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.

As the fantasy baseball draft season heats up, identifying late-round pitcher sleepers is crucial for managers aiming to maximize value. Focusing on pitchers with an average draft position (ADP) around pick 350 or later reveals several intriguing options. Bobby Miller of the Los Angeles Dodgers faces challenges after struggling with injuries and control issues, despite a promising four-seamer. Meanwhile, Kris Bubic of the Kansas City Royals rebounded impressively post-Tommy John surgery, showcasing dominant metrics that suggest he’s a reliable pick. Reid Detmers from the Angels, Luis Ortiz of the Guardians, and Max Meyer from the Marlins also present potential upside, each with unique strengths and weaknesses that could translate into breakout performances in the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Angels had an eventful start to the offseason, making significant acquisitions to enhance their roster. Following the conclusion of the World Series, General Manager Perry Minasian swiftly signed notable players including Jorge Soler, Kyle Hendricks, Travis d'Arnaud, and Kevin Newman. The highlight of these moves was the acquisition of left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi just before Thanksgiving, marking a focus on strengthening the pitching lineup.

Despite these efforts, the Angels have since experienced a quieter period, with only minor league signings taking place. MLB.com analyst Thomas Harrigan has suggested that Nick Pivetta, a right-handed pitcher who recently declined a qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox, could be a valuable addition to the Angels. His potential signing, however, comes with the cost of forfeiting a draft pick and a portion of their international bonus pool.

Pivetta's 2023 performance included a 4.14 ERA with a career-high strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him an intriguing prospect for the Angels' rotation that currently features Kikuchi, Tyler Anderson, and Reid Detmers among others. With the offseason still ongoing, the Angels aim to fortify their pitching lineup further, as they position themselves for the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Angels have secured left-hander Yusei Kikuchi with a lucrative three-year deal worth $63 million. This contract elevates his total MLB earnings to $142 million over nine seasons.

Kikuchi, a former All-Star with the Seattle Mariners, had a mixed performance in 2023, finishing with a 9-10 record and a 4.05 ERA. His time with the Houston Astros was notably strong, boasting a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts.

As the Angels aim to improve after a disappointing season, Kikuchi will join a revamped pitching rotation alongside other notable players.

Yusei Kikuchi has signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, marking a significant addition to their pitching rotation. The 33-year-old left-hander, an All-Star in 2021, had a mixed season with a 4.05 ERA over 32 starts for Toronto and Houston.

With this new deal, Kikuchi's total Major League earnings rise to $142 million over nine seasons. The Angels, coming off a franchise-worst season, are actively bolstering their roster as they aim to break a playoff drought that has lasted since 2014.