As spring training kicks off, several players are poised to make significant impacts in the 2025 MLB season. James Wood of the Washington Nationals stands out among them, having showcased remarkable talent post his debut last season. With a strong all-around game, he looks ready to break out as a key player for the Nationals.

Over in Chicago, Matt Shaw is primed to fill the shoes of Alex Bregman for the Cubs, given his impressive minor league performance since being drafted. Meanwhile, Matt McLain is returning from shoulder surgery, aiming to reclaim his role as a dynamic offensive and defensive asset for the Cincinnati Reds.

Roki Sasaki, now with the Dodgers, brings excitement as a highly touted pitcher, while Sandy Alcántara, back from Tommy John surgery, seeks to return to his former elite status. Lastly, Mike Trout’s transition to right field may help extend his career, setting the stage for a potential MVP-level season if he can stay healthy.

The evolution of the role of the starting pitcher in baseball signifies a shift in how metrics are assessed, moving beyond traditional pitch counts to advanced analytics. This change introduces both challenges and opportunities in fantasy baseball, especially in identifying late-round pitchers who can exceed their average draft positions (ADP). Here are five standout pitchers with current ADPs between 100-250 capable of making significant impacts for fantasy rosters.

Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates has an ADP of 142.4 and, despite being overshadowed by teammate Paul Skenes, showed potential with a solid 4.14 ERA and 26.2% strikeout rate. He’s known for his high velocity and swing-and-miss capabilities. Miami's Sandy Alcantara, once a Cy Young winner, is recovering from injury but is expected to return strong, making his ADP of 166.4 an attractive option. Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks sits at 182.5 and has a promising upside despite an inflated ERA due to bad luck. Free agent Nick Pivetta, who posted an impressive 11.54 K/9 in 2023, is currently undervalued with an ADP of 200.2, while MacKenzie Gore from the Nationals rounds out the list with an ADP of 207.2, having shown steady improvement over his career.

Major League Baseball history is filled with trades that haunt teams for years, and several deals from the past six years stand out as particularly regrettable. Notable trades between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2023, resulted in teams losing players who could still be under their control in 2025. Not included are trades that involved players who had already become free agents or were on the verge of free agency.

The Chicago Cubs’ decision to send Dylan Cease and Eloy Jiménez to the Chicago White Sox for Jose Quintana exemplifies a painful trade. While Quintana was expected to be a top pitcher, he failed to deliver, while Cease has developed into a Cy Young contender.

Another disastrous trade involved the St. Louis Cardinals dealing Sandy Alcántara and Zac Gallen to the Miami Marlins for Marcell Ozuna. Alcántara has become an elite pitcher, making this trade particularly stinging for the Cardinals, especially in light of their recent struggles.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball draft season approaches, identifying potential sleeper pitchers can drastically enhance your roster. This article analyzes four starting pitchers—Eduardo Rodriguez, Jesus Luzardo, Jeffrey Springs, and Sandy Alcantara—who possess significant upside relative to their current average draft positions (ADP).

Eduardo Rodriguez, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks, has a low ADP of 533 but boasts a career 4.08 ERA and was signed to a lucrative contract, suggesting potential rebound value. Jesus Luzardo, a former top prospect with the Philadelphia Phillies, is another intriguing option, currently sitting at an ADP of 392 despite past success and health challenges.

Jeffrey Springs, recently with the Athletics, presents a risk-reward scenario as he comes off Tommy John surgery, but his past performance indicates he could be a valuable asset. Lastly, Sandy Alcantara, who won the Cy Young in 2022, is being undervalued at an ADP of 166 after recovering from surgery. Each of these pitchers offers a chance for fantasy managers to gain an edge in 2025 drafts.