Approaching your fantasy baseball draft requires a careful evaluation of starting pitchers, particularly focusing on their underlying metrics such as whiff and strikeout percentages. Healthy pitchers who can avoid 'stressful' pitches tend to perform better, contributing to their teams deeper into games, thereby accumulating more points and strikeouts while minimizing earned run averages. Targeting pitchers with strong K/9 ratios and favorable profiles is essential, especially given the persistent injury risks in recent years.

Among notable targets, Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds offers a promising profile with a robust career K/9 of 10.67. After a limited 2023 season due to injuries, he’s bounced back in spring training, showing signs of his potential with a 1.88 ERA in 24 innings. Likewise, Jesus Luzardo, now with the Philadelphia Phillies, boasts elite strikeout potential despite a rough previous season, while Justin Steele from the Cubs, despite injury setbacks, continues to demonstrate impressive metrics. Finally, Spencer Schwellenbach, the Atlanta Braves' rising star, finished his rookie year with a commendable 3.35 ERA, making him a worthy late draft pick.