Pitching remains a critical aspect of success in fantasy baseball, particularly as the season wears on and injuries become more common. This year, the strategy shifts towards targeting hitters in the early rounds while focusing on mid-round pitchers, where significant talent exists. Five promising mid-round pitchers are highlighted based on their potential value:

Ryan Pepiot (Tampa Bay Rays) boasts an elite fastball with an average velocity of 95 mph and exceptional induced vertical break (IVB), contributing to a low batting average against. His changeup complements his fastball, making him a strong strikeout candidate despite park factors.

Cristopher Sanchez (Philadelphia Phillies) has improved his fastball velocity and maintains solid control. His changeup is particularly effective, and if he boosts his strikeout rate, he could significantly outplay his draft position.

Taj Bradley (Tampa Bay Rays) showed progress in his second season, with a solid fastball paired with effective secondary pitches. His potential for improvement makes him an interesting target.

Nick Pivetta (San Diego Padres) is a truer with considerable strikeout ability but comes with some ERA risk. His recent performance indicates he could thrive in the right environment.

Bryan Woo (Seattle Mariners)'s impressive control and low walk rate, paired with a developing arsenal, positions him as a potential breakout player for the coming season. Each of these pitchers presents a unique opportunity to enhance your fantasy staff.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is kicking off with an eye on young pitchers who possess elite potential, particularly those with impressive Stuff+ ratings. The Stuff+ metric, developed by Eno Sarris, gauges the effectiveness of a pitch based on its velocity, movement, and spin rates. This year, several pitchers are emerging as breakout candidates, including Aaron Civale of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose curveball and slider show promise but are underutilized in his arsenal. Taj Bradley from the Tampa Bay Rays is also a name to watch; despite inconsistency, he displayed moments of brilliance in 2024, lowering his ERA significantly. Ryan Pepiot, another promising player from the Rays, is considered for his solid second-half performance, while Luis Gil of the New York Yankees raises some skepticism due to persistent control issues despite his potential. Lastly, Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves is attracting attention for his standout metrics, making him a top sleeper pick.

The Toolshed Podcast episode 376 brings a focus on promising pitchers to target for fantasy baseball in 2025, featuring insights from hosts Eric Cross and Chris Clegg along with guest Michael Simione. Key players discussed include Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros, who has showcased commendable skills in the minors and majors, Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, celebrated for his high strikeout rates, and Ryan Pepiot of the Tampa Bay Rays, known for his effective pitching style and potential to excel further. This episode is essential for dynasty league participants looking to bolster their pitching lineups for the future.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be an exciting one, especially with emerging players like Taylor Ward and Ryan Pepiot making headlines as potential sleeper picks. Ward, hitting for the Los Angeles Angels, may not be the flashiest choice, but his consistent performance in the past season suggests he could exceed his ADP of 187, with projections of 25 home runs and 78 RBIs. Meanwhile, Pepiot of the Tampa Bay Rays showcased promising skills with a 3.60 ERA last year, making him a valuable selection at his ADP of 195.

Shane Baz, also from the Rays, is looking to bounce back after injury, while Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks finished strong last season. Not to be overlooked, Nick Castellanos continues to be a low-risk option for fantasy managers, consistently outperforming his ADP. Lastly, Randy Arozarena's 20-20 potential makes him a major sleeper despite a rough previous season. These players represent fantastic late-round picks for this year's fantasy drafts.