Draft season for fantasy baseball is upon us, and savvy managers are eager for undervalued pitchers. This article highlights post-hype starters, players who once had significant expectations but have fallen off the radar. Notable names include Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays, who, despite an ADP of 174, boasts impressive stats from last season. Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians, with an ADP of 231, showcases potential with his minor league dominance and improved pitch arsenal. Other pitchers mentioned include Brayan Bello, Bobby Miller, Reid Detmers, and Luis Ortiz, all of whom present intriguing values for astute fantasy players.

The Houston Astros are poised for a promising season, heavily relying on a starting rotation that boasts a remarkable mix of talent and metrics. All five of their projected starters rank within the top 106 based on advanced metrics like Stuff+, Location+, and Pitching+, underscoring their effectiveness on the mound.

Framber Valdez, ranked 12th, stands out as the ace with an impressive ERA of 2.82 since 2022. His ability to consistently eat innings—averaging over 200 per season—coupled with a potent sinker and breaking ball, positions him as a cornerstone of the rotation. Meanwhile, Hunter Brown is emerging as a formidable force, boasting a fast sinker that has exceeded 96 mph, further complemented by a dynamic four-pitch arsenal.

Spencer Arrighetti, ranked 61st, offers a tantalizing mix of dominance and inconsistency, leveraging his elite curveball and fastball to achieve a solid strikeout rate. Ronel Blanco, though viewed as a typical fourth or fifth starter, possesses deceptive pitch characteristics, including a mid-90s fastball paired with a developing changeup, which enhances his effectiveness. Rounding out the rotation is Hayden Wesneski, projected for a solid contribution with a mix of fast, breaking pitches and a unique delivery that generates movement.

As spring training unfolds, the Houston Astros face pivotal decisions regarding their roster, with competition heating up for roles in the bullpen, bench, and outfield. With injuries and roster changes, prospects like Jacob Melton, Cam Smith, and Miguel Ullola stand out as potential game-changers. Melton, despite facing stiff competition from veterans, showed promise with a solid 2022 season. Smith's versatility and offensive prowess could be crucial after the Kyle Tucker trade. Ullola, though still developing as a starter, brings impressive strikeout potential to the mix. Zach Dezenzo's versatility in the outfield also puts him in contention for a spot. Each of these players could significantly impact the Astros' depth and performance as the season approaches.

As the Houston Astros prepare for Opening Day, the pitching staff faces notable challenges with key starters Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia sidelined due to injuries. McCullers, struggling with a forearm issue since 2022, and Garcia, recovering from Tommy John surgery, are both unlikely to return until mid-July. Cristian Javier and J.P. France, also recovering from injuries, are targeting after the All-Star break for their comebacks. General Manager Dana Brown expressed optimism about their recovery progress but emphasized a cautious approach to their reintegration into the lineup.

McCullers was a critical asset during his early career, boasting a strong postseason performance in 2017. Garcia had a promising start to his career with a solid record but has faced setbacks that hindered his return last season. Despite the absence of these starters, the team can still rely on Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, and Spencer Arrighetti to lead the rotation. Brown highlighted the depth and potential of the current lineup, asserting confidence in their abilities as they gear up for the new season.

The Chicago Cubs are making significant moves this offseason after finishing the last two seasons with an 83-79 record, positioning them in second place in the National League Central. The team has added notable players Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea to enhance their pitching depth while trading Cody Bellinger to alleviate their payroll burden. However, the most impactful change was acquiring superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. The trade, involving inconsistent third baseman Isaac Paredes, reliever Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith, has sparked excitement among fans and players alike.

Pitcher Justin Steele expressed his enthusiasm on the 'North Side Territory' podcast, highlighting Tucker's impressive skills both at the plate and in the field. Steele noted their past matchups in the minor leagues, recalling Tucker's potential as a future star. Although their MLB confrontations have been limited to three plate appearances, Tucker has made an impact with a double and an RBI against Steele. With three All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glove to his name, Tucker is ready to take a leading role with the Cubs, despite uncertainty about his long-term stay. As the 2025 season approaches, the Cubs' prospects look brighter with Kyle Tucker in the lineup.