Fantasy Baseball Pitchers to Watch This Season
Contents
- Top 10 pitchers to Watch This Season
- 5 breakout pitchers to keep an eye on
- 3 Fantasy Baseball sleepers who could be this year’s ace
- 10 pitchers who will rebound after a down year
- 5 up-and-coming pitchers to watch in dynasty leagues
- 3 pitchers who could be this year’s Cy Young winner
- 10 pitchers who are due for a breakout season
- 5 fantasy baseball busts to avoid this season
- 10 pitchers to target in trade talks
- 5 pitchers to stash on your bench
It’s that time of year again! Here are some fantasy baseball pitchers to keep your eye on this season.
Top 10 pitchers to Watch This Season
The MLB season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start preparing your fantasy team If you’re looking for some pitching help, here are 10 pitchers you should keep an eye on this season.
1. Gerrit Cole, Houston Astros
Cole had a breakout year in 2018, posting a 2.60 ERA and 290 strikeouts in 200 innings pitched He’s only getting better and should be one of the top fantasy pitchers this year.
2. Chris Sale Boston Red Sox
Sale is one of the best pitchers in baseball and is coming off another great season in which he posted a 2.11 ERA and 237 strikeouts in 158 innings pitched. He’s a surefire fantasy stud again this year.
3. Corey Kluber Cleveland Indians
Kluber is a two-time Cy Young winner and is coming off another excellent season in which he posted a 2.89 ERA and 222 strikeouts in 203 innings pitched. He’s guaranteed to be one of the top fantasy pitchers again this year.
4. Jacob Degrom New York Mets
deGrom had a historic season in 2018, posting a 1.70 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 217 innings pitched. He’s the reigning NL Cy Young winner and should be one of the best fantasy pitchers again this year.
5 Trevor Bauer, Cleveland Indians
Bauer had a breakout year in 2018, posting a 2.21 ERA and 221 strikeouts in 186 innings pitched. He’s only getting better and should be one of the top fantasy pitchers this year.
6 Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw is one of the best pitchers in baseball and is coming off another great season in which he posted a 2.73 ERA and 155 strikeouts in 149 innings pitched. He’s a surefire fantasy stud again this year.
7 Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets Syndergaard had a great season in 2018, posting a 2.97 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 191 innings pitched. He’s only getting better and should be one of the top fantasy pitchers this year. 8 Walker Buehler, Los Angeles Dodgers Buehler had a solid rookie season in 2018, posting a 3..35 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 137 innings pitched.. He has potential to be even better this year and could be one of the top fantasy pitchers.. 9 Zack Greinke Arizona Diamondbacks Greinke had another excellent season In 2018m posting ‘a 2..96 ERA ‘and 201 strikeouts’ In 206 innings pitched.. ‘He ‘s as consistent as they come ”and ‘should be ”one ”of ”the top ”fantasy”. 10 Luis Severino . New York Yankees Severino had another great season In 2018,. posting’a 3.’18 ‘ERA’. And 220 strikeouts In 191’innings ‘.pitched.’ .He Is only gettlngbetter ‘. And .could ‘.be .one .of .the ‘.top
5 breakout pitchers to keep an eye on
fantasy baseball is all about knowing which players are going to have a big year before anyone else does. If you can spot a breakout player early on, you’ll have a big advantage over the competition.
Here are five pitchers who could be in for a big season:
1. Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals
Strasburg was limited to just one start last season due to injury, but he’s healthy now and ready to anchor the Nationals’ rotation. He’s got electric stuff and should be in line for a lot of strikeouts this season.
2. Gerrit Cole, Houston Astros
Cole was acquired by the Astros in an offseason trade, and he’s expected to be a key piece of their rotation. He’s already shown glimpses of his potential, and he could be in for a big year playing for a contending team.
3. Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland Indians
Carrasco had a breakout season last year, pitching to a 3.29 ERA with nearly 200 strikeouts. He looks poised to build on that success this season, and he could emerge as one of the best pitchers in fantasy baseball
4. Madison Bumgarner San Francisco Giants
Bumgarner is coming off an injury-plagued season, but he’s healthy now and ready to return to form. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball, and he could put up big numbers if he stays healthy this season.
3 Fantasy Baseball sleepers who could be this year’s ace
In any given season, there are always a few surprise pitchers who outperform expectations and emerge as Fantasy baseball aces. Here are three pitchers who could be this year’s sleeper ace:
1. Blake Snell Tampa Bay Rays Snell had a breakout season in 2018, emerging as one of the best young pitchers in baseball. He posted a 1.89 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with 21 wins and 221 strikeouts in 180 innings pitched. He should be able to build on that success in 2019 and could emerge as fantasy baseball’s top pitcher.
2. Chris Sale, Boston Red Sox Sale was hampered by injuries for much of 2018 but still managed to put up solid numbers (1.97 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 27 wins). If he can stay healthy for a full season, he has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in fantasy baseball
3. Luis Severino, New York Yankees Severino had a down year in 2018 after posting back-to-back All-Star seasons in 2016 and 2017. However, he is still just 25 years old and has the potential to Bounce Back in a big way this season. If he can return to his All-Star form, he could be one of the best pitchers in Fantasy Baseball once again.
10 pitchers who will rebound after a down year
Fantasy Baseball is all about finding value where others don’t. That could mean drafting a player coming off an injury, betting on a youngster taking a big step forward or, as is the case here, identifying hurlers who are primed for a bounce-back campaign.
Here are 10 pitchers who will rebound after a down year in 2019:
5 up-and-coming pitchers to watch in dynasty leagues
In dynasty leagues, it’s always important to keep an eye on up-and-coming pitchers who may not be household names yet but have the potential to be dominant fantasy baseball players in the future. Here are five pitchers to keep an eye on this season:
1. Tony Gonsolin, Los Angeles Dodgers
Gonsolin made his MLB debut last season and was impressive in limited action, posting a 2.61 ERA in 21 innings pitched. He’s currently entrenched in the Dodgers’ starting rotation and should see significant action this season. He has the potential to be a top-10 fantasy baseball pitcher in 2020 and beyond.
2. Josh James, Houston Astros
James burst onto the scene last season with a string of dominant relief appearances for the Astros, posting a 1.23 ERA in 29 innings pitched. He’s currently competing for a spot in Houston’s starting rotation and has the potential to be a high-strikeout fantasy ace if given an opportunity to start regularly.
3. Framber Valdez, Houston Astros
Valdez is another up-and-coming Astros pitcher who made his MLB debut last season and was very impressive, posting a 3.57 ERA in 35 innings pitched (seven starts). He’s currently competing for a spot in Houston’s starting rotation and has the potential to be a high-strikeout fantasy ace if given an opportunity to start regularly.
4.Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Skubal is a highly touted pitching prospects who made his MLB debut last September and looked great in limited action, posting a 0.96 ERA in 9 innings pitched (two starts). He’s expected to begin the 2020 season in Detroit’s starting rotation and has the potential to be a high-strikeout fantasy ace if given an opportunity to start regularly.
5 Brendan McKay, Tampa Bay Rays
McKay is another highly touted pitching prospect who made his MLB debut last September and looked great in limited action, posting a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings pitched (two starts). He’s expected to begin the 2020 season in Tampa Bay’s starting rotation and has the potential to be a high-strikeout fantasy ace if given an opportunity
3 pitchers who could be this year’s Cy Young winner
Fantasy baseball is all about identifying breakout players who can perform at a high level and give your team an edge. Here are three pitchers who could be this year’s Cy Young winner:
1. Blake Snell, Tampa Bay Rays
Snell had a breakout season in 2018, posting a 1.89 ERA and 0.97 WHIP while striking out 221 batters in 180 innings pitched. He has the potential to be even better in 2019 and could be in line for a Cy Young Award
2. Chris Sale, Boston Red Sox
Chris Sale is one of the best pitchers in baseball and is always a candidate for the Cy Young Award He had a down year by his standards in 2018, but he still struck out 228 batters in 158 innings pitched. If he can return to his 2017 form, when he posted a 2.90 ERA, he could be in line for the Cy Young Award this season.
3. Justin Verlander, Houston Astros
Verlander had another excellent season in 2018, posting a 2.52 ERA and 0.90 WHIP while striking out 290 batters in 214 innings pitched. He has been one of the best pitchers in baseball for years and is always a contender for the Cy Young award.
10 pitchers who are due for a breakout season
It’s that time of year again. spring training is underway, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your fantasy baseball team If you’re looking for a few pitchers who are due for a breakout season, here are 10 names to keep an eye on.
Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
Bumgarner is coming off a down year, but he’s still just 28 years old and has one of the best fastballs in baseball. He’s also due for some positive regression after posting an inflated ERA last season.
Gerrit Cole, Houston Astros
Cole was dominant after being traded to the Astros last season, and there’s no reason to think he can’t pick up where he left off in 2018. He has elite stuff and should be one of the top pitchers in fantasy baseball this season.
Chris Archer, Tampa Bay Rays
Archer had a down year last season, but he’s still just 29 years old and has electric stuff. He struck out more than 200 batters in each of the previous three seasons, so don’t be surprised if he gets back to his old ways in 2018.
Jake Arrieta, Philadelphia Phillies
Arrieta struggled at times last season, but he still managed to post a solid 3.53 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. He’s also moving to a much friendlier ballpark this season, so there’s reason to believe he can bounce back in a big way in 2018.
Josh Harrison is an attractive sleeper option this season as he’s eligible at 2B and 3B. – Getty Images north american1102667972Josh Harrison, Pittsburgh PiratesHarrison is eligible at second base and third base this season, which makes him an attractive sleeper option in fantasy baseball drafts. He had a down year last season, but he still possess plenty of upside and could be a nice value pick in the later rounds of your draft.
5 fantasy baseball busts to avoid this season
Pitchers are always a gamble in fantasy baseball and even more so in 2020 with the COVID-19 shortened season Here are 5 pitchers who are unlikely to live up to their hype this season:
1. Yu Darvish, Chicago Cubs Darvish was one of the most sought-after pitchers in Free agency this offseason, but he’s struggled mightily in Spring Training In four starts, he’s posted an ERA of 9.82 and has given up six home runs He’s also struck out just nine batters in 16 innings pitched.
2. Sonny Gray Cincinnati Reds Gray was supposed to be a key part of the Reds’ rotation this season, but he’s been rocked in Spring Training posting an ERA of 8.38 in four starts. He’s also given up five home runs in just 15 innings pitched.
3. Charlie Morton, Tampa Bay Rays Morton was one of the best pitchers in baseball last season, but he’s struggled mightily this spring, posting an ERA of 9.35 in four starts. He’s also given up eight home runs in 16 innings pitched.
4. Felix Hernandez, Atlanta Braves Hernandez was once one of the best pitchers in baseball, but he’s fallen on hard times lately. He’s posted an ERA of 9.00 in four starts this spring and has given up seven Home Runs in 18 innings pitched.
5. Michael Pineda, Minnesota Twins Pineda is coming off a strong 2019 season, but he’s been awful this spring, posting an ERA of 10.13 in four starts . He’s also given up eight home runs in 18 innings pitched .
10 pitchers to target in trade talks
The following are ten pitchers who could be on the move during the season and could help bolster a fantasy baseball team’s pitching staff. All statistics are from the 2019 season.
1. Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
Bumgarner is a four-time All-Star and World Series champion. He is due to become a free agent after the season, and with the Giants struggling, they could look to move him at the trade deadline Bumgarner has a 3.90 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 2019.
2. Sonny Gray, Cincinnati Reds
Gray was an All-Star in 2015 with the New York Yankees He was dealt to the Reds last season and has struggled somewhat in Cincinnati, but he still has solid numbers overall. In 2019, Gray has a 4.51 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.
3. Zack Greinke, Houston Astros
Greinke is a six-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner. He’s been excellent since joining the Astros last season, helping them win the World Series in 2017. Greinke has a 2.90 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 2019.
4. Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers
Hader is one of the best relievers in baseball and he’s still just 24 years old. He’s under team control through 2022 and would be a pricey acquisition, but he could be well worth it for a contender needing help in the bullpen. Hader has a 2
5 pitchers to stash on your bench
fantasy baseball is all about building the best team possible, and that means stocking your bench with players who have the potential to contribute positively to your squad. Here are five pitchers who may not be household names yet, but who have the stuff to make an impact in Fantasy baseball this season:
1. Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox Giolito was one of the top prospects in baseball not too long ago, and he’s finally starting to live up to that hype. He had a breakout season in 2018, posting a 3.48 ERA and 1.14 WHIP while striking out nearly a batter per inning. Giolito is still just 24 years old, and he has the potential to be a fantasy ace for years to come.
2. Dinelson Lamet, San Diego Padres Lamet missed all of 2017 recovering from Tommy John surgery but he came back with a vengeance last season. In 14 starts, he posted a 3.35 ERA and 1.20 WHIP while striking out 100 batters in 77 innings pitched. Lamet has electric stuff and could easily be a top-30 fantasy starter this season if he stays healthy.
3.”Shohei Ohtani”: Ohtani was perhaps the most hyped player in recent memory when he came over from Japan prior to last season, and he didn’t disappoint. He was solid as a pitcher, posting a 3.31 ERA and 1.16 WHIP while striking out 139 batters in 136 innings pitched, and he was also productive at the plate, hitting .285 with 22 home runs in 367 plate appearances. Ohtani is eligible as both a pitcher and hitter in most fantasy leagues this season, making him an extremely valuable asset.
4.”Zack Wheeler”: Wheeler finally stayed healthy for an entire season last year, and the results were impressive. In 31 starts, he posted a 3.31 ERA and 1.;58 WHIP while striking out 182 batters in 182 innings pitched. Wheeler has always had potential, but injuries have held him back throughout his career. If he can stay on the mound this season, he could easily be a top-30 fantasy starter.
5.”Mike Minor”: Minor bounced back from shoulder surgery in style last season, posting a 2.;60 ERA and 0.;99 WHIP while striking out 140 batters in 155 innings pitched split between the Rangers and Braves bullpen.;He’s back starting this season after signing with Texas this offseason.;Minor has always been solid when healthy;;if he can stay on the mound this year,,he could easily be a top-40 fantasy starter.”