One of the best things about fantasy baseball is the fact that the pitching categories are completely separate from the others, and it makes it that much harder to balance a roster with two parts. Starting pitchers are essential to fantasy success, but because there are so many, it is almost required that the best ones be taken earlier than some would hope. But, that is what sleepers are for, we can find you these top pitchers late in the draft, rather than early. This is part two of our starting pitcher sleepers, as it is such a deep position. Here are some to keep an eye on in the late rounds of your draft. Be sure to check out Part One of our Starting Pitcher Sleepers.
Chris Archer, Tampa Bay Rays
Each and every year, there is a Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher waiting in the fold to be taken in the late rounds. Each year, this pitcher performs well and raises his ADP by over 100 for the following season. We have seen the likes of David Price, Matt Garza, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore, Alex Cobb and the list is seemingly adding a player each season. This year, that guy is Chris Archer. Last year Archer was 9-7 with a 3.22 ERA and, since his ADP is 231.5 in the last few rounds of the draft, he is one of the only guys worth starting right away at that draft position.
Brandon Beachy, Atlanta Braves
Beachy has been good when healthy, but that is just the problem. In the last two seasons, he has only started in 18 games. This year that number should nearly double. With the Braves lineup being among the best in baseball, and the NL East being one of the weakest divisions in the Major Leagues, Beachy is poised for a great season. In his career, Beachy has 46 starts and has a low ERA of 3.23 along with an impressive WHIP of 1.132. If he can stay at those numbers, Beachy could win 15 games in Atlanta. At an ADP of 256 (nearly undrafted) that is a bargain. Add him to your queues right away for the last round.
Ivan Nova, New York Yankees
In most fantasy leagues, wins are a pitching category. Now, whether or not a “win” is a measurement of a pitcher’s success or not is a debate for another time, but in fantasy it is a category that cannot be ignored. With 37 wins in his last three seasons, Nova is almost a lock for at least 10 this season on a Yankees team that should score a lot. Nova’s ADP is also at 256, like Beachy, and he will be a bargain for those who take him. Last year, Nova was able to limit his ERA to a 3.10 while striking out 116 batters in just under 140 innings. Nova is slated to be in the Yankees rotation this year, and he should be in your starting pitcher rotation as well.
Others to keep an eye on: Jose Quintana, CWS, Jarrod Parker, OAK, Josh Johnson, SD.
ADP’s are based on data from FantasyPros.com
Stay tuned for the rest of the “Fantasy Baseball Draft Advice: Sleepers by Position” series.
