Rookie pitchers are seldom good investments in fantasy.

Like a quarterback in the NFL, there’s just so much to learn, even for polished pitchers with years of minor league experience under their belts. Scouting reports are more detailed, there’s more scrutiny and pressure on them, and the hitters are world class. Youngsters aren’t typically trustworthy enough to make the right adjustments and be useful in fantasy.

But, sometimes the rare exception comes along. He’s mature beyond his years with top-of-the-rotation stuff, and his organization has put a great deal of faith in him at the early age. Say hello to Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello.

Porcello has been a fixture in the Tigers’ rotation since Opening Day and has experienced, relatively speaking, a huge amount of success. His season hasn’t been perfect, and he has dealt with pitch count issues every step of the way, but the kid is worth owning more and more with every start he makes.

Check out his full free agent profile and see if he fits into your fantasy team’s plans. If he doesn’t, consider making appropriate moves to ensure that he does.

Porcello’s full profile
Status: Babyfaced, but with big upside
Basic Numbers: 6-4, 3.98 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
Trends: Is 5-1 in his last seven starts … has recorded a decision in 10 of his 11 starts
What to Watch For: More leash, heavier workload
Other Notes: Upside is sky-high, but like all young pitchers, consistency is a key … work load is another issue; he’s likely to have innings capped around 180 … has only thrown more than 90 pitches in one of his 11 starts … while quick hooks negatively impact his value in the short term, he stands a much better chance of pitching into September
Verdict: Add in all league formats, even shallow mixed leagues

See also: Free agent profiles home