3/13 update: I have since updated these rankings on March 13th. Check out those rankings here.
It's February and time to start thinking about the fantasy baseball season ahead. Our rankings always start with pitchers and this first week we will outline the Top 100+ Starting Pitchers for the 2017 season. Let's do it.
Tier 1: Then There Were Seven
1. Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers) - I'm going to leave you with one stat. Just one. The 2017 Steamer projections have every starting pitcher holding an ERA above 3.00...except for Kershaw who is projected to carry a 2.29 ERA in 2017. And I'm not even surprised. Just don't expect these blurbs to be this short. Things are going to get much much larger, trust me. Yes, that's how I’m starting this season. Best joke ever.
Would Rick Porcello rank right outside your top 20? Obviously, one would expect his numbers are going to decline after his absurd BABIP of .269, but he still is a top tier starter in the American League backed by one of the best offenses in the league, which can help to settle any pitcher
What makes him a top tier starter in the AL for 2017?
Sure, he was last year, but take away the absurd 22-4 record that we can’t bank on and his fantasy numbers don’t speak studly moving forward.
I’ll go into more detail tomorrow but he’s not in my Top 30.
I will say that part of my thinking behind him being a top-tier starter does not translate as much to fantasy success, but still when you look at his numbers he started 33 games last year with i believe somewhere around 27 quality starts which means he is going deeper into games without giving up runs, and he also led the American League in strikeout to walk ratio at 5.906. Add that to him finishing top ten in the league in strike outs and then top 5 for WAR and ERA, I feel as though as a fantasy option he is one of the top in the American League, even if there is an obvious dip in his win total coming. There is also the release of pressure coming after adding a talent like Chris Sale to the rotation, allowing Porcello not to have to the weight of needing a repeat season on him
Let’s pick this us tomorrow when all my thoughts are outlined, but keep in mind that if he has the expecting regression and doesn’t get far-and-away the highest run support in baseball his IPS gets a huge dent. Remember, if the score is 7-3 instead of 4-3, there is less hesitation to pull Porcello during the sixth.
Wow Kyle Hendricks didn’t break the top 20… I’m having a hard time choosing my 3rd keeper between Hendricks ($4) and Sanchez ($1) and seeing Sanchez at 20 is making things harder for me.
Definitely go with Sanchez. I see them heading in different directions for the year ahead and the added value of different pricing makes it an easy choice.
I will now be referring to Justin Verlander as Jimmy V for the rest of time. Thank you, sir.
Sorry to take you down with me!
Posey
Lindor
Freeman
Daniel Murphy
Kluber
Syndergaard
Arrieta
I’ve assembled a solid team in my 16-team league, but I can only keep four. What would you recommend?
Syndergaard, Freeman, Lindor, Murphy.
Tough call on Murphy vs. Kluber, I generally prefer offense over pitching though, especially in Keeper leagues.
Dear Nick,
I see you are very high on degrom.. any concerns about the elbow or lost of velocity?
Thank you and all the best
No concerns here, he’s talked about feeling great since the surgery as the pain he once had is gone.
Velocity as increased as the year went on, averaging right at 94mph in the second half. Little concerns here and I’m definitely targeting him as my #1 SP in the fifth round.
Dear Nick, big fan of your work!
Why so high on Gattis? Do you think he gets enough playing time to produce?
Thank you and all the best!
Hey there!
Considering the mehness of the catcher spot after around the #10 mark, it’s hard to argue against Gattis’ 32 longballs in just under 500 games last season.
Pair that with giving Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran needing time off + the injury history of the Astros’ outfield and I don’t see why he can’t go 20-25 HRs again in the season ahead.