VEB 2018 Community Projections: Tyler Lyons

Originally brought up to the St. Louis Cardinals as a starting pitcher, Tyler Lyons concluded his second consecutive season pitching exclusively in relief in 2017, and it was a watershed season in his career so far. In fifty-four innings at the big league level, Lyons, for the first time, at a sub-3 ERA (2.83) and FIP (2.86) and he more than doubled his career FanGraphs WAR.

With three saves, two of which came in September after Trevor Rosenthal was shelved for the season following Tommy John surgery, Lyons showed at least some potential to serve in a closer role. While Luke Gregerson enters 2018 with the closer title to his name, the southpaw Lyons has shown that he is more than just a LOOGY candidate—Lyons was actually more effective in 2017 against right-handed batters (2.61 FIP) than against lefties (3.25 FIP). Lyons, 30, might be a bit older than you think, but he has perhaps found the role in the Majors he was meant to fill.

Let’s hear what Viva El Birdos editor/noted Tyler Lyons enthusiast Heather Simon has to say about him.

Okay, here’s this too.

I am Ginuwinely regretting signing up for this projections post. Before you come up with your projections, you can check out what ZiPS, Steamer, and Baseball Prospectus have to say about the matter. Okay, now you may vote.