Bust Candidates
Jacob deGrom, Rangers
deGrom is still one of MLB’s elite pitchers on a per inning basis, but the issue is that he’s failed to top 100 innings for the past three years. There’s no denying that deGrom is a fantasy ace when healthy, but his lengthy injury history makes him an extremely risky pick in the early rounds, not to mention that moving to the AL West will likely be tougher than his previous stop in the NL East.
Carlos Rodon, Yankees
Rodon is another bonafide ace moving to the American League, but much like deGrom, injuries are a major concern. Rodon’s already battling a forearm strain that’s expected to sideline him into April, which makes him not worth his current draft price considering he has a history of arm injuries and the fact that his new home park isn’t pitcher friendly like it was in San Francisco last year.
Deep sleeper
Nick Lodolo, Reds
The Reds aren’t expected to contend this season, but they’re quietly developing a strong rotation of young arms headlined by flamethrowers Hunter Greene and Lodolo. Greene’s gotten more attention due to his elite upside, but Lodolo also flashed elite strikeout ability last season and is going later in drafts to where he could be a league winner considering what he’s capable of for how late he’s going.
TOP 40 STARTING PITCHERS
1. Corbin Burnes, Brewers
2. Gerrit Cole, Yankees
3. Sandy Alcantara, Marlins
4. Aaron Nola, Phillies
5. Shane McClanahan, Rays
6. Brandon Woodruff, Brewers
7. Spencer Strider, Braves
8. Justin Verlander, Mets
9. Julio Urias, Dodgers
10. Max Scherzer, Mets
11. Framber Valdez, Astros
12. Shane Bieber, Guardians
13. Max Fried, Braves
14. Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks
15. Alek Manoah, Blue Jays
16. Jacob deGrom, Mets
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