The Toolshed Podcast episode 376 brings a focus on promising pitchers to target for fantasy baseball in 2025, featuring insights from hosts Eric Cross and Chris Clegg along with guest Michael Simione. Key players discussed include Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros, who has showcased commendable skills in the minors and majors, Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, celebrated for his high strikeout rates, and Ryan Pepiot of the Tampa Bay Rays, known for his effective pitching style and potential to excel further. This episode is essential for dynasty league participants looking to bolster their pitching lineups for the future.

The Baltimore Orioles are entering the season with a revamped pitching staff, following the departure of ace Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a hefty six-year deal. Instead of investing in another frontline starter, the Orioles opted for depth, signing veterans Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, while banking on young arms like Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin to step up. This strategy has sparked debate over whether their rotation can compete against strong divisional foes like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

While the Orioles have assembled a deep rotation, consisting of right-handed pitchers and lacking a true ace, questions loom over their ability to face elite lineups in the American League. Insiders suggest that pursuing a trade for an established pitcher, such as Michael King from the San Diego Padres, could bolster their chances significantly. King has shown tremendous growth with a sub-3.00 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 2024, making him an intriguing option for a team looking to solidify its pitching ranks.

The Baltimore Orioles are gaining attention for their rising young talent, though their representation at the All-Star weekend may diminish in the near term. Last season, five Orioles players made the All-Star roster, but predictions for 2025 suggest only two players will make the cut. Gunnar Henderson stands out as a leading candidate, coming off a stellar season with a .281 batting average, 37 home runs, and 92 RBIs. Expected to maintain his upward trajectory, he is seen as a lock for the All-Star game.

Meanwhile, Adley Rutschman, a two-time All-Star, faces uncertainty following a significant slump last season. His performance in the early part of the season will be crucial for his chances to make the team again. Jordan Westburg, another previous All-Star, isn't predicted to return this year despite having made the roster last season. With Grayson Rodriguez showing promise as a starting pitcher, he could be a dark horse for a spot. Overall, Baltimore's future in the All-Star spotlight is promising, but immediate representation may be limited.

As fantasy baseball draft season heats up, identifying undervalued mid-round starting pitchers is crucial for building a competitive roster. Targeting players like Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who showcased a strong strikeout rate but struggled in the second half of the season, can offer potential upside at a reasonable ADP. Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds could be a key addition too, having posted impressive numbers last season but with injury concerns that could affect his availability. Justin Steele and Grayson Rodriguez also stand out, with their promising metrics and potential for breakout seasons.

Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves is another intriguing option, having shown resilience as a rookie in the previous season. Drafting him could yield great returns given his strong ratios and low ADP. As fantasy managers consider these pitchers, balancing risk with the potential for high reward becomes paramount in the mid-rounds.

The Baltimore Orioles have generated mixed reactions regarding their offseason pitching strategy, especially after losing ace Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a substantial six-year, $210 million deal. In his absence, the team is adopting a depth-focused approach, signing veteran Charlie Morton to anchor the rotation. Morton, 41, is expected to provide stability, but concerns linger about his ability to handle a prominent role given his recent decline and injury history.

As they prepare for the season, the Orioles are banking on Grayson Rodriguez to step up as a potential ace. Despite boasting starting depth, the question remains whether Morton can deliver more than backend production. With championship aspirations at stake, finding a true frontline starter will be crucial for Baltimore as they navigate a challenging American League landscape.