Breaking Down the Best Breakout Pitchers for 2025 Fantasy Baseball
If you’re diving into the 2025 fantasy baseball season, you need to pay attention to the pitchers who could become the next big stars. The truth is, with fewer pitchers throwing deep innings these days, crafting the perfect pitching staff feels like a high-stakes game of hide and seek!
The Pitching Landscape
Last season set the tone for what’s been a trend—only 21 pitchers logged 180 innings or more, the fewest in any full season on record. But here’s the kicker: among the previously underrated players in ESPN leagues, a whopping 10 out of 14 who scored at least 350 fantasy points were pitchers. So, how do you unearth the next wave of breakout stars? Let’s talk about my favorite method: identifying pitchers with elite skills hiding behind mediocre numbers. These are the “Kings of Command”—pitchers whose advanced stats tell a very different story than their surface stats.
Kings of Command: The Baseline Numbers
To qualify as a “King of Command,” pitchers had to meet these benchmarks during the 2024 season:
Starting Pitchers:
- Swinging-strike rate (SwStrk%): 11.8% or more
- First-pitch strike rate (1stPStrk%): 62.9% or more
- Command rate (K’s per walk, or K/BB): 2.89 or more
Relief Pitchers:
- Swinging-strike rate (SwStrk%): 12.7% or more
- First-pitch strike rate (1stPStrk%): 61.6% or more
- Command rate (K’s per walk, or K/BB): 2.61 or more
- Put-away rate (K’s per 2-strike count): 19.8% or more
Over 90 pitchers fit the bill last year, including familiar names like Cy Young winners and standout relief pitchers. But there are some awesome under-the-radar types who deserve your attention!
Pitchers to Watch
Here’s a sneak peek at some pitchers who are flying under the radar but could make a huge impact in your fantasy lineup:
1. David Festa (Minnesota Twins)
- 2024 Player Rater: SP172/745th overall
- Fantasy Points: 107 (SP166)
Festa’s fastball is sizzling at 95 mph, and he posted an impressive swinging strike rate of 16.4%. With a new sinker and a little luck, he could really shine.
2. Robert Garcia (Texas Rangers)
- 2024 Player Rater: RP123/398th overall
- Fantasy Points: 147 (RP126)
Garcia comes with a low FIP of 2.39. If he gets more chances in the Texas bullpen, he could be a steal!
3. Chris Martin (Texas Rangers)
- 2024 Player Rater: RP91/331st overall
- Fantasy Points: 143 (RP133)
Martin is consistent and has unbelievable control. If he can stay healthy, he might be the go-to closer for the Rangers.
4. Reese Olson (Detroit Tigers)
- 2024 Player Rater: SP98/405th overall
- Fantasy Points: 209 (SP104)
Olson started hot with a 1.92 ERA before injuries slowed him down. If he can regain that form, watch out!
5. Brandon Pfaadt (Arizona Diamondbacks)
- 2024 Player Rater: SP78/317th overall
- Fantasy Points: 317 (SP49)
Pfaadt has stunning command and a versatile pitch mix. Just a couple of adjustments could see him breaking into the top ranks.
6. A.J. Puk (Arizona Diamondbacks)
- 2024 Player Rater: RP58/210th overall
- Fantasy Points: 206 (RP59)
Puk bounced back after an early struggle last season, and his fastball-slider combo is lethal. He could easily be a high-strikeout contributor.
7. Cristopher Sanchez (Philadelphia Phillies)
- 2024 Player Rater: SP46/191st overall
- Fantasy Points: 342 (SP39)
Sanchez’s changeup is top-notch, and he’s showing signs of being a fantasy ace already.
These pitchers could be some of the most underrated picks of the 2025 draft. Snap them up to gain an edge over your competition!
Find your favorite players and have a blast building your ultimate fantasy team this season!
