Cody Bradford, celebrating his 27th birthday, is vying for a starting pitcher role with the Texas Rangers as spring training unfolds. After a promising season with a 3.54 ERA, he aims to solidify his position in the rotation. In his Cactus League debut against the Chicago Cubs, Bradford pitched two scoreless innings, striking out notable hitters like Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson. Manager Bruce Bochy praised his performance, signaling the intensity surrounding position battles as the season approaches.

Walter Pennington and other pitchers also seek to establish themselves in a competitive Rangers bullpen. Pennington's previous season showed promise with a 3.12 ERA in limited appearances. Meanwhile, minor league talents Alejandro Osuna and Trevor Hauver have made impressions, enhancing the team's depth. The Rangers look to finalize their roster, with emerging prospects showcasing their skills as they strive for a successful campaign.

Drafting strategies for fantasy baseball rely heavily on projections, particularly when managing deeper rosters. It's crucial to recognize the upward pressure on pitcher ADP in various league formats, which often contradicts projection metrics. Notably, positive surprises among pitchers mainly involve relievers or undervalued starters. Players like Max Fried of the New York Yankees, with a strong ERA and WHIP, suggest potential value, especially given the favorable conditions for right-handed hitters in Yankee Stadium. Similarly, Logan Webb from the San Francisco Giants, despite a corrected WHIP, remains a dependable option for volume and ground balls. Zach Eflin of the Baltimore Orioles also emerges as a reliable pick despite some fluctuation in strikeout rates. Conversely, pitchers like Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds raise concerns due to injury history and underwhelming metrics compared to expectations.