As we gear up for the Fantasy Baseball 2025 season, I recently released my comprehensive Top 400 Starting Pitchers list at the end of February, along with an updated version of the Top 100 Starting Pitchers last week. If you haven't checked it out yet, I highly recommend diving into it! To further assist your fantasy draft strategy, I've crafted a series of smaller articles focused on players you should target for specific categories or at particular points in your draft. You can find this article and others in our 2025 Draft Kit.
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Dustin May is back and ready to make an impact! With him securing the SP 5 role for the Dodgers, he should be on every fantasy manager's radar. May features a hard sinker that boasts incredible horizontal break, making it a nightmare for right-handed batters. His sinker, clocking in at over 97 mph, has the potential to dominate games. Additionally, he has shown strikeout potential with a 93 mph cutter and an 86 mph curveball. Assuming he stays healthy after his Tommy John surgery and esophagus surgery, this season could mark the resurgence of May as a legitimate ace. While I wish he had a bit more whiffability and a changeup to challenge left-handers, the foundation of his skill set is solid. I anticipate the Dodgers will choose between May and Miller as their fifth starter, and I want both on my fantasy teams.
Quick Take: If May secures the SP 5 job, he’s a must-draft. His 97 mph sinker is a game-changer, and he’s on the verge of unleashing his full potential with additional innings.
Grant Holmes, affectionately known as "The Real Estate Broker," is another sleeper I’m excited about. Last season, he showcased three pitches with a 15%+ SwStr rate, a 65%+ strike rate, and a sub 40% ICR against right-handed hitters. His four-seamer effectively spots the edges of the zone, setting up his filthy slider and curveball. Although his sample size was limited to just under 70 innings, the results were promising. However, he does face challenges against left-handed batters, as his four-seamer lacks the precision he shows against righties. Despite this, his slider and curve have returned outstanding strike rates of over 70% and a 24% SwStr rate. With the Atlanta Braves not adding significant depth to their rotation, Holmes is likely to start as the 4 starter out of spring training, putting him in a prime position for consistent production.
Quick Take: Holmes’s precise fastball against right-handers allows his elite slider and curve to shine. While he may struggle against lefties, his late draft price makes him an excellent target for overall value.
Sawyer Gipson-Long underwent Internal Brace surgery in late April and will likely miss the start of the season, but he should be on your radar for a mid-season return around the All-Star break. His injury history includes a setback with his hip, so he might initially be sent to the minors before rejoining the rotation. This is a player to consider stashing on your injured list. Gipson-Long has a remarkable 7.5 feet of extension and was consistently sitting at 94 mph with a true sinker that boasts a 93rd percentile drop. His slider and changeup are effective, and he excels at keeping the ball down in the zone. This unique skill set, combined with impressive command, makes him an intriguing sleeper, especially for draft-and-hold leagues.
Quick Take: Gipson-Long’s blend of vertical pitches and exceptional extension could make him a legitimate starter upon his return. He’s a sneaky IL stash worth considering.
Max Meyer has a standout slider, but that's where the praise stops. His four-seamer struggled last season, with just one game where he recorded seven whiffs against Atlanta, while failing to reach five in other outings. The changeup also lacked effectiveness, failing to achieve a 50% strike rate. However, Meyer is still a young arm with potential. While I have reservations about his four-seamer’s improvement, if he can develop his changeup or another pitch, he could find consistent success in fantasy leagues. His performance this spring has shown promise, and I’m eager to see how he develops.
Quick Take: Meyer’s slider is excellent, but his overall production hinges on the development of his other pitches. Keep an eye on him as a potential breakout player this season.
Richard Fitts showed flashes of brilliance last year and is in contention to become the 5 SP for the Red Sox, especially with Bello and Crawford likely starting the season on the injured list. Fitts has ramped up his velocity to over 97 mph this year, a significant increase from his previous performance. Alongside his fastball, he features two effective breaking balls that could make him a valuable asset in all fantasy leagues. Keep a close watch on him as he battles for a spot in the rotation.
Quick Take: With his impressive velocity and pitch mix, Fitts could be a worthwhile pick in all formats. Monitor his progress closely as he fights for a rotation spot.
