Cracking the Code: Your Ultimate Guide to Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Ranks
Alright, baseball fanatics! Buckle up as we dive into the exciting world of fantasy baseball, specifically focusing on starting pitcher ranks. We know you're here because you want to draft the best arms for your team, and we're here to help you do just that. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy baseball starting pitcher ranks.
Understanding Starting Pitcher Ranks
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of ranks, let's ensure we're on the same page. Starting pitchers, or SP, are the backbone of your fantasy baseball team. They're the ones who take the mound first and are responsible for eating up the most innings. In most fantasy leagues, you'll be starting two SPs per week, so it's crucial to have a solid rotation.
The ranks you'll see are based on a variety of factors, including:
- Previous Season's Performance: Past performance is the best predictor of future results, right? So, we look at how pitchers fared last season. - Injury History: Pitchers are fragile creatures, and injuries can derail their season. We'll consider their health when ranking. - Team Defense: A pitcher's record can often be a product of the defense behind them. We'll consider the team's defense when ranking. - Pitching Environment: Some ballparks are more hitter-friendly than others. We'll consider the park factors when ranking.
Top 10 Starting Pitcher Ranks for 2023
Now that we've got the basics down, let's reveal our top 10 starting pitcher ranks for the 2023 fantasy baseball season. Remember, these ranks are based on a standard 5x5 rotisserie league, with the usual categories (W, L, ERA, WHIP, K).
1. Gerrit Cole, NYY - The Ace of Aces Cole has been nothing short of dominant since joining the Yankees. With a fastball that touches triple digits and a devastating slider, he's a lock for 20+ wins and 250+ strikeouts. His ERA and WHIP might not be elite, but he's a safe bet for the top spot in starting pitcher ranks.
2. Max Scherzer, NYM - The Mad Max Show Scherzer might be 38, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. He led the league in strikeouts last season and has a career 3.16 ERA. His control might not be as sharp as it once was, but he's still a top-tier SP.
3. Shohei Ohtani, LAA - The Two-Way Phenom Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation talent, and he's only getting better. In his first full season as a starting pitcher, he posted a 2.33 ERA and 156 strikeouts. With his bat and on the mound, he's a must-draft.
4. Corbin Burnes, MIL - The Unhittable Burnes Burnes won the NL Cy Young in 2021 and followed it up with a solid 2022 season. His curveball is one of the best in baseball, and he's a strikeout machine. His ERA might not always be elite, but he's a reliable SP2.
5. Jacob deGrom, TEX - The Return of the King deGrom is back after spending most of the past two seasons on the IL. When healthy, he's one of the best pitchers in baseball. If he can stay on the mound, he'll be a steal in the late first round.
6. Justin Verlander, HOU - The Ageless Wonder Verlander is 39, but you wouldn't know it by looking at his stats. He won the AL Cy Young in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down. His slider is still filthy, and he's a safe bet for 20 wins and 200 strikeouts.
7. Zack Wheeler, PHI - The Workhorse Wheeler has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball over the past few seasons. He throws a lot of innings, strikes out a batter an inning, and has a sub-3.00 ERA. He's a great SP2 or SP3.
8. Robbie Ray, SEA - The Breakout Star Ray won the AL Cy Young in 2021 and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since. He's a strikeout artist and has a 3.45 ERA over the past two seasons. He's a great value in the mid-rounds.
- 9. Walker Buehler, LAD - The Ace in Waiting Buehler has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since debuting in
- 2017. He's a strikeout machine and has a sub-3.00 ERA over the past three seasons. He's a great SP1 or SP2.
10. Freddie Freeman, CHC - The Pitcher, Not the First Baseman Yes, you read that right. Freeman is making the transition to pitcher for the 2023 season. He's a long shot, but if he can translate his baseball IQ and work ethic to the mound, he could be a sleeper pick.
Sleepers and Busts
Now that we've covered the top 10, let's talk about some sleepers and busts for the 2023 season.
Sleepers:
- 2023. He's got a lot of hype, but he's being drafted outside the top
- 100. If he can live up to the hype, he could be a steal. - Hunter Greene, CIN - Another top prospect, Hunter Greene has one of the best fastballs in baseball. He struggled in his debut season but has the potential to be a top-tier SP. - Grayson Rodriguez, BAL - Rodriguez is another top prospect who could make an impact in
- 2023. He's got a great changeup and could be a sleeper in the mid-rounds.
Busts:
- Mike Clevinger, TOR - Clevinger has been injury-prone over the past few seasons and is coming off a disappointing 2022 campaign. He's being drafted as a top-20 SP, but we're not convinced he's worth the risk. - Carlos Rodon, NYY - Rodon had a breakout season in 2021 but struggled in 2022. He's moving to a hitter-friendly park in Yankee Stadium, which could limit his upside. - Joe Ryan, MIN - Ryan had a great rookie season but is being drafted as a top-50 SP. We think he's more of a SP4 or SP5 and could be a bust if you draft him too early.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, folks! Our ultimate guide to fantasy baseball starting pitcher ranks for the 2023 season. Remember, the key to a successful fantasy baseball team is having a solid rotation. So, don't be afraid to invest in starting pitchers early in your draft.
We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask. We're always here to help!
Now go out there and dominate your fantasy baseball leagues! We believe in you!