The volatility of starting pitchers in fantasy baseball makes identifying busts a challenge, particularly when they seem to have redeeming qualities. Chris Sale, for instance, averaged significant time on the injured list yet still posted impressive innings totals in recent seasons. As drafts progress, the risk associated with these pitchers tends to decrease, making it crucial to spot potential busts early on.

Analyzing players like Corbin Burnes, who signed a hefty contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, reveals a concerning trend despite a strong past. His swinging-strike rates have significantly dropped, hinting at potential regression. Similarly, Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Michael King from the San Diego Padres show promising skills but come with injury or performance concerns that could affect their fantasy value in 2025.