Kris Medlen

2013

Subscribe now to see our 2013 outlook.

2012

Medlen missed most of the season after recovering from Tommy John surgery, but did return to make two impressive outings with the Braves. Despite pitching in just instructional league games during his recovery, Medlen was activated from the DL and was actually on the mound in the ninth inning in Atlanta's final game with a playoff spot on the line, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings. It bodes well for his 2012 fantasy value that he was impressive in his 2.1 innings of work after his return. The sample size may have been small, but it shows the coaching staff had a lot of faith in his stuff. While he's pitched well out of the bullpen, he looked like a future star once he joined the rotation in 2010 with a 3.86 ERA and 62:16 K:BB ratio in 84 innings over 14 starts. Medlen had strong strikeout rates with good control before his injury and could be an impact fantasy player as a starter next season. However, it's not clear if he'll get the opportunity given Atlanta's deep staff. His most upside may be if he's traded elsewhere. Still, he could put up strong strikeout totals even in a relief role.

2011

Medlen finally got his shot at the Atlanta rotation after working out of the bullpen late in 2009 and initially last season. He looked like a future star with a 3.86 ERA and 62:16 K:BB ratio in 84 innings over 14 starts. However, he hurt his elbow in August and will likely miss all of 2011 after Tommy John surgery.

2010

Medlen may be the hidden gem in Atlanta's pitching staff. Last season he dominated in his first trip to Triple-A and then improved after his first trial in the majors.. Medlen is a late bloomer as he turned 24 in October and only converted to pitching after college. He started last season at Triple-A and posted a 1.19 ERA and 44:10 K:BB ratio in 37.2 innings. He then struggled initially when called up to the majors, but posted a 2.80 ERA and 39:10 K:BB ratio in 35.1 innings after the All-Star break. It's not clear what role he'll have in 2010 as it's unlikely that there will be an opening in the starting rotation, but he could be a nice sleeper given his great strikeout rate and strong control.

2009

Medlen is a late bloomer as he turned 23 in October and only converted to pitching after college, but he showed his 2007 breakout season wasn't a fluke. He put up outstanding strikeout and control numbers at Double-A (120:27 K:BB ratio in 120.1 innings), while moving from the bullpen to the rotation. It's not clear if his future is as a starter or in the bullpen. He'll likely start the season at Triple-A, but it's not hard to see him winning a job in spring training or early in the season. He's a keeper to grab as a result.

2008

Medlen jumped from Low-A to Double-A last season while posting outstanding strikeout and control rates along the way (a combined 63:12 K:BB ratio in 47 innings). He's a bit old for a top prospect at 23 next season, but converted to pitching late after playing shortstop in college. He'll start at Double-A next season, but if he duplicates his control and strikeout numbers he could make the Atlanta bullpen at some point during the season. He may be a minor leaguer to grab in deeper keeper leagues as a result.