Amidst a myriad of injuries and a suspended ace, the Brewers are reportedly set to call up left-hander Robert Gasser for his MLB debut. Gasser missed the start of 2024 but has been regarded — MLB.com rated him as the team’s fifth-best prospect — as a strong pitching prospect thanks to a good slider and hard-to-hit fastball.
A Look at Gasser
Left-hander Robert Gasser was drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft after a dominant junior season at Houston, a year in which he struck out 105 batters over 85.2 IP for the Cougars. Gasser was initially selected by the Padres but was sent to Milwaukee a year later in the Josh Hader deal.
Gasser’s walk rate jumped since going pro, as his 3.3 BB/9 career MiLB rate is higher than (2.6) in his junior season. Still, the walk numbers didn’t stop Gasser from ranking as one of the best Brewers prospects thanks to a strong arsenal.
The 24-year-old owns an above-average fastball that sits in the mid-90s but doesn’t have a high IVB (14.1” in 2024). What Gasser’s fastball does have is deception, as his flatter approach angle and lower release point make his fastball look like it’s carrying, even though the numbers don’t reflect that on paper.
Aside from his four-seamer and two-seamer, Gasser also has a changeup that sits around 7-9 MPH slower than his fastball, along with a cutter and a good sweeping slider that he used against opposite and same-sided hitters.
His four-seamer and secondary offerings allowed Gasser to pile up the strikeouts, despite usage of the two-seamer. Gasser struck out 166 over 135.1 IP in Triple-A last season and notched 17 over 12 innings in his three starts with Nashville this season.
The lefty dealt with a bone spur in his left elbow during the spring, which delayed his 2024 start.
Per reports, Robert Gasser will make his Brewers and MLB debuts on May 10 against the Cardinals. He’ll replace Freddy Peralta, who’s serving a five-game suspension.
Analysis
Heading into 2024, Gasser was likely to make it to the Majors at some point this season, given how well he performed at Triple-A. That time comes now, as injuries have begun to pile up for the Brewers, a team that sits in first place of the NL Central as of May 9
Wade Miley is done for 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, while Brandon Woodruff is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery that’ll keep him out for all of this season. DL Hall, acquired in the Corbin Burnes trade, is currently out with a knee issue.
Colin Rea and Joe Ross have delivered quality innings, while Bryse Wilson‘s also pitched well this season. And if Gasser can log quality innings on May 10, he could be more than just a spot starter.
Fantasy Outlook
We’ve liked Gasser for some time, as we noted last year that he could be a fantasy option soon. That time is now, as Gasser could be a notable piece in fantasy thanks to his high-strikeout volume.
WHIP is a concern for Gasser, a pitcher who’ll break out a sinker to induce contact at times and will walk batters. The good news for Gasser is that the Brewers infield, led by Willy Adames and Brice Turang, is very good, as the two own a combined OAA of +5 OAA.
NL-only and mixed league owners should watch Gasser.