Mariners Fantasy Baseball Projections: Are Bryan Woo or Bryce Miller worth it?

One of the most fun things that we have seen this offseason is the arguments amongst Mariners fans about who they prefer in Bryan Woo or Bryce Miller. I say that it's fun, because both of these young pitchers seem to have high ceilings, had a good 2023, and seem primed for success in 2024. It's ironic, because the world of fantasy baseball looks to be having the same arguments.

If you take a look at the rankings, they've got Bryce Miller at 55/198 and Bryan Woo at 53/203 (SP/overall). Essentially, they are ranked in the same spot. Even they're variability is similar, with Woo being ranked anywhere from 39-70 and Miller from 36-67.

Both Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo are worth of backend spots in your rotation

Sitting in the mid-50s, they're definitely worthy of being taken as a back end starting pitcher in your draft. They're going to be up all season, and will see anywhere from 160-180 IP. With Woo, he struck out 9.5/9 with a 1.209 WHIP in 2023. Miller had a lower K rate at 8.2/9, but a lower WHIP as well at 1.142. Miller had the better FIP as well.

If you get a full season out of them, there is no reason they wouldn't end up in that 110-150 ranked area, depending how there ERA v FIP luck plays out, and worthy of a top 30 finish in the SP rankings.

If Woo can get a handle on the bad BB outings while keeping up the strikeout rates, then he could take the lead over Miller. On the other hand, if the splitter/fastball combo plays well for Miller, he could see an increase in GB rate and Ks, giving him the upper hand.

Either way, taking a semi-flyer on one of these guys as one of your later pitchers seems like a great call, especially in the pitcher-friendly confines of Seattle.