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Starting Pitcher

All articles tagged with #starting pitcher

Stuff+ Sparks: 2026 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper Starters
sports15 days ago

Stuff+ Sparks: 2026 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper Starters

RotoBaller uses Stuff+, Location+, and Pitching+ metrics to identify 2025 starters who flashed elite stuff but underperformed, then highlights 2026 sleeper breakout candidates likely to be available later in drafts: Cam Schlittler (big fastball, room to harness third pitch), Ryan Pepiot (high-movement fastball with upside but slider needs work), Sandy Alcantara (post-TJ rebound potential with strong second half), Drew Rasmussen (high floor with a nasty cutter, potential for more strikeouts), Shane Baz (big stuff, needs a more consistent fourth pitch after a mid-season move), and Jack Leiter (big room for improvement with midseason adjustments). These pitchers offer upside in dynasty/redraft leagues for those chasing late-draft gains based on Stuff+ trends.

Blue Jays Keep Framber Valdez In Their Sights
sports1 month ago

Blue Jays Keep Framber Valdez In Their Sights

The Blue Jays remain in on free-agent starter Framber Valdez, having met him at the GM Meetings, and see him as a high-end #2 with ace potential to bolster a rotation that already includes Cease, Gausman, Bieber, Yesavage, Ponce and Berríos. Valdez’s late-season slump and age 32 temper expectations for a long-term deal, though Toronto could circle back if his market softens; they’re also weighing cheaper options like Max Scherzer. Signing Valdez would push Toronto’s CBT payroll toward the top of the MLB scale, reflecting its aggressive spending.

Rangers Bet on MacKenzie Gore’s Upside to Anchor 2026 Rotation
sports1 month ago

Rangers Bet on MacKenzie Gore’s Upside to Anchor 2026 Rotation

Texas traded five minor leaguers to add left-hander MacKenzie Gore, hoping his front-line upside can be unlocked in a Texas rotation behind a healthy Eovaldi and deGrom. Gore, 26 turning 27, is under club control for 2026–27 at a modest $5.6M and has flashed TORP (top-of-rotation pitcher) ability in bursts, but has battled command issues and injuries that have limited him to 2-3 win seasons overall. If Texas can refine his pitch usage and location, this could be a cost-controlled TORP upgrade; if not, he remains a solid 2-3 win pitcher and valuable depth for a playoff contender.

Yankees land Ryan Weathers to anchor rotation, send four prospects to Miami
sports1 month ago

Yankees land Ryan Weathers to anchor rotation, send four prospects to Miami

New York traded four prospects—led by Dillon Lewis—for left-hander Ryan Weathers, hoping the 26-year-old can solidify the fifth spot and provide a reliable, controllable starter for the next two seasons. Weathers has shown a legitimate MLB ceiling thanks to velocity upgrades (fastball around 97 mph) and improved changeup and sweeper, turning from a fringe depth option into a bona fide rotation piece, and the move gives the Yankees flexibility to pursue further upgrades without sacrificing long-term depth. The deal also reflects Miami’s rebuild approach, monetizing upside while addressing needs on both sides.

Reds' Francona Clarifies Hunter Greene Trade Outlook
sports3 months ago

Reds' Francona Clarifies Hunter Greene Trade Outlook

Cincinnati Reds' manager Terry Francona and team president Nick Krall have downplayed the possibility of trading young ace Hunter Greene, emphasizing the importance of keeping him due to the difficulty of acquiring such pitching talent and his recent strong performance. Greene, under a favorable contract, is considered a valuable asset, and the Reds have a stable group of young starters that they aim to retain.

MLB Trade Rumors: Padres and Yankees Eyeing Surprising Pitchers
sports7 months ago

MLB Trade Rumors: Padres and Yankees Eyeing Surprising Pitchers

The Boston Red Sox are considering acquiring Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres as part of trade deadline moves, with Cease being a surprising starter being floated in trade talks due to his potential despite a down year and playoff struggles. Cease's strong stuff and upcoming free agency make him an intriguing, cost-effective option for the Red Sox, who are below the luxury tax threshold.

Yankees' Clarke Schmidt Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
sports8 months ago

Yankees' Clarke Schmidt Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery

Clarke Schmidt of the New York Yankees is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the season and possibly most of the next. The Yankees face the challenge of replacing a key pitcher and are considering internal options like prospect Cam Schlittler or acquiring a veteran starter through trades, with potential targets including Sandy Alcantara and Freddy Peralta, as the trade deadline approaches.

Dylan Cease Emerges as Hot Commodity in MLB Trade Talks
sports1 year ago

Dylan Cease Emerges as Hot Commodity in MLB Trade Talks

The Baltimore Orioles are in need of an ace pitcher to compete in the AL East, especially after rivals like the Yankees and Red Sox bolstered their rotations. With limited options available, the Orioles are eyeing Dylan Cease, who is reportedly on the trade market as the Padres explore his value before he hits free agency. Cease, a consistent performer with a strong track record, could be a key acquisition for the Orioles if they are serious about contending for the World Series in 2025.

Mets and MLB Teams Eye Clay Holmes for Starting Rotation
sports1 year ago

Mets and MLB Teams Eye Clay Holmes for Starting Rotation

MLB teams, including the Mets, are considering transitioning reliever Clay Holmes into a starting pitcher role. Holmes, who hasn't started since 2018 but was a starter in the minors, is seen as a potential rotation asset due to his diverse pitching arsenal and durability. This interest follows recent successful transitions of relievers to starters, like Seth Lugo and Michael King. The Mets, avoiding high-end rotation markets, might offer Holmes a short-term deal, leveraging his ability to also serve as a reliever if needed.

Red Sox Eye Blockbuster Trade for Ace Pitcher This Offseason
sports1 year ago

Red Sox Eye Blockbuster Trade for Ace Pitcher This Offseason

The Boston Red Sox are in a strong position to make a blockbuster trade for a starting pitcher this offseason, thanks to their impressive pool of young talent, including pre-arbitration players and top prospects like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. At the GM Meetings, there's a belief that the Red Sox can trade for nearly any player, though they may choose to retain their promising prospects for future team development.

"Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Top Week 2 Pickups and Players to Watch"
fantasy-baseball1 year ago

"Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Top Week 2 Pickups and Players to Watch"

With injuries affecting fantasy teams, managers are seeking help on the waiver wire for players like Elias Díaz, Tyler Wade, Connor Joe, Nick Martini, Zack Littell, and Ian Hamilton, who have shown promising performances early in the season. These players offer potential value in various positions, making them enticing options for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters.

"Justin Steele's Opening Day Cut Short by Hamstring Injury"
sports1 year ago

"Justin Steele's Opening Day Cut Short by Hamstring Injury"

Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele likely headed to the injured list with a left hamstring injury after leaving his Opening Day start early; the severity of the injury will be determined after an MRI. The team is considering options to fill his spot in the rotation, with Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski, and Ben Brown among the potential candidates.

"Luis Gil Secures Yankees' Fifth Starter Role for Opening Day"
sports1 year ago

"Luis Gil Secures Yankees' Fifth Starter Role for Opening Day"

Luis Gil has secured the New York Yankees' fifth starter position for the upcoming season due to an impressive spring performance, standing out even against strong competition. Having not pitched in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Gil's standout outing against the Phillies demonstrated his potential as a valuable asset for the team, with his first start scheduled for next Monday against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix while the Yankees anticipate being without Gerrit Cole for at least the first two months of the season.