The starting pitcher landscape for dynasty fantasy baseball is evolving, with new talents emerging to reshape rankings. In the latest assessment of pitchers ranked 11 to 20, Yoshinobu Yamamoto leads the pack following a stellar rookie season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, showcasing a strong command and whiff rate. Shane McClanahan remains a risky yet valuable asset despite needing a second Tommy John surgery, while George Kirby proves to be a safe, high-volume option.

Hunter Greene made a significant leap in performance, demonstrating ace potential with improved stats, while Dylan Cease and Blake Snell present intriguing choices despite inconsistency. Bryce Miller is steadily rising, and Grayson Rodriguez is seen as a long-term ace if injuries don’t hinder his development. Michael King’s successful transition to a full-time rotation role positions him as a reliable SP2, whereas Spencer Schwellenbach’s impressive debut makes him a player to watch closely.

Drafting for the upcoming MLB season can be daunting, especially with the potential busts that could derail your fantasy team. Jacob deGrom is a tricky pick; despite his impressive stats, his injuries over the past few seasons make him a risky choice at CBS’s ADP of 44. Ronel Blanco, coming off a strong 2024, may not replicate his success due to potential regression, making his ADP of 202 a potential overvaluation. Bryce Miller's outstanding 2024 ERA belies a concerning underlying xERA, suggesting he may not be worth his current ADP. Tanner Bibee lacks standout skills and holds a similar risk at an ADP of 92. Robbie Ray, although once a Cy Young winner, faces health uncertainties, especially at an ADP around 150.

In the quest for a successful fantasy baseball season, identifying players likely to bust is just as crucial as finding the right sleepers. Early-round pitchers come with significant risk, and dropping a high-cost player mid-season can severely hamper your team's chances. Using past examples like Alek Manoah and Bobby Miller, a pitcher bust is typically someone dropped from most fantasy rosters. Key indicators of a potential bust include below-average chase rates on two-strike counts, average balls in play rates, and fluky HR/FB ratios.

This season, potential busts include Bryce Miller and Spencer Schwellenbach, both of whom exhibit concerning metrics. Miller's two-strike chase rate is below average, and Schwellenbach, despite a strong finish last season, faces challenges with his pitch mix and competition for the starting role. Meanwhile, pitchers like Luis Castillo and Framber Valdez, who are experiencing declines, warrant close monitoring despite not meeting all bust criteria. Understanding these dynamics can help fantasy managers avoid costly mistakes.

The Seattle Mariners' pitching staff remains a formidable force, boasting three All-Star starters: George Kirby, Luis Castillo, and Logan Gilbert. With up-and-coming talents like Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller, the team enjoys a wealth of options to build their rotation. The opening day starter debate is heating up, with Ryan Rowland-Smith advocating for Logan Gilbert, who had a standout season, finishing with a 3.23 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 2024. While Castillo, a respected veteran and the highest-paid pitcher, has held the role in previous seasons, Gilbert's impressive performance may earn him the nod for the 2025 opener against the Athletics.

Gilbert's 2024 season included making his first All-Star appearance and finishing sixth in the Cy Young voting, highlighting his potential as the ace of the staff. Rowland-Smith's comments draw parallels to historical decisions, such as Erik Bedard starting over Felix Hernandez in 2008. The competition between Gilbert and Castillo reflects the Mariners' depth, ensuring that regardless of the choice, the team is set up for success as they aim for the upcoming season.