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.

Heading into the 2025 season, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton is optimistic about the depth and talent of his roster, suggesting it could be his best yet in Pittsburgh. The pitching staff, led by Paul Skenes—the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year—is drawing attention for its strength. Shelton highlights the impressive performance of rookie pitchers like Jared Jones, who, despite an injury, showcased potential last season. Notably, top prospects such as Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington are nearing MLB readiness, enhancing the Pirates' pitching depth.

If the Pirates can improve offensively, they may finally realize Shelton's vision for the team. With a mix of established players and promising young arms, the Pirates could surprise many in the upcoming season.

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.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, fresh from two consecutive 76-86 seasons, were expected to strengthen their lineup this offseason with impactful bats. Thus far, they have only secured Spencer Horwitz, a left-handed first baseman from the Toronto Blue Jays, raising questions about his consistency due to limited big league experience. While their starting rotation boasts promising young talents like Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, and Mitch Keller, frustration mounts over the lack of aggressive moves to bolster their offense. Analysts argue that the Pirates missed opportunities to acquire proven hitters, like Anthony Santander, who recently signed a significant contract with the Blue Jays. Fans express disappointment at the franchise’s reluctance to invest in free agency, which could dramatically enhance the team's competitiveness.

Paul Skenes, the 22-year-old rookie sensation and top pick in the 2023 draft, is focused on his performance with the Pittsburgh Pirates rather than contract extensions. Despite concerns from fans regarding the team's offseason moves, Skenes remains optimistic about the Pirates' future, citing improvements in their young core and coaching staff.

As the Pirates prepare for spring training, Skenes is ready to take on a larger role within the clubhouse culture while aiming to contribute significantly on the mound without an innings limit. His impressive debut season, where he posted an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA, has him eager to lead the Pirates to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.