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It’s time for regular updates to THE LIST, where I rank the best 100 starting pitchers in baseball every week.
For each edition of The List, I have a set of rules to outline my thought process and how to best use these rankings. Please take note:
- This is 5×5, 12-teamer, H2H format focused (Wins, not QS). It generally is the same as roto as well, but make sure you adjust accordingly.
- Before the notes and rankings, an injury table outlines where players would be relatively ranked if they were fully healthy. It’s the best way to tackle how to value players on the IL.
- If a player is on the IL or not confirmed inside the rotation, they aren’t on the List. That includes injuries and guys in the minors, but there are exceptions for players who are expected to be in the rotation but are being skipped this week.
- Since this is a 12-teamer, I heavily weigh upside in the back-half of the rankings. The HIPSTER players are likely going to underperform those labeled as a Toby across a full season, but it’s in your best interest to chase ceiling vs. floor in many cases. Pick the one that you need most in your situation, of course.
- I’ve made a decision to limit labels to just two labels per player, with few exceptions for a second. It streamlines the process much better and hopefully gives you a more targeted understanding of the player.
- The notes outline oh-so-much to help your team. Please read the notes if you can instead of just scrolling to the bottom.
Before we begin, here is the Top 100 List table without scrolling for those with PL Pro:
Per usual, I’ve taken all of our injured compatriots and thrown them into a separate table. Injuries are so strange and instead of shoving them at random moments on The List, I’ve elected to throw all of them into one table here for you, the wise fantasy manager, to determine their value on your IL or bench.
It’s so hard to determine where injured arms should go, so I elected to merge the in-season List with the pre-draft rankings into one table that outlines the general area where they’d be ranked when at full strength.
I also get many questions about stashing minor league SPs and it’s not my best strength. I spend a ton of energy on SPs currently inside rotations that it’s difficult to stay on top of the budding minor league arms. That said, I have a very loose SP stash list, that is all about “If this guy were up right now, would he be an auto-add or a spec-add?”, with a sprinkle of favoring their ETA.
Treat it s a bonus table, not a proclamation of the future. It’s just a general idea and I’m sure I’m missing someone or may have one or two guys flipped in time. I have highlighted in green the guys I think who will be up before the ASB and make a solid impact:
Lastly, I heavily recommend you follow my daily SP Roundup that outlines all pitcher performances through the season, as each week’s update will reflect the comments and findings from those daily articles. If you’re unfamiliar with some of the players listed, I highly recommend reading my 75,000+ word Top 400 Starting Pitchers from February. Many things will have changed, but the root of my perception of these players is outlined there.
Let’s get to it.
Ranking Notes
- This is your reminder to please read these notes as they’ll tell you plenty about why “someone moved up” or “why is he at #X?!”
- Seriously. Read the notes.
- I HAVE MOVED IL ARMS OFF THE LIST. It’s the reason why a lot of arms have gone up.
- I know there are going to be a ton of comments about I hate how much these rankings change each week and I’m going to get out ahead of them here.
- These rankings mostly change in the back half of The List as that’s your waiver wire. Those aren’t the players you hold onto throughout the year like your SPs 1-4, which means we’re going to be a bit more chaotic and roll with the waves more aggressively. If I see elements that suggest a pitcher could be a Top 40 arm, I’m going to move up a ton from the 80s to the 60s. Shazam, there we go.
Injured Pitchers Removed From The List: Dylan Cease (16), Logan Henderson (29), Edward Cabrera (59)
Injured Pitchers Added To The List: Gerrit Cole (15), Jared Jones (32), Logan Webb (38), Troy Melton (47), Taj Bradley (59)
Automatic Bump/Fall For Pitchers In The Top 60: (-2 Spots)
Tier 1 – Luke, We’ve Got Company
1. Paul Skenes (PIT) – He’s had two starts of struggles, but holds on for another week.
2. Jacob Misiorowski (MIL) – The fastball is unstoppable. Nearly 70% strikes at a 22% SwStr rate and 42% CSW is unreal.
3. Chris Sale (ATL) – Sale has done nothing but dominate, while the injury risk hasn’t appeared.
4. Cam Schlittler (NYY) – Schlittler isn’t SP #2, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t incredible.
5. Cristopher Sánchez (PHI) – He’s gone on a massive scoreless streak to redeem himself from his hit-astrophe earlier in the year.
Tier 2 – The Aces
6. Chase Burns (CIN) – Burns has an argument for the top tier and he may demand it by next week.
7. Jacob deGrom (TEX) – Two starts of annoying HRs and here we are. So strange to see few slider whiffs and a pull back on the heater in his last start.
8. Shohei Ohtani (LAD) – Why does he have to go every sixth day? It’s not fair.
9. Bryan Woo (SEA) – Woo had another stumble and I’m not panicking. The heaters are still elite.
10. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) – The Inquisitor isn’t overpowering batters as much as we saw last season, but that’s just fine.
11. Zack Wheeler (PHI) – It’s so great to have the veteran ace back where he belongs.
12. Joe Ryan (MIN) – Three straight fantastic starts since his injury scare, all at 93+ mph.
Tier 3 – You’re Dope But Not Dope. Yet.
13. Nathan Eovaldi (TEX) – Eovaldi has gone fastball-less to LHB and/or RHB at times and it’s awesome.
14. Kevin Gausman (TOR) – Gausman is Gausman.
15. Gerrit Cole (NYY) – He’s back, but not back back. The slider wasn’t killer and the heater didn’t dominate up. Give him a start or two.
16. Kyle Harrison (MIL) – The four-seamer is incredible, and has created the foundational pitch Harrison has always wanted. As long as the curve and/or change are decent on a given night, he cruises.
17. Nolan McLean (NYM) – McLean has yet to go six shutout frames this year. Two rough outings aren’t a death sentence, and I imagine he’ll improve as he gets more frames under his belt.
18. Logan Gilbert (SEA) – With Cease on the IL, Gilbert is the premium Cherry Bomb now.
19. Drew Rasmussen (TBR) – Rasmussen’s embrace of the changeup is a positive for the long term, while the holy trinity of four-seamers, sinkers, and cutters are very much alive and well.
20. Gavin Williams (CLE) – His strike rates are through the roof and it propelled another fantastic outing.
21. Carlos Rodón (NYY) – Rodón got his first productive outing underneath him, and I expect more to follow. Still a little wild, though.
22. Shota Imanaga (CHC) – IM AN AGA. Yes, in your heart. For now, stop allowing HRs and we’ll get you back up there, alright? Thanks for returning to 92 mph last start.
23. George Kirby (SEA) – Kirby is sure to find an approach that truly works for him in the future. One day.
Tier 4 – Quality Volume Most Of The Time
24. Braxton Ashcraft (PIT) – I want to see one more of Golden Brax dominating with his breakers before pushing him into the next tier.
25. Jesús Luzardo (PHI) – Luzardo just had some of the best pitch separation against RHB I’ve ever seen from him. I wonder if that sticks.
26. Parker Messick (CLE) – Messick’s cutter has disappeared, oddly enough, while embracing more sinkers to RHB. He’s not as tantalizing as the others, but he’s a rock solid ratio arm.
27. Shane McClanahan (TBR) – McShane has returned 0 ER in five of his last six starts.
28. José Soriano (LAA) – Soriano’s four-seamer strike rate has been steady and after turbulent waters, it may be time to elevate him again. One more week, yeah?
Tier 5 – Everyone Who Sees This Wants It Ranked Differently
29. Landen Roupp (SFG) – We are witnessing the breakout season in front of us. His command is legit with a great array of weapons, including a curveball that can return up to 25″ of sweep.
30. Payton Tolle (BOS) – The fastballs are simply too good. He’s maintained high strike rates enough that I can look past the lack of trust in his secondaries.
31. Max Meyer (MIA) – He’s propelled up The List with his massive four-seamer gains that have given his elite breakers the support they need.
32. Jared Jones (PIT) – HE’S BACK. Probably. I maaaay be jumping the gun without 100% confirmation of a return this weekend, but it’s either this weekend or next for Jones, who has been tearing it up in his rehab.
33. Bryce Miller (SEA) – Miller is currently in a piggy-back situation with Luis Castillo, and it’ll come to an end in due time (all six starters are healthy for the Mariners and sadly, that isn’t meant to last). Meanwhile, Miller’s arsenal is as good as it’s ever been.
34. Ryan Weathers (NYY) – I see a lot of Jesús Luzardo in Weathers and it makes me a little cautious that his low floor can appear on a given night. Plug your nose and let er fly.
Tier 6 – I Feel Like The Guy With Too Many Limes
35. Freddy Peralta (NYM) – This tier was so difficult to craft. Peralta leads it off, acting like a right-handed Robbie Ray, when Ray isn’t going through his worst moment in years. Peralta isn’t the reliable stud of old.
36. Michael King (SDP) – King was looking fantastic until it suddenly came apart last time out. I’m really torn about King, and ultimately, I’m going to put him in this Cherry Bomb / Holly mixed tier.
37. Sonny Gray (BOS) – He’s more often Sonny than Gray, don’t think too much about it.
38. Logan Webb (SFG) – Webb is expected back this weekend and here’s to hoping he’s exiled whatever spell took over him for the first month of the season.
39. Will Warren (NYY) – I wish there was more than Warren’s four-seamer and sinker leading the way. I see more of a 23% strikeout arm than the 26%+ clip we’re seeing now.
40. Nick Lodolo (CIN) – Sometimes, all you need is a date with the Mets to get you back on your feet. Lodolo’s curveball was rough until a 65% strike rate against New York. Thanks, fellas.
41. Kyle Bradish (BAL) – All I want to do is get hyped about Bradish after he struggled across April, but he has yet to have both his slider and curveball cooking at the same time, reducing his strikeout ability. It puts me in a bit of purgatory until he fires on all cylinders.
42. Framber Valdez (DET) – Valdez is a pendulum of a man – He’s a Cherry Bomb who has routinely produced poor ratios until he goes on an absurd run, and makes you forget you had any anxieties at all. It’s usually propelled by his curveball feel, which has wavered thus far.
43. Connelly Early (BOS) – Early is solid, but lacks the elite changeup or excellent slider that normally takes over to ensure strikeouts flow. I expect one, if not both, to take a step forward over the year.
44. Michael Soroka (ARI) – His pitch separation is stellar, though the cutter has faded and his fastballs are a little more hittable than I’d like. Still a big fan, just recognizing that he has a limited ceiling.
45. Spencer Strider (ATL) – Strider impressed me with a wider arsenal of double-digit curveballs and changeups last time out, though I still worry that his four-seamer fails to eclipse a 10% SwStr rate.
46. Emmet Sheehan (LAD) – SNIP SNAP, SNIP SNAP. I can’t throw him up The List until he produces a string of strong outings. Until then, he’s just a Cherry Bomb. Can he get all three of the 94 mph heater, slider, and change dominating on a given night?
47. Troy Melton (DET) – We saw the return of Melton in a clear Still ILL, and he presented a Holly, not a stud in the making. It could very well be unrepresentative of the man we get over the year, but I am tempering my expectations until he displays a pitch batters learn to fear.
48. Trey Yesavage (TOR) – I’m not sold that Yesavage’s command can be trusted quite yet, but I have to reward a great start against the Yankees, and his outing against the Marlins was looking great until he ran into trouble late. The splitter is getting better.
Tier 7 – Fine, You Need Some Innings
49. Ryne Nelson (ARI) – I have Nelson slightly lower than Tier 6 simply because his ceiling appears to be a touch lower after failing to keep the strikeouts flowing. Still a solid arm.
50. Emerson Hancock (SEA) – It’s not quite the same Hancock we saw earlier in the year, and I worry that his four-seamer is getting worse movement with every start.
51. Davis Martin (CHW) – Martin finally hit a wall, featuring sinkers well over the plate after many weeks of dotting the edges. He deserves a mulligan after a long string of dominance, and we’ll talk next week.
52. Bryce Elder (ATL) – He’s still doing it. I have no idea how. It’s bonkers.
53. Merrill Kelly (ARI) – Kelly’s command got on track four starts ago and we’re riding this one until he gives us a good reason not to.
54. Connor Prielipp (MIN) – I read Crumpler’s Roundup on Saturday and he made a great point about Prielipp – he’s yet to have both his changeup and slider working. I may have been wishcasting a little too much that the changeup will come together, but I’d be surprised if the slowball doesn’t take form across the next month.
55. Michael Wacha (KCR) – We huddled together in fear of his start against the Yankees, and he took them down for the second time in five weeks. The four-seamer, change, and curve are cooking.
56. Nick Martinez (TBR) – He was a bit fortunate to allow 10 baserunners and return just one earned run to his name, and he seems far closer to the end of his run than his fellow Vargas Rule peers.
Tier 8 – WHAT DO I DO WITH YOU
57. Bubba Chandler (PIT) – Finally. I worry his 11 strikeout performance was a Dennis, but then again, just throwing more pitches in the zone may be all he needed to do. Now we hope.
58. Eury Pérez (MIA) – Pérez has had a pair of starts with improved command to RHB, but he’s still flailing a bit too much against LHB. I really hope he can make it happen.
59. Taj Bradley (MIN) – I expected worse when Bradley returned from the IL, and instead, he picked up right where he left off. Do it again, and you’re going into Tier 6.
60. Robbie Ray (SFG) – Those last two starts were horrific. He’s suddenly lost his feel for everything and it’s just so sudden that I don’t believe it’s real. Maybe there’s a hidden injury? I don’t want to move him any more after just two starts, but these were bad. Let’s be real, SEVEN WALKS?!
61. Reid Detmers (LAA) – On the flip side, Detmers earned a Golden Goal with fourteen strikeouts last time out. The slider was fantastic again, quelling my fears that the breaker would fade. It’s just one start, though, so we have to be aware of the chance it was a Dennis. I sure hope not.
62. MacKenzie Gore (TEX) – Same with Gore, who located his secondaries incredibly well for the first time in a long time.
Tier 9 – These Could Be Holds All Year
63. Griffin Jax (TBR) – He’s not fully stretched out yet – 66 and 62 pitches in his last two starts – and I’m waiting until he displays the same stuff quality over 75+ pitches without walking the farm before pushing him up further.
64. Christian Scott (NYM) – We saw Scott return to 5+ frames and I see a Toby if not more across 15-20 more starts.
65. Spencer Arrighetti (HOU) – He’s shockingly close to being a legit fantasy arm. His four-seamer has elite extension and a flat attack angle, while he’s abandoned the sinker and cutter that should be amplified by the heater, in favor of curveballs that oscillate between well-executed and floated over the plate. When he locks in, it’s a ten strikeout game. If he takes a step back, it’ll hurt more than most.
66. Zebby Matthews (MIN) – That’s three games of production from Matthews, who is still featuring diminished velocity on all his secondaries, including the slider that overperformed last time out. I’m not sold he’s a better version of his catastrophic 2025 iteration, and I’d continue with caution.
67. Sandy Alcantara (MIA) – It doesn’t seem fair lowering him so much after a poor start against Atlanta. I also looked at all the arms above him on The List and realized I’d rather see how they progress over the ball-and-chain of Alcantara’s HIPSTER results.
Tier 10 – Okay, This Is Fine
68. Foster Griffin (WSH) – He had a rough patch and looked much better last time out. He could be settling into a solid Toby role moving forward.
69. Casey Mize (DET) – Mize’s slider is still good, and the splitter is working to LHB. The fastball is a little worrisome, though.
70. Randy Vásquez (SFG) – He’s not getting the same whiffs we saw earlier in the year, but he is still generally hard to hit.
71. Trevor McDonald (SFG) – McDonald just had a ghastly outing with poor command across the board. There’s a chance he gets demoted over Houser or Mahle when Webb returns, forcing him out of Tier 9. If he had a secure rotation spot, I’d expect McDonald to rebound.
72. Peter Lambert (HOU) – His changeup isn’t as sharp as we saw in his first two outings, but the Astros will let him go six frames often.
73. Ranger Suarez (BOS) – I’m likely more worried than I should be after watching his last outing, though Suarez has historically been a man of rhythm. He fell out of it last week and now has a tough schedule. I don’t feel that I have to hold onto this.
Tier 11 – What Will They Become?
74. Walbert Ureña (LAA) – His changeup has been stellar, and I wonder if the rest of his arsenal can find enough strikes to complement it. So far so good.
75. Andrew Abbott (CIN) – We’ve seen a chain of successful results from Abbott, but his most recent start was the most promising with both his changeup and four-seamer landing where they should against RHB. Hopefully it means that the strikeouts will come soon.
76. Ben Brown (CHC) – I’ve been vocal about my distrust of Brown (three straight starts of a 30%+ SwStr curveball is not sustainable), but I don’t blame you for chasing him after six frames of seven strikeouts.
77. Gage Jump (ATH) – The Athletics are calling up Jump for his MLB debut tonight (Tuesday) and I’m expecting to see a 97+ mph four-seamer with a trio of breakers that he struggles to command. It’s a PILOT Rule and I hope he gives us a show that forces us to add him in the morning.
78. Cade Cavalli (WSH) – Half of Cavalli’s strikeout explosions have come against the Mets. If only he’d get to face them all the time. Like Brown, he carries an elite breaker + a pair of hittable 96 mph fastballs and that breaks the “Huscar Rule”. But he has a curveball and a sweeper! They are nearly the same pitch, and he splits them to RHB/LHB. Doesn’t change anything.
79. Coleman Crow (MIL) – Crow is expected to enter the rotation in Henderson’s place on Friday, and it’s possible he gets it done with his elite feel for spin. It’s too bad he sits in the low 90s with his heaters, though. In 2014, I’d be into this. Now? Not so much.
80. Joey Cantillo (CLE) – Cantillo just flexed good feel for his changeup. Here’s to seeing it again.
81. Steven Matz (TBR) – Matz returned four frames in his Still ILL and could go 5+ in another start against the Orioles. Don’t expect a ton, but the sinker/change combo is likely to be better than what we saw last week.
82. Noah Cameron (KCR) – Cameron’s command has returned to its 2025 form across his last two outings, and I wish he didn’t have to face the Yankees this week. Or maybe that’s a good thing – we can sit back and see if he can do it a third time, making us confident in our decision to add or ignore him afterward.
83. Trey Gibson (BAL) – We’re getting another look at Gibson this week and I hope his high extension + strong breakers is enough to turn our heads.
Tier 12 – Arms To Consider This Week
84. Justin Wrobleski (LAD) – We finally saw increased velocity from Wrobo Cop to 94/95 mph (not 93/94), and yet, I want more. Where’s the expanded arsenal? He didn’t throw a third pitch more than ten times in his last outing.
85. Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI) – It’s another good matchup for Erod this week as he heads to Oracle Park, and as a 15-team Toby, that’ll do.
86. Seth Lugo (KCR) – I’m not convinced Lugo is pitching at his peak, but in Texas? Yeah, that’s fine.
87. Colin Rea (CHC) – He’s been a decent streaming option for a while and PNC Park checks the box.
88. Stephen Kolek (KCR) – Kolek just went CGSHO and I don’t expect Koufax to be so kind again.
89. Zac Gallen (NYM) – Gallen gets @TEA this week and his low fastballs with sliders, curves, and changeups could be enough.
90. Anthony Kay (CHW) – Kay has had a nice stretch as of late, and I wish I could buy more into the arsenal. It was the best RHB approach I’ve seen all year from him, though, but is it enough for the Tigers ahead?
91. Jason Alexander (HOU) – Alexander has a date in Arlington and I’m skeptical that the Astros have reverted their “no-third-time-through-the-lineup” policy from last season.
92. Keider Montero (DET) – He’s been a decent WHIP play this season and the Angels + White Sox could work out. I’d hate to rely on it, though.
93. Matthew Liberatore (STL) – Fresh off ten strikeouts, this rank sure seems low. However, it’s the Cubs over the weekend and Liberatore is not executing his arsenal nearly as well as the punchouts suggest.
94. Michael McGreevy (STL) – It’s been a sparkling season thus far for McGreevy, though his last outing presented a floor that should make you cautious in Milwaukee.
95. Jack Leiter (TEX) – He’s a HIPSTER, even at home this week. You don’t know what you’ll get.
96. Mitch Keller (PIT) – He’s a 15-team Toby, getting the Twins. Meh.
97. Shane Baz (BAL) – He’s pitching right now and I’m not expecting him to come through more than 5-6 frames of 2-3 ER, 7+ baserunners, and 5/6 strikeouts. I simply haven’t seen any growth.
98. J.T. Ginn (ATH) – After losing a no-hitter in heart-breaking fashion, Ginn followed up his best start with the worst display of command he’s had all year. We often see starters need extra recovery after pushing themselves for history, and he could turn it around next time out…against the Yankees. Sit this one out.
99. Tatsuya Imai (HOU) – How can you put him so low when he tossed six frames of a combined no-hitter?! Because he walked four and struck out two. I truly don’t understand how Imai is doing this with just his four-seamer and reverse-slider.
100. Eric Lauer (LAD) – Look, I had no faith in Lauer as a part of the Jays, but now that he’s with the Dodgers, they’re letting him start against Rockie Road. We’ve seen wilder transformations in our days.
Wait. You forgot [THIS PITCHER]!
You should be able to find them below, but there are rare times that I removed a pitcher from The List and their name somehow got lost in the shuffle. If there is a super-obvious name that is somehow missing, you better believe it was in error. Simply let me know if I goofed, and I’ll make a swift update.
The following pitchers are sorted not by rank, but by team. I have written a small note on every arm who is currently inside a rotation – if they are not in a rotation, they are ineligible for The List.
Honorable Mentions
Aaron Civale (ATH) – When is the last time you’ve actually been able to trust Civale? I did after his three starts and got burned. Do we have to update the sign? Zero days…
Jacob Lopez (ATH) – I’m not in on Lopez until I see a fun K/BB game from him.
Jeffrey Springs (ATH) – We haven’t seen a four-seamer worthy of Sunshine and Rainbows for three starts. He lost a ton of vert, y’all.
Luis Severino (ATH) – I’m not a fan of Sevy at home in Sacré Verde and his away starts aren’t so incredible.
Didier Fuentes (ATL) – We saw him for one start, then he went back to the minors as Ritchie swooped in. Now he’s in the pen. I wonder when we’ll get the Fuentes experience again.
Grant Holmes (ATL) – He’s not going long and he hasn’t broken the Huascar Rule. Not worth it.
Martín Pérez (ATL) – Hey. You. Why are you doing this to yourself. He was DFA’d, you know. And he came back! For six shutout frames! Very true. And who knows how much longer that will go on for?
Brandon Young (BAL) – He’s stepping in for a hurt Dean Kremer and there may be a touch of 15-team value here. I don’t like his arsenal enough to chase in 12-teamers.
Chris Bassitt (BAL) – Maybe this is too low for an arm who has a shot to six frames for a winning team, but then again, Bassitt is so boring.
Trevor Rogers (BAL) – I know. I was a believer that his stuff was better than the results, but he was so bad in his latest start, that now I can’t endorse holding on.
Brayan Bello (BOS) – Annnnnd we’re back in the doghouse. The ceiling just isn’t worth the floor.
Jameson Taillon (CHC) – Same goes for Taillon.
Javier Assad (CHC) – Maybe he wins the role in time and it would be super boring.
Jordan Wicks (CHC) – I’m super curious how he performs now that he’s getting the call. Let’s wait and see.
Erick Fedde (CHW) – Oh, we’re back with the White Sox again? What’s your agenda?!
Sean Burke (CHW) – The ceiling isn’t high enough to flip this coin.
Brady Singer (CIN) – He gave us a VPQS against a poor Marlins crew. Ehhhhhhh.
Slade Cecconi (CLE) – I’m waiting for Cecconi to produce a string of starts to force me to consider him again.
Tanner Bibee (CLE) – Why are you putting yourself through the volatility?
Jose Quintana (COL) – He’s in Colorado now, and has the rare moments of being a solid streamer when on the road. Rare.
Kyle Freeland (COL) – Same ole, same ole.
Michael Lorenzen (COL) – You can’t do anything, even with all of your strength.
Tanner Gordon (COL) – You know better.
Tomoyuki Sugano (COL) – I’m just happy he gets regular starts. There’s a touch of value on the road
Brant Hurter (DET) – Hurter is the bulk arm for maybe another start or two before Troy Melton returns. I’d much rather stash Melton instead.
Jack Flaherty (DET) – He had a ten strikeout gaem that was unsustainable and returned back to…him.
Chris Paddack (CIN) – I’m not seeing a good enough version of Paddack to justify rostering him in Cincy.
Kai-Wei Teng (HOU) – Naaaaaah. The breakers can be cool, but it’s really not it, let alone the major question of his length.
Lance McCullers Jr. (HOU) – There’s always a chance he has one of those fun games, but hot dang, the floor is so rough.
Mike Burrows (HOU) – The command simply isn’t there yet.
Cole Ragans (KCR) – Is he returning? Both Coles and Webb could return from the IL this week and let’s treat them all like a “Still ILL’.
Alek Manoah (LAA) – Oh dear. Please don’t.
Grayson Rodriguez (LAA) – He returned and it was difficult to watch his Still ILL against the Dodgers. I don’t see exciting stuff of old, sadly.
Jack Kochanowicz (LAA) – I saw some terrible command from Jackie K. this weekend and I don’t like his schedule ahead. He was one of the last arms removed from The List.
Roki Sasaki (LAD) – The splitter and forkball have returned to become one splitter, and the slider command that propelled last week’s great outing was far worse. However, the four-seamer was better…? I can’t trust it yet.
Braxton Garrett (MIA) – I may be adding him to The List next week, but it’s Atlanta now and he was rough in his Still ILL.
Janson Junk (MIA) – Junk, you rascal. Once I feel confident he can command his stuff well, I’ll add him.
Brandon Sproat (MIL) – As much as I believe it’ll get better as the season goes on, sub 40% strikes on his cutter last time was a perfect representation of Sproat’s inability to take the next step forward.
Brandon Woodruff (MIL) – Maybe he returns this week? Who knows. I hope he’s alright.
Bailey Ober (MIN) – He’s sub 89 mph lol. But a CGSHO! It was a night of impeccable command. That disappeared. Fiiiiine.
Kendry Rojas (MIN) – There may be times he gets the pearl, but don’t expect a whole lot of frames. He’s not a proper starter.
Simeon Woods Richardson (MIN) – SWR was a wild card entering the year and it sure is wild how wrong this has gone.
David Peterson (NYM) – He’s a Toby at best. I don’t trust him.
Jonah Tong (NYM) – We saw three decent frames from Tong and I wonder if he’ll lean more into his cutter and 83 mph curve (was 78 mph last year!) in his next outing.
Kodai Senga (NYM) – I gave him an honest try. Rockie Road should be better. It wasn’t. How can we hold him after that?!
Tobias Myers (NYM) – He’s not stretched out. I don’t expect the Mets to use him outside the pen or anything above 50 pitches a game.
Aaron Nola (PHI) – It pained me to remove Nola, but I cannot suggest rostering him at the moment.
Andrew Painter (PHI) – He just ain’t it. It’s sad, I know.
Taijuan Walker (PHI) – He’s still here and it’s kinda wild – even without his cutter leading the way in the spring despite it carrying him last season. Update: He gone.
Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT) – He’s been able to produce five frames of decency, allowing him to accrue a ton of Wins, but this isn’t meant to last.
Germán Márquez (SDP) – He has those days with a good curve and I’m happy for him. I can’t risk it on a given day.
Griffin Canning (SDP) – The four-seamer we saw in his season debut has dwindled since. I’m not seeing enough to pull me in.
Lucas Giolito (SDP) – I know, how COULD I?! Because he sat 90.4 mph, that’s why. I was intrigued last year when he was around 93/94 mph. In no way can I possibly endorse this if the stuff isn’t there.
Matt Waldron (SDP) – Don’t Trust A Knuckleballer.
Walker Buehler (SDP) – I’m not buying that the Padres fixed him.
Luis Castillo (SEA) – I don’t care if he just had the best slider he’s had all year, he’s not going to get a ton of innings in his current role and his slider is unlikely to perform this well again.
Adrian Houser (SFG) – A 15-teamer Toby when he proves he can handle weak opponents. I wonder if he gets bounced for McDonald…
Tyler Mahle (SFG) – I don’t want to start him in Sacré Verde up next and despite poor luck thus far, I don’t feel the need to hold past it.
Andre Pallante (STL) – Hopefully the cut four-seamer is jamming LHB and the sinker/slider does the trick…?
Dustin May (STL) – He’s kinda close to being the guy we want him to be. Let’s hope his sweeper can miss all the bats our eyes tell us it should.
Hunter Dobbins (STL) – It was an interesting start with great opening frames, then five walks across his final seven batters. No need to monitor his return to the majors for now. It’s a wait-and-see when he does.
Kyle Leahy (STL) – I wanted to keep him on The List, but I don’t see the value proposition being in your favor yet. His 7.2 feet of extension and 90 mph cutter are fun, but the command is not. I can see him blossoming in May/June.
Jesse Scholtens (TBR) – There just isn’t enough upside here.
Kumar Rocker (TEX) – Rocker has gone slider-heavy (not cutter heavy) and I have no idea what we’ll see next. My closest comp for him is Márquez. Blegh.
Max Scherzer (TOR) – I can see Scherzer actually performing well in his next start or two, but he just got demolished by the Twins. Can’t go for that.
Patrick Corbin (TOR) – No, this is not the time to restart your PC. You can’t make that joke everytime. YES I CAN.
Spencer Miles (TOR) – He’s being used a follower in the place of Lauer and it’s not worth your time.
Jake Irvin (WSN) – He’s had a good start or two and I’m not ready to believe he’s going to soar for the next few weeks.
Miles Mikolas (WSN) – You actually CTRL-F’d Mikolas?!
Zack Littell (WSN) – I wonder how stretched out he is and how close he is to his peak. I think he got away with a whole lot last season and his new team context only hurts.
Good luck everyone!
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Badges | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul SkenesT1 | PIT | Aces Gonna Ace Strikeout Upside | - |
| 2 | Jacob Misiorowski | MIL | Aces Gonna Ace Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | +3 |
| 3 | Chris Sale | ATL | Aces Gonna Ace Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | - |
| 4 | Cam Schlittler | NYY | Aces Gonna Ace Strikeout Upside | -2 |
| 5 | Cristopher Sánchez | PHI | Aces Gonna Ace Quality Starts | +1 |
| 6 | Chase BurnsT2 | CIN | Aces Gonna Ace Strikeout Upside | +3 |
| 7 | Jacob deGrom | TEX | Aces Gonna Ace Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | -3 |
| 8 | Shohei Ohtani | LAD | Aces Gonna Ace Strikeout Upside | - |
| 9 | Bryan Woo | SEA | Aces Gonna Ace Ratio Focused | -2 |
| 10 | Yoshinobu Yamamoto | LAD | Aces Gonna Ace Wins Bonus | - |
| 11 | Zack Wheeler | PHI | Aces Gonna Ace Ratio Focused | +1 |
| 12 | Joe Ryan | MIN | Aces Gonna Ace Strikeout Upside | +2 |
| 13 | Nathan EovaldiT3 | TEX | Ace Potential Quality Starts Injury Risk | +2 |
| 14 | Kevin Gausman | TOR | Ace Potential Quality Starts | +3 |
| 15 | Gerrit Cole | NYY | Ace Potential Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | +UR |
| 16 | Kyle Harrison | MIL | Ace Potential Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | +14 |
| 17 | Nolan McLean | NYM | Ace Potential Strikeout Upside | -6 |
| 18 | Logan Gilbert | SEA | Ace Potential Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | - |
| 19 | Drew Rasmussen | TB | Ace Potential Ratio Focused | +2 |
| 20 | Gavin Williams | CLE | Ace Potential Strikeout Upside | +3 |
| 21 | Carlos Rodón | NYY | Ace Potential Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | -1 |
| 22 | Shota Imanaga | CHC | Ace Potential Strikeout Upside | -9 |
| 23 | George Kirby | SEA | Ace Potential Quality Starts Injury Risk | -4 |
| 24 | Braxton AshcraftT4 | PIT | Holly Ratio Focused | +4 |
| 25 | Jesús Luzardo | PHI | Cherry Bomb Strikeout Upside | - |
| 26 | Parker Messick | CLE | Holly Quality Starts | - |
| 27 | Shane McClanahan | TB | Holly Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | - |
| 28 | José Soriano | LAA | Cherry Bomb Strikeout Upside | +4 |
| 29 | Landen RouppT5 | SF | Holly Quality Starts | +17 |
| 30 | Payton Tolle | BOS | Cherry Bomb Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | +14 |
| 31 | Max Meyer | MIA | Cherry Bomb Strikeout Upside | +14 |
| 32 | Jared Jones | PIT | Ace Potential Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | +UR |
| 33 | Bryce Miller | SEA | Cherry Bomb Injury Risk | +14 |
| 34 | Ryan Weathers | NYY | Holly Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | +9 |
| 35 | Freddy PeraltaT6 | NYM | Holly Wins Bonus | -11 |
| 36 | Michael King | SD | Cherry Bomb Strikeout Upside | -5 |
| 37 | Sonny Gray | BOS | Cherry Bomb | -2 |
| 38 | Logan Webb | SF | Holly Quality Starts Injury Risk | +UR |
| 39 | Will Warren | NYY | Holly Wins Bonus | -3 |
| 40 | Nick Lodolo | CIN | Holly Injury Risk | +13 |
| 41 | Kyle Bradish | BAL | Cherry Bomb Strikeout Upside | -8 |
| 42 | Framber Valdez | DET | Cherry Bomb Quality Starts | -20 |
| 43 | Connelly Early | BOS | Holly Ratio Focused | -3 |
| 44 | Michael Soroka | ARI | Holly Strikeout Upside | -7 |
| 45 | Spencer Strider | ATL | Cherry Bomb Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | +3 |
| 46 | Emmet Sheehan | LAD | Cherry Bomb Quality Starts Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | -5 |
| 47 | Troy Melton | DET | Holly Wins Bonus Ratio Focused Injury Risk | +UR |
| 48 | Trey Yesavage | TOR | Cherry Bomb Strikeout Upside Injury Risk | +9 |
| 49 | Ryne NelsonT7 | ARI | Toby Wins Bonus | -11 |
| 50 | Emerson Hancock | SEA | Toby Quality Starts | -11 |
| 51 | Davis Martin | CWS | Vargas Rule Quality Starts | -1 |
| 52 | Bryce Elder | ATL | Vargas Rule Quality Starts | +2 |
| 53 | Merrill Kelly | ARI | Toby Quality Starts Stash Option | -2 |
| 54 | Connor Prielipp | MIN | Toby Strikeout Upside Stash Option | -12 |
| 55 | Michael Wacha | KC | Vargas Rule Strikeout Upside | - |
| 56 | Nick Martinez | TB | Vargas Rule Wins Bonus | - |
| 57 | Bubba ChandlerT8 | PIT | Hipster Strikeout Upside | +31 |
| 58 | Eury Pérez | MIA | Hipster Strikeout Upside | +2 |
| 59 | Taj Bradley | MIN | Hipster Strikeout Upside | +UR |
| 60 | Robbie Ray | SF | Hipster Strikeout Upside | -26 |
| 61 | Reid Detmers | LAA | Hipster Strikeout Upside | +1 |
| 62 | MacKenzie Gore | TEX | Hipster Strikeout Upside | +1 |
| 63 | Griffin JaxT9 | TB | Frizzle Rotation Spot Bonus | +6 |
| 64 | Christian Scott | NYM | Frizzle Strikeout Upside | - |
| 65 | Spencer Arrighetti | HOU | Frizzle Strikeout Upside | - |
| 66 | Zebby Matthews | MIN | Frizzle Rotation Spot Bonus | +5 |
| 67 | Sandy Alcantara | MIA | Hipster Quality Starts | -9 |
| 68 | Foster GriffinT10 | WSH | Hipster Quality Starts | -7 |
| 69 | Casey Mize | DET | Toby Quality Starts | -1 |
| 70 | Randy Vásquez | SD | Toby Wins Bonus | -4 |
| 71 | Trevor McDonald | SF | Frizzle Strikeout Upside Ratio Focused | -1 |
| 72 | Peter Lambert | HOU | Toby Strikeout Upside | -5 |
| 73 | Ranger Suarez | BOS | Toby Quality Starts | -21 |
| 74 | Walbert UreñaT11 | LAA | Streaming Option Ratio Focused | +9 |
| 75 | Andrew Abbott | CIN | Frizzle Quality Starts | -3 |
| 76 | Ben Brown | CHC | Hipster | +23 |
| 77 | Gage Jump | Frizzle Strikeout Upside | +UR | |
| 78 | Cade Cavalli | WSH | Streaming Option Strikeout Upside | -1 |
| 79 | Coleman Crow | MIL | Frizzle Team Context Effect | +UR |
| 80 | Joey Cantillo | CLE | Hipster Strikeout Upside | -6 |
| 81 | Steven Matz | TB | Streaming Option Wins Bonus | +UR |
| 82 | Noah Cameron | KC | Streaming Option Quality Starts | +2 |
| 83 | Trey Gibson | BAL | Frizzle Strikeout Upside | +UR |
| 84 | Justin WrobleskiT12 | LAD | Hipster Wins Bonus Team Context Effect | -11 |
| 85 | Eduardo Rodriguez | ARI | Streaming Option Quality Starts | -9 |
| 86 | Seth Lugo | KC | Hipster Quality Starts | +10 |
| 87 | Colin Rea | CHC | Streaming Option Wins Bonus | +UR |
| 88 | Stephen Kolek | KC | Streaming Option Quality Starts | -8 |
| 89 | Zac Gallen | ARI | Hipster Streaming Option Quality Starts | +1 |
| 90 | Anthony Kay | CWS | Streaming Option Ratio Focused | +UR |
| 91 | Jason Alexander | HOU | Streaming Option Ratio Focused | +UR |
| 92 | Keider Montero | DET | Streaming Option Ratio Focused | +UR |
| 93 | Matthew Liberatore | STL | Streaming Option Quality Starts | -15 |
| 94 | Michael McGreevy | STL | Streaming Option Quality Starts | -15 |
| 95 | Jack Leiter | TEX | Hipster Strikeout Upside | -4 |
| 96 | Mitch Keller | PIT | Hipster Quality Starts | -4 |
| 97 | Shane Baz | BAL | Hipster Quality Starts | -3 |
| 98 | J.T. Ginn | Streaming Option Quality Starts | -16 | |
| 99 | Tatsuya Imai | HOU | Streaming Option Rotation Spot Bonus | +UR |
| 100 | Eric Lauer | LAD | Streaming Option Team Context Effect | +UR |
Labels Legend
Photo by Allan Dranberg/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter/X
