Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Sleepers, Value Picks for Best Ball Drafts (2025)

Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Sleepers and Value Picks for Best Ball Drafts (2025)

As fantasy baseball enthusiasts prepare for their Best Ball drafts, identifying sleepers and value picks is crucial for building a competitive roster. While top-tier starting pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Shane Bieber are sure to be highly sought after, there are several underrated options who could provide significant returns on investment.

Defining Sleepers and Value Picks

For the purposes of this article, sleepers are defined as starting pitchers who are not typically considered top-tier options but possess the potential to outperform their average draft position (ADP). Value picks, on the other hand, are pitchers who offer a high level of production relative to their ADP.

Top Starting Pitcher Sleepers for Best Ball Drafts (2025)

1. Spencer Howard (Philadelphia Phillies): After a promising rookie season in 2020, Howard struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2022. However, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, including a 12.1 K/9 rate in his first 19 starts. With a reworked mechanics and a clean bill of health, Howard is poised for a breakout season. (ADP: 240)
2. Braxton Garrett (Miami Marlins): Garrett, a 2016 first-round pick, has slowly but surely developed into a reliable starting pitcher. He boasts a solid four-pitch mix and has shown improvement in his control and command. With a strong Marlins defense behind him, Garrett is a sneaky-good sleeper pick. (ADP: 260)
3. Kris Bubic (Kansas City Royals): Bubic, a 2018 first-round pick, has already shown glimpses of his potential in the majors. He features a plus changeup and a solid slider, which should help him induce more swings and misses. With a relatively weak Royals rotation, Bubic has a legitimate chance to emerge as a top starter. (ADP: 280)

Top Starting Pitcher Value Picks for Best Ball Drafts (2025)

1. Chris Flexen (Seattle Mariners): Flexen, a former New York Mets prospect, has reinvented himself as a reliable mid-rotation starter with the Mariners. He boasts a strong sinker and a solid slider, which should help him continue to induce ground balls and limit home runs. (ADP: 140)
2. Michael Kopech (Chicago White Sox): Kopech, a former top prospect, has struggled with injuries and control issues in his young career. However, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, including a 12.3 K/9 rate in his first 23 starts. With a reworked mechanics and a clean bill of health, Kopech is a high-risk, high-reward value pick. (ADP: 160)
3. Jordan Montgomery (St. Louis Cardinals): Montgomery, a former New York Yankees starter, has consistently demonstrated the ability to induce ground balls and limit home runs. He’s a reliable mid-rotation starter who should benefit from the Cardinals’ strong defense and offense. (ADP: 180)

Strategies for Targeting Sleepers and Value Picks

1. Wait on pitching: In Best Ball drafts, it’s often wise to wait on pitching and focus on building a strong offense early. This allows you to target sleepers and value picks at a lower cost.
2. Target pitchers with a strong supporting cast: Pitchers who play for teams with strong defenses and offenses are more likely to succeed. Look for sleepers and value picks who benefit from these factors.
3. Monitor spring training and early-season performance: Keep an eye on pitchers who are performing well in spring training or early in the season. These players may be undervalued in drafts and could provide a significant return on investment.

By targeting these starting pitcher sleepers and value picks, fantasy baseball owners can build a competitive roster without breaking the bank. Remember to stay patient, monitor performance, and adapt to changing circumstances throughout the season.