As fantasy baseball enthusiasts dive into the 2025 season, finding those under-the-radar starting pitchers could make all the difference in your league standings. After meticulously analyzing the landscape, here’s a breakdown of five sleeper starting pitchers who could turn your draft picks into championship wins. These insights are backed by extensive research, leveraging top-notch analytics like PLV (Pitch Lab Value) and engaging with the community on platforms like playback.tv. Let’s dive into the potential game-changers for the 2025 fantasy baseball season.
Dustin May – The Resurgent Flamethrower
Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Throws: Right
After overcoming significant health hurdles, including Tommy John surgery and an esophagus operation, Dustin May is primed to reclaim his spot in the Dodgers’ rotation. Known for his blazing sinkers that torment right-handed batters with their fierce horizontal break, May is a pitcher reborn. His arsenal, featuring a 97+ mph sinker alongside a sharp 93 mph cutter and a deceptive 86 mph curveball, positions him as a formidable force.
Quick Take: If May secures the SP #5 role, he’s a must-draft. His high-velocity offerings and burgeoning strikeout potential make him a tantalizing prospect for fantasy owners.
Grant Holmes – The Precision Broker
Team: Atlanta Braves
Throws: Right
Grant Holmes, affectionately dubbed ‘The Real Estate Broker,’ has crafted a niche with his precision pitching. With a repertoire that includes a high-strike slider and curveball, Holmes has shown the ability to dominate right-handed batters. Despite some concerns against lefties, his dominant breaking pitches compensate, offering fantasy managers a solid option in the later rounds.
Quick Take: Holmes’ precise fastball sets up his secondary pitches beautifully, making him a sneaky pick for those looking for strikeouts and quality innings.
Sawyer Gipson-Long – The Comeback Kid
Team: Detroit Tigers
Throws: Right
Emerging from setbacks including a hip injury and Internal Brace surgery, Sawyer Gipson-Long is an intriguing stash for the mid-season. His exceptional pitching mechanics, highlighted by a 94 mph sinker and effective off-speed pitches, make him a candidate for a stellar comeback. Gipson-Long’s approach, focusing on keeping the ball low in the zone, could provide valuable outings once he returns to full health.
Quick Take: An ideal candidate for a draft-and-hold strategy, Gipson-Long offers a unique skill set that could pay dividends as the season progresses.
Max Meyer – The Slider Specialist
Team: Miami Marlins
Throws: Left
Max Meyer’s standout slider has kept him on the radar despite struggles with his fastball and changeup. His spring performances have shown improvements, hinting at a potential breakout. However, fantasy managers should keep expectations in check and monitor his progress closely, especially how he integrates his pitches to maximize effectiveness.
Quick Take: Meyer’s reliance on his exceptional slider makes him a high-risk, high-reward option. His development this spring could be key to his fantasy impact.
Richard Fitts – The Velocity Vagabond
Team: Boston Red Sox
Throws: Right
Richard Fitts caught attention with his increased velocity this spring, hitting 97+ mph with his fastball. Combined with effective breaking pitches, Fitts stands out as a sleeper in the Red Sox rotation. As injuries open opportunities within the team, he has a real shot at securing a regular starting role.
Quick Take: Fitts’ enhanced velocity and promising spring outings make him a compelling late-round pick. Keep an eye on his role in the Red Sox rotation as the season approaches.
These five starting pitcher sleepers represent a blend of comeback stories, hidden talents, and potential breakout candidates. By incorporating these players into your fantasy draft strategy, you could significantly bolster your team’s performance across various pitching categories. Stay tuned to updates, watch spring performances closely, and prepare to make savvy choices that could lead you to fantasy glory in 2025.