Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants is redefining expectations for starting pitchers, demonstrating exceptional durability and performance. Last season, he pitched over 200 innings, becoming a rarity in today’s game where such feats are increasingly uncommon. His manager, Bob Melvin, notes Webb’s unique ability to maintain high pitch counts while still being effective, highlighting how he prioritizes early contact to keep his pitch counts low. Webb aims to continue this trend, aspiring to reach 220 innings and also make some playoff appearances.

Since debuting in 2019, Webb has consistently led MLB in innings pitched, showcasing not just endurance but also effectiveness with a 3.47 ERA last season. His peers, including Oakland’s Luis Severino, recognize him as a model for what pitchers should strive for, emphasizing the significance of quality innings over raw strikeout numbers. Webb's approach, shaped by his time under Giants legends, combines maintaining health with a relentless work ethic. This blend of past and present makes him a notable figure as the game evolves.

This draft season emphasizes the importance of timing when selecting starting pitchers. A consensus suggests that grabbing one of the top three pitchers early could be beneficial; however, waiting until the fourth or fifth round can lead to a more balanced team. Evaluating the starting pitcher landscape is crucial as some players are undervalued while others are overvalued based on their Average Draft Positions (ADPs).

Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays is deemed undervalued at an ADP of 154.1; despite a subpar previous season impacted by a shoulder injury, he has a track record of consistent performance. Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, with an ADP of 103.7, is another undervalued asset due to his strikeout potential and solid performance. On the contrary, Tyler Glasnow, despite his elite skills, is labeled as overvalued due to his injury history and a high ADP of 94.7. Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants is a hidden gem with an ADP of 92.3, offering durability and solid ERA. Jacob deGrom, on the other hand, is viewed as a risky pick at an ADP of 50.1 due to his recent injury struggles.

As the fantasy baseball season approaches, identifying key pitchers for points leagues becomes essential. Focus on strikeouts and innings pitched, as these factors heavily influence scoring. Top targets for 2025 include Minnesota Twins' Pablo Lopez, a starter with a consistent ERA below 4.10 and nearly 200 strikeouts last season. San Francisco Giants' Logan Webb offers incredible value with his innings leader status and strong ERA, making him an ideal mid-round choice. St. Louis Cardinals' Sonny Gray, entering his 13th season, maintains impressive strikeout numbers and low WHIP, further solidifying his mid-round appeal. Finally, despite a season-ending injury, Twins' Joe Ryan's strikeout potential makes him a worthy selection in rounds nine or ten.

The San Francisco Giants begin their Cactus League schedule against the Texas Rangers, with Landen Roupp taking the mound. Roupp, a right-handed pitcher with a promising past season, now looks to secure a rotation spot amidst tough competition. The top four rotation spots appear to be held down by Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Justin Verlander, with Jordan Hicks projected for the fourth slot. This leaves Roupp vying for the fifth spot against Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong, both of whom also present strong cases for inclusion.

Roupp's 2023 season showed potential, with an ERA of 3.58 over 50.1 innings. However, he also struggled with a high walk rate of 12%. His performance will be crucial this spring as he seeks to distinguish himself in a competitive environment. If he does not claim a starting position, Roupp is expected to transition to the bullpen, which suggests his role in the team is secure either way.

Drafting for fantasy baseball success is an intricate dance between category specialists and overall balanced players. Marcell Ozuna, hitting 40 home runs in 2023, and Josh Naylor, a powerful RBI contributor now with Arizona, are prime examples of players whose abilities can skew your fantasy stats in one direction. However, selecting them necessitates careful additional picks to maintain balance.

For those aiming for stolen bases, Xavier Edwards of the Marlins is a breakout candidate, while Yainer Díaz from the Astros offers batting average prowess. On the pitching front, Logan Webb of the Giants has shown durability and effectiveness, leading in innings pitched over recent seasons. Meanwhile, Hunter Greene is an under-the-radar strikeout machine. These players present rich opportunities for savvy managers to exploit value in their drafts.