Strap in, folks! It’s time to rank the top 200 starting pitchers for the 2024 fantasy baseball season. This may seem a bit early, but I like to do a “rough draft” of the rankings while the previous season is still fresh in my mind. Keep in mind that these rankings are subject to change come February, so don’t hate me if they look different then.
Before we get into the rankings, I want to share my drafting philosophy when it comes to starting pitchers. First, I believe in drafting three pitchers that I trust to perform consistently throughout the season. You don’t necessarily need to have two of the top 15 starters to succeed. Instead, focus on building a solid foundation with three starters who won’t let you down. This usually translates to the top 36-50 pitchers based on talent and reliability.
Secondly, I encourage taking chances on high-upside pitchers and being willing to drop them early if they don’t pan out. There are always hidden gems on the waiver wire in April and May that have the potential to become valuable assets throughout the season. Don’t hold onto mediocre pitchers with a 3.70 ERA when you could be taking a chance on a potential league winner. Trust me, it pays off.
To emphasize my point, let me remind you of some starting pitchers from the 2023 season who were drafted after pick #290 and ended up being steals for fantasy managers. There are plenty of hidden gems out there if you’re willing to take the chance.
Now that you understand my rankings philosophy, it’s important to remember that these rankings aren’t meant to be set in stone. They are designed for managers who are actively making moves throughout the season, rather than those who draft a team and hold onto it all year. The key to winning your league is being agile and making savvy pickups and drops as the season progresses.
In terms of early schedules for the 2024 season, it’s too early to consider them extensively, but keep an eye out for potential late-round targets who have favorable matchups in the opening weekend. You can potentially snag a productive start from a low-ranked pitcher and then drop them for someone with more long-term upside. It’s a nifty trick to start the season on a high note.
Now, let’s dive into the rankings. Remember, these rankings are based on a 12-team, 5×5 roto format, so adjust accordingly to your league settings. I’ve divided the pitchers into tiers based on their talent and reliability. Here are the top pitchers in Tier 1, the Legit Studs:
1. Gerrit Cole (NYY) – Cole has consistently been a top-tier starting pitcher in fantasy baseball. He’s the sole consistent ace with no injury concerns. Keep an eye on his slider, but his new cutter should keep him dominant.
2. Spencer Strider (ATL) – With an impressive 281 strikeouts and a solid 3.85 ERA, Strider is a force to be reckoned with. While some may point to his high FIP, I believe in his strikeout ability and think he’s a reliable option.
Please read the notes for more insights and explanations behind my rankings. I initially planned on providing shorter blurbs for each player, but ended up writing extensive outlines. Apologies for the delay in publishing this article, but I wanted to make sure I provide you with the most detailed analysis possible.
Keep in mind that these rankings are subject to change as we approach the 2024 season, so stay tuned for updates in the coming months.
David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.
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