Justin SlatenBOS · RP

2026 review

Justin Slaten was a high-strikeout reliever for Boston whose ERA ran well above what his peripherals suggested. He posted a 4.60 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 31.1 IP over 36 games, with a 28.5 K% and a 5.8 BB% over 137 BF, picking up 2 W, 4 L, 17 HLD and 1 BS. He took a rehab assignment on May 3 and May 6 before he was activated from the 15-day IL on May 9, then was placed back on the 15-day IL on Aug 16, retroactive to Aug 13 for right elbow inflammation, missing 45 regular-season days. Drafted at NFBC ADP rank 1023, an occasional pick taken in 80 of 674 drafts, he finished 694th of 1472 in the TDK LABS 5x5 value rank, 410th of 811 pitchers and 309th of 575 relievers. His 4.60 ERA ran 1.66 above his 2.94 xERA over 137 BF. The TDK LABS card had him through a clean rehab outing in early May, working leverage setup innings in Boston's pen by early Jul, and sidelined with an elbow problem by early Sep.