When it comes to starting pitchers for your fantasy baseball team, there is Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and then everyone else. With that in mind, we’ll skip Kershaw as the most coveted, obvious and expensive starting pitcher and instead focus on pitchers that might bring better value and free up roster space for additional quality players. Let’s take a look at some potential gems in your fantasy baseball starting rotation.
Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals
Scherzer arrives from the Detroit Tigers to a Washington team in eager anticipation of what is expected to be a banner year with a serious look at the National League pennant. Scherzer had an ugly split with Detroit that was made public during last season and should thrive in the positive atmosphere of the Nats. He has worked over 213 innings the past two seasons and inspires plenty of confidence with a WHIP under 1.19 the past two seasons to go with 39 wins.
Jon Lester – Chicago Cubs
Few players have arrived with such hype as Lester did when he signed with the Cubs last December. Some believe that Lester’s dominant performance last year was a contract-year scenario but a deeper look at his record is indicative of a pitcher that has been among the best in the game since 2009. His numbers should only get better in the National League now that he will rarely have to deal with designated hitters.
Zach Greinke – Los Angeles Dodgers
The poor man’s Kershaw, Greinke has reached his prime and has been outright dominant in home games at Dodger Stadium. On any other team Greinke would be a serious contender to be the number one starter. Greinke had a tidy 1.15 WHIP last year.
Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals
Wainwright is coming off a 20-9 record last year with a 1.03 WHIP and a 2.38 earned run average. Current injury concerns have dropped his stock but that makes for a potential bargain ace for managers that have the brass to take a quality risk.
Sonny Gray – Oakland Athletics
Due to all of general manager Billy Beane’s off season moves, Gray now finds himself as the A’s number one starter. Gray was at his best when the A’s needed him most during their September drive to salvage a playoff spot. Keep in mind the Oakland Coliseum is among the most pitcher friendly parks in the game.
Matt Harvey – New York Mets
Harvey returns after Tommy John surgery and has been out for 17 months which means he should be mentally and physically fresh. Harvey’s last season of action was 2013 when he had a 0.93 WHIP and a tidy 2.27 earned run average. Harvey may prove to be a steal.
Phil Hughes – Minnesota Twins
Hughes is much better suited for Target Field in Minnesota than what was the case for him at Yankee Stadium in New York when he was with the Yankees. Few starting pitchers have better control than Hughes, who had an impressive 1.13 WHIP last year.
Jose Quintana – Chicago White Sox
Quintana should get far better run support after the White Sox lineup upgrades this past offseason. Quintana has proven to be a good fit at US Cellular Field with a curveball that is among the best in the game.
Yordano Ventura – Kansas City Royals
Few pitchers in the game can change speeds like Ventura and he can bring the heat when needed. A pitcher with such velocity potential should have the potential to rack up strikeouts at an improved rate. Ventura is 23 years of age with plenty of upside and should soon be reaching his prime. Last year’s Kansas City playoff charge will only server to add to his maturity and polish. Ventura is another potential sleeper.
CC Sabathia – New York Yankees
Sabathia made only eight starts last year due tom knee surgery and that may prove to be a blessing that sets up a big comeback season for 2015. While he is no longer an ace he has the potential to be a good value starter with a new knee that can help him get some of his velocity back.
