A Omaha last year, and he had good strikeout numbers earlier in his minor-league career as well. If the 26-year-old can miss a few more bats at the MLB level, he may be poised to take a step forward and post better overall numbers. A complicating factor is where Wesneski will slot in for the Cubs. Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and Kyle Hendricks are all locked into starting jobs, and Javier Assad, Caleb Kilian and Jordan Wicks are in the mix behind the aforementioned trio. Wesneski may then end up serving as a long reliever, which would cap his fantasy value.

Fantasy Stats

Year fpts
Fantasy Points
fpts/g
Fantasy Points per Game
ip
Innings Pitched
w
Wins
l
Losses
sv
Saves
so
Strikeouts
bb
Base on Balls (Walk)
era
Earned Run Average
whip
Walks and Hits Allowed Per Inning
2024 0.00 0.00
2023 151.54.5 89.3 3 5 83 32 4.63 1.28
2022 93.515.6 33.0 3 2 33 7 2.18 0.94
3y Avg. 1206 61.3 3 4 58 20 3.96 1.19
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Roster
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Fantasy News

  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Optioned to Triple-A

    The Cubs optioned Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Wesneski struck out 12 over 11 innings this spring but also allowed 12 runs. The right-hander should join Iowa's rotation and could eventually help the Cubs either in a starting or relief role.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: May get sent to minors

    Wesneski may be squeezed off the Cubs' Opening Day roster due to Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad both being likely to secure roles, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. Wicks is the current favorite to land the No. 5 spot in the rotation, while Assad will likely shift to a long-relief role. That could push Wesneski off the roster entirely, as it may be more beneficial for his development if he's starting regularly at Triple-A Iowa. The righty could have some fantasy upside if he pushes into Chicago's rotation at some point, though for now, his appeal is limited.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Has best spring appearance

    Wesneski tossed three scoreless innings in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Guardians. He allowed two hits and struck out three. Wesneski started his spring slate allowing seven runs over three innings in his first two appearances. However, in two outings since then, the righty has allowed just one run across six innings. Wesneski is battling for a spot in the rotation, and with Jameson Taillon (back) possibly set to miss some time early in the season, the former may be able to climb up the depth chart temporarily.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Struggles in spring debut

    Wesneski allowed four runs on six hits across 1.1 innings in Monday's Cactus League game against the Royals. He struck out one. Wesneski got off to a rough start as he competes for the No. 5 spot in Chicago's rotation. The righty, who posted a 4.63 ERA across 34 games (11 starts) for the Cubs last season, should still have a handful of opportunities to make his case. Javier Assad, Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks are likely the top competition at this point. Wesneski could have some fantasy value if he wins the job, though he'll need to be a little more consistent to really take a step forward in 2024.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Likely competing for No. 5 role

    Wesneski is likely competing with Javier Assad, Drew Smyly and Jordan Wicks for the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation to begin the season, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and newcomer Shota Imanaga should all be locked into rotation spots, which leaves the No. 5 role up for grabs. Wesneski made 34 appearances for the Cubs last year, including 11 starts, and posted a 4.63 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 89.1 innings. He doesn't profile as a particularly exciting fantasy option, though he would have more value if he's starting instead of serving as a long reliever.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Three innings in relief

    Wesneski allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over three innings in Friday's 8-0 loss to Atlanta. Wesneski mopped up after starter Kyle Hendricks allowed seven runs over four innings. The Cubs became buyers at the deadline, which leaves Wesneski on the outside looking in at a rotation spot, at least for the time being. He threw 50 pitches Friday, with the lone blemish being a homer allowed to Austin Riley in the seventh inning.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Recalled for start Friday

    The Cubs recalled Wesneski from Triple-A Iowa ahead of his start Friday against St. Louis, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. Wesneski has been so-so in the majors this season, posting a 4.75 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 60.2 frames. If he's able to impress against the Cardinals on Friday, there's a solid chance Wesneski remains in the Cubs' rotation long term, especially if the Cubs deal one of their top five starters ahead of the deadline. Michael Rucker was optioned to Iowa to clear a space for Wesneski.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Optioned to Triple-A

    Wesneski was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports. Wesneski had been pitching in relief of late and faring well, allowing two runs over 10 innings. He'll head back to Iowa, though, and it's not clear what role is planned for him there.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Allows five runs in loss

    Wesneski (2-3) allowed five runs on four hits across three innings to take the loss Sunday against the Giants. He walked one and struck out four. The four strikeouts were the lone bright spot for Wesneski, as the young righty was hit hard, including two home runs. He now has a 5.33 ERA this season and has allowed 13 long balls across 50.2 innings. With Justin Steele (forearm) likely to return June 17, Wesneski is probably done in the rotation for now. He could shift to a long-relief role or possibly return to Triple-A.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Possible waiver wire pickups

    Thanks to Justin Steele's forearm strain, Hayden Wesneski has a second chance to make good on the potential he showed in spring training. He's actually been trending in the right direction for a while now. Over his past seven appearances, six of them starts, he has a 3.65 ERA -- and that includes the seven-run disaster that got him sent back to the minors in mid-May, where he allowed just one earned run on two hits in nine innings. His one appearance since returning came in relief, but he lasted 3 2/3 innings, allowing one run on one hit with two walks and four strikeouts. Success for Wesneski is hardly guaranteed, but at least in deeper leagues, he's earned a second look from you, just like from the Cubs.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Likely to join rotation

    Cubs manager David Ross said Saturday that Wesneski will likely replace Justin Steele (forearm) in the rotation while Steele is on the 15-day injured list, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Ross believes Steele will miss only two turns through the rotation. Wesneski opened the season as a starter for the Cubs, but the right-hander struggled to a 5.03 ERA before being demoted to Triple-A Iowa in mid-May. Wesneski has shown the ability to miss bats, but he'll be a risky fantasy streamer while he's a member of the rotation, and he doesn't look as though he'll be in line for a long-term appointment.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Recalled from Triple-A

    Chicago recalled Wesneski from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. Wesneski will return to the Cubs in a long relief role ahead of Tuesday night's game against the Rays. He was optioned to Iowa in mid-May after stumbling to a 5.03 ERA through his first 39.1 innings (eight starts) this season with Chicago.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Heads to Triple-A

    The Cubs optioned Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. Wesneski was a popular fantasy sleeper this spring, and while he had some good starts with the Cubs, he struggled with consistency in ultimately posting a 5.03 ERA and 28:9 K:BB over 39.1 innings covering eight starts. Kyle Hendricks (shoulder), could potentially take Wesneski's rotation spot later this week, although the Cubs' upcoming schedule gives them the option to go to a four-man rotation for a bit.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Hammered by Twins

    Wesneski (2-2) took the loss Saturday, surrendering seven runs on seven hits -- including four home runs -- and a walk over five innings as the Cubs were routed 11-1 by the Twins. He struck out five. Alex Kirilloff's solo shot in the first inning set the tone for the Cubs' disastrous afternoon, as Wesneski served up multiple long balls for the first time since his opening start of the season. The right-hander has now been tagged for 10 homers in 39.1 innings, fueling a 5.03 ERA that doesn't match his otherwise decent 1.32 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB. He didn't have significant trouble keeping the ball in the park in the minors, so it's possible his luck will shift for the better as the campaign progresses, but his lack of dominance gives Wesneski little margin for error. His next outing will likely come on the road next weekend in Philadelphia.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Posts another quality start

    Wesneski allowed one run on five hits and no walks over six innings Sunday against the Marlins. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision. Wesneski found himself with runners on the corners and one out in the opening frame before escaping with a 6-4-3 double play. He then went on to retire nine straight batters until Yuli Gurriel kicked off the fifth with a solo home run to left. Wesneski did allow a pair of singles in the inning as well but got out of it allowing just the one run. Sunday was his third consecutive outing allowing just a single run and his second start in a row going at least six innings. The 25-year-old now owns a 3.93 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB over 34.1 innings. He's projected to take the ball next in a road game against the Twins later in the week.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Takes no-decision Tuesday

    Wesneski allowed just one run on five hits across six innings but did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's loss to the Nationals. He struck out two and did not walk a batter. Wesneski was sharp in his second quality start of the year, but the Cubs mustered only one run of support, denying him a shot at his third win. After allowing eight earned runs across six innings in his first two starts, the 25-year-old has allowed just six earned runs over 22.1 innings in his last four outings. Wesneski will look to keep it up in his next start, which is tentatively set for Sunday against the Marlins.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Sleeper pitchers for Week 6 (May 1-7)

    Hayden Wesneski's last turn against the Padres Thursday was respectable enough to earn him some consideration with two favorable matchups (Nationals, Marlins) this week. But there isn't much reason for optimism in the underlying data, so it's a definite risk.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Pitches well in win

    Wesneski (2-1) allowed one run on four hits across five innings to earn the win Thursday against the Padres. He walked one and struck out three. Outside of a Manny Machado solo home run in the second inning, Wesneski was in cruise control for his second win of the season. He hasn't fully been able to carry over his success from spring training, as he's still sitting at a 5.24 ERA and has pitched five or more innings only twice in five starts. However, Wesneski has looked pretty sharp in two of his last three outings, and the Cubs figure to have some patience with the promising 25-year-old.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Can't get through fifth Saturday

    Wesneski (1-1) took the loss Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk over 4.1 innings during a 9-4 loss to the Dodgers. He struck out one. Wesneski allowed a leadoff single to Mookie Betts, a double to Freddie Freeman and walked Max Muncy to load the bases in the first, but he limited the damage by inducing a double play from J.D. Martinez. However, that wasn't the end of the trouble for the young right-hander, who served up a solo home run to James Outman in the second and an RBI single to Outman in the fourth. Wesneski came out for the fifth but was pulled after Mookie Betts reached on a fielding error by Patrick Wisdom with one out. Outside of a stellar start in Oakland, Wesneski has really struggled to begin the campaign after showing flashes last year. He'll look to find some rhythm in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for the Cubs' upcoming three-game set with the Padres.
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  • Cubs' Hayden Wesneski: Roughed up in no-decision

    Wesneski didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 14-9 win over the Mariners after allowing seven runs (two earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out no batters in 1.1 innings. Wesneski exhibited little control in the outing, recording just four outs while throwing only 37 of his 64 pitches for strikes. With a 7.50 ERA and a 2.83 WHIP across six innings over his first two starts of the season, Wesneski's spot in the rotation may be on thin ice. For now, the 25-year-old tentatively lines up for a start next Monday in Oakland, in what amounts to a good bounce-back opportunity versus a weak offense.
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