Chase Anderson (36, Colorado) is a veteran of 205 career major league games (187 starts) with 58 wins. He made his major league debut in 2014 with Arizona and has been a starter for Milwaukee, Toronto, and Philadelphia.
In 2017, he had a breakout year, going 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 25 starts, and from 2014 to 2019, he was a solid starter in the middle and back of the rotation, pitching more than 110 innings in six consecutive seasons. But as the years went by, his performance declined, and he was forced to sign a minor league deal before the 2022 season, with no offers from major league teams.
There were quite a few KBO teams interested in Anderson. While he showed limitations at the major league level, such as a lack of velocity, he had the skills to succeed in the KBO, with plenty of experience as a starter and a variety of pitches. His age and lack of variability made him a good candidate for an in-season replacement foreign pitcher.
In fact, it got to the point where a team made an offer to Anderson, and he reportedly received offers from KBO clubs as well. But in the end, he chose to give the major leagues another shot. Even though he was playing in the minor leagues at the time, he figured he’d get one more chance.
Anderson’s hopes were realized. He signed with Cincinnati, who needed a starting pitcher at the end of the season, and eventually found himself back in the majors. Despite a disappointing 2-4 record with a 6.38 ERA in nine games (seven starts), it meant a lot to him to continue his major league career.
Anderson did not receive a guaranteed major league contract this year. However, Cincinnati, who had utilized Anderson before, offered him a minor league contract, and he was then traded to Tampa Bay, where he was again in the majors this year. After Tampa Bay claimed him off waivers, Colorado called up the veteran, and he’s been struggling in the starting rotation ever since.
The 36-year-old veteran still has plenty of life left in him. In four starts since joining Colorado, he has pitched 21⅔ innings with no losses and a 2.08 ERA. He’s already made three starts at Coors Field, a graveyard for pitchers, all of which have gone five innings or more and allowed two runs or less.
On March 3 against Kansas City, he threw an efficient 80 pitches over six innings before giving up two runs on four hits (two homers) to earn another quality start (six or more innings and three earned runs or less). He made quick work of the Kansas City bats, and although he didn’t pick up the win, he painted a positive picture for his future in the rotation.
Colorado is currently dealing with Ryan Feltner and Antonio Senzatela on the disabled list. Until they return, there is a good chance that Anderson, who has 메이저놀이터 been on a steady stream, will continue to get opportunities. The Rockies will likely utilize Anderson this year while calling up and experimenting with younger pitchers in the minors. What the future holds for him in Colorado remains to be seen, but he could use this as a springboard to continue his major league career.
Anderson’s average velocity on his four-seam fastball jumped from 92 mph last year to 93.4 mph this year. That’s on par with his 2019 numbers. He’s making an exceptional case for his velocity to increase with age. It’s not a pitch that induces swings and misses, but it has good command, and it’s a borderline pitch that maximizes contact.
If he had come to Korea thinking his major league career would end here, there’s a good chance he wouldn’t have been given this last chance for a spark. The veteran, who has worked tirelessly and put his pride on the line, is getting the opportunity he wanted this year.