Dodgers: Could Brandon Morrow be a fantasy sleeper in 2018?

Brandon Morrow is one of the best stories in MLB this season and is a key contributor for the Dodgers. But, is already shaping up to be a sleeper RP in 2018?

The Dodgers took the first game of the World Series on the heels of a great outing from none other than, Clayton Kershaw. The hopeful formula for the Dodgers has usually been to have Kershaw go for eight, and then Kenley Jansen takes the ball in the ninth. But, an added new wrinkle into the Dodgers’ blueprint is thanks to the unbelievable reemergence of, Brandon Morrow.

Yes, that same Brandon Morrow who was a top-five pick in 2006 by the Mariners and has essentially been the human DL stint since he debuted in 2007. Morrow’s story is a roller coaster no doubt, but his raw arm talent is still unquestioned even through the myriad of injuries.

In 2014, he seemed to reach the end of his career after posting a 5.67 ERA for the Blue Jays over six starts. The Padres took a flier on him the following season, and he was solid, but could only make five starts thanks to injuries. In 2016, he came back again, yet now out of the bullpen for San Diego, and continued to show that his arm still had some life left in it.

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The Dodgers took a flier on Morrow this offseason with a non-guaranteed offer. Los Angeles kepy him in the organization as spring training passed, yet he started this season in AAA.

It is amazing to think that Morrow, who with all the injuries in the world and after posting a 7.20 ERA over 20 innings this season at AAA, would be getting the ball in the first game of a World Series to protect a lead.

After being promoted by the Dodgers in May, he would go on to finish the regular season with a 2.06 ERA/50 K/9 BB/10 HLD line. He became a staple in the backend of the Dodgers’ bullpen and was a key reason L.A. had the best bullpen in the National League.

Morrow’s raw stuff has never been in question. He did battle his fair share of command woes at times as his fastball sat near 100 mph, with late life at that, and his slider had some of the hardest break in the game.

His slider is still as nasty as ever, but the more impressive sign is that his fastball is back to hovering around triple digits. Which is up nearly four mph from just a season ago.

He may not start another game in his career, but it has been a long time since Brandon Morrow has looked like the guy that scouts thought he would become.

Just to put in perspective how dominant Morrow was to end the season, he surrendered just 17 singles over the last two months of the season while striking out 22 batters. He did not allow an XBH over that 20 inning span, and he did not get bit by the long ball once this season either.

Brandon Morrow’s road to this point certainly has its fair share of twists and turns. But, the stats do not lie and his performance this season will jolt him back into the fantasy realm.

He is a free agent at the end of the season. The Dodgers undoubtedly know his worth and will try to retain him. But, it is not out of the question that a team could entertain the thought of bringing him in as a closer too.

Either way, Morrow’s velocity and movement are back near the level that made him such a tantalizing talent years ago. He will be one of the best HLD picks next season if he stays in L.A., and if he leaves, he would become one of the best sleeper RP to take late in 2018.

Next: Orioles Manny Machado: 2018 Fantasy Outlook

Welcome back, Brandon Morrow.