4. LHP MARCO GONZALES
2018 stats (as of 8/29/18): 12-9 / 4.32 ERA / 3.53 FIP / 1.28 WHIP / 2.8 fWAR
This is a “what have you done for me lately?” kind of league. For those that live by that mantra, then Gonzales’ inclusion in this list may trigger an irritation.
If that’s you, then first of all, you need to go home and rethink your life. Secondly, for the majority of the 2018 MLB season, Marco Gonzales was one of the best starters in the American League.
Up until the All-Star break, Gonzales was in the top 15 in FIP and BB/9 for American League starters. The great success, to be honest, was ahead of schedule for Gonzales, who entered his first full season since returning from Tommy John surgery.
With all that said, the wear and tear of a full season has finally caught up to Gonzales, who has struggled over his last month of work and has found himself on the disabled list with a neck injury.
Considering the major concerns regarding the starting rotation entering the 2018 season, Gonzales’ success has been a major bright spot for the Mariners, and is ultimately worthy of being a part of this list.