2026 Fantasy Baseball: Stud or sleeper at starting pitcher, a strategy guide for how to draft each position
CBS Sports
by
Scott White
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be an exciting one for starting pitcher strategies. Unlike previous years, where the position was a major source of stress due to its critical role in the game and limited reliable options, this year feels different. The depth at every level—top-tier starters, mid-tier breakout candidates, and even lower-end pitchers—is unprecedented. This abundance of talent means that fantasy players can approach the draft with more flexibility, prioritizing quantity over quality when it comes to pitching. With so many high-upside options available, especially in the middle rounds, there’s no need to stress about missing out on a specific pitcher early in the draft.
The key takeaway is that the position is deeper than ever, which makes it easier to load up on pitchers later in the draft without sacrificing performance. While elite starters are still valuable, the author suggests waiting until Round 5 or 6 to pick one, as the drop-off in talent isn’t significant enough to warrant an earlier investment. This strategy allows players to focus on acquiring top-tier hitters early, knowing that they can still find solid pitching options later without falling behind in strikeouts or other categories.
In points leagues, where ratios aren’t directly scored, the depth at starting pitcher becomes even more advantageous. Players have a wider range of usable options to choose from, and the gap between the best and worst pitchers narrows compared to previous years. This means that the focus can shift more towards accumulating hitters early on, as the pitching market is so saturated with talent that it’s hard to go wrong in later rounds.
The author also highlights specific pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, and Paul Skenes as potential game-changers who offer a clear advantage over the rest of the pack. However, even if these top-tier options aren’t available when it’s your turn, there are still plenty of mid-tier starters with significant upside. The depth is so pronounced that players can afford to wait on pitchers without worrying about falling behind in categories like strikeouts or ERA.
Ultimately, this year’s fantasy baseball landscape at starting pitcher is a breath of fresh
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026