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2025 Pitching Prospect Rankings for Dynasty Leagues

Fantasy BaseballDynasty Fantasy BaseballMLB Prospects
Wes Hughes
Author: Wes Hughes
26 min.read
Jackson Jobe Detroit Tigers Top 20 Fantasy baseball Pitching Prospects for Dynasty Leagues

Draft season is upon us, and I’m diving into the pitching prospect rankings next. At FantraxHQ, I rank 400 prospects to help all you dynasty baseball addicts dominate your leagues. Pitching prospects have been in a lull in recent years, but that era is over with the graduation of Paul Skenes and Spencer Schwellenbach. This group is deeper in pure stuff, talent, and command than we’ve seen in a while. It features everything: Japanese superstars, electric young arms, 100 mph fastballs, unhittable sliders, and pinpoint command. Some prospects have it all, while others specialize in either stuff or control, but one thing is certain—the next wave of elite pitchers is ready to break through.

These pitching prospect rankings are derived from my own analysis and crafted with a focus on fantasy baseball. While I appreciate resources like MLB’s Top 100 or Baseball America’s Top 100, my rankings are all about fantasy baseball potential.

Here are a few notes on how I approach my rankings:

  • Fantasy Focused: These rankings are exclusively based on a player’s fantasy potential and my analysis of their value in fantasy leagues.
  • Criteria: Stats matter, Statcast data and park factors are weighted, injuries impact rankings, and future team context is considered. However, these rankings are a snapshot in time of a player’s projected future fantasy value.
  • Position Eligibility: Players with multiple positions are ranked at their primary position based on where they played the most games in the minors. For example, Kevin McGonigle and Luke Keaschall appear in our SS rankings.
  • Your Team, Your Vision: Use these rankings as a guide, not a gospel. Your fantasy team is your own, and you should rank and draft prospects based on your own evaluations and strategy.

More Prospect Rankings: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP – (Links will be added as our Prospect Rankings continue)

If you aren’t playing your dynasty leagues on Fantrax, you’re missing out on the deepest player pool and most customization around. Just starting out in a dynasty league? Then check out our Top-400 Overall Fantasy Prospects and Top-500 Dynasty League Rankings.

Top 20 Starting Pitcher Prospect Rankings

The “Just Missed” List

25: Jonah Tong | New York Mets | Level: AA | Age: 21
24: AJ Smith-Shawver | Atlanta Braves | Level: MLB | Age: 22
23: Ricky Tiedemann | Toronto Blue Jays | Level: AAA | Age: 22
22: Jarlin Susana | Washington Nationals | Level: A+ | Age: 20
21: Thomas Harrington | Pittsburgh Pirates | Level: AAA | Age: 23

Starting Pitchers

20: Jacob Misiorowski | Milwaukee Brewers | Level: AAA | Age: 22

Jacob Misiorowski has arguably the best pure stuff in the minors, with three pitches graded 60 or better. His fastball sits 97-99 mph, regularly hitting 100+, paired with a 1-7 breaking ball that grades 60 but flashes 70. A 2022 draftee, he skyrocketed up prospect rankings in 2023, posting a 35% strikeout rate while pitching across three levels from Low-A to Double-A. He dominated in the lower minors, logging 44.2 innings with 74 strikeouts and a 2.47 ERA before struggling in Double-A. He finished 2023 with a 5.57 ERA, 1.571 WHIP, and a 15.43 K/9 at the level. In 2024, he repeated Double-A, throwing 79.2 innings with 109 strikeouts, a 4.08 FIP, and a 3.50 ERA before earning a late promotion to Triple-A. His biggest issue is command—only once in the minors has he walked fewer than 13% of batters or posted a BB/9 under 5, which came in 26 Low-A innings in 2023. That’s why Milwaukee initially used him as a reliever in Triple-A, where he dominated again. He maintained a 30% strikeout rate while allowing just 2.5 H/9 and posting a 0.849 WHIP. The Brewers’ rotation ranked bottom five in WAR in 2024, so there’s no reason they shouldn’t give him a chance to start. However, the reliever risk is real, which keeps him lower on this list despite his electric stuff. At his floor, he’s an elite closer. At his ceiling, he’s a frontline starter.

19: Zebby Matthews | Minnesota Twins | Level: MLB | Age: 24

On one end of the spectrum is Jacob Misiorowski, and on the other is Zebby Matthews, who has walked just 22 batters in 205 minor league innings over three seasons. For comparison, George Kirby issued only 21 walks in 117 minor league innings and is statistically the best command pitcher since 1900. Matthews isn’t just a command specialist—his fastball averages 95 mph, and touches 97, and his slider generates a 37.6% whiff rate. His first full season in 2023 started strong with a 2.56 ERA and 0.93 WHIP at Low-A before earning a promotion to High-A. In 2024, he exploded across four levels, starting in High-A Cedar Rapids and making nine MLB starts. His minor league numbers were elite, posting a 10.2 K/9 and an absurd 1.0 BB/9. His plate discipline metrics are just as impressive, averaging a 55% first-pitch strike rate and a 30% CSW. However, that dropped to 26.2% in his first MLB stint as he faced more disciplined hitters. Matthews may not have overpowering stuff like other prospects on this list, but with elite command and solid secondaries, he’s a buy-low prospect who could shine in Roto leagues.

18: Caden Dana | Los Angeles Angels | Level: MLB | Age: 21

Caden Dana had a breakout 2024 season, throwing 135.1 innings at Double-A Huntsville and finishing the year as the Angels’ top prospect. Spending most of the season at Rocket City, he posted 147 strikeouts to 37 walks, showcasing his above-average control. He then jumped straight to MLB for three starts, which did not go well. In those outings, he posted a 9.58 ERA, 2.032 WHIP, and a 41.7% hard-hit rate. That was a stark contrast to his dominant Double-A numbers, where he had a 2.59 ERA, 27.4% strikeout rate, 7% walk rate, and a .182 average against. His fastball sits 93-95 mph, isn’t overpowering, but effectively limits hard contact. His best pitch is likely his cutter, which earned a 107 Stuff+ grade, ranking 35th among MLB pitchers with at least 10 innings. Making that leap is difficult, and his early struggles shouldn’t be alarming. Dana isn’t a pure stuff pitcher but thrives on command and pitch sequencing. He likely needs more Triple-A seasoning, but the Angels have a history of pushing prospects aggressively, meaning he could face a trial by fire in 2025. His ceiling is a strong #2 starter, and his floor is a back-end #5, but his pitchability should help him adjust faster than most young arms.

17: Cade Horton | Chicago Cubs | Level: AAA | Age: 23

The 2022 seventh-overall pick climbed prospect rankings quickly after a dominant 2023 season, pitching across three levels from Low-A to Double-A Tennessee. Horton struck out 117 in 88.1 innings and excelled in his first taste of Double-A, posting a 1.33 ERA with a 10.3 K/9. He started 2024 in similar fashion, recording a 1.10 ERA and 0.918 WHIP in four Double-A starts. However, a subscapular strain in his throwing shoulder derailed his Triple-A season, leading to rough results. His strikeout rate remained strong at 27%, but his walk rate spiked to 13.6%, and he struggled to a 7.50 ERA. He was shut down in May and never fully recovered. When healthy, the Oklahoma product has a devastating 70-grade slider, a plus changeup, and a mid-90s fastball that touches 98 mph. At his best, he generates a 30%+ CSW, though with only 18 Triple-A innings, Statcast data remains limited. His slider is a true swing-and-miss weapon, and his improving changeup gives him another effective secondary pitch. Scouts praise his makeup and competitiveness, noting his background as a former football star, which suggests he has the mentality to succeed in MLB. If he stays healthy in 2025, Horton could compete for a back-end rotation spot, making him one to watch entering spring training.

16: Tink Hence | St. Louis Cardinals | Level: MLB | Age: 22

Tink Hence had a strong 2022 season, but his momentum stalled in 2023 when he struggled at Double-A. He finished that season with a 5.47 ERA at the level and a 4.78 ERA overall. However, he rebounded in 2024, posting a 2.71 ERA, 12.3 K/9, and a 1.067 WHIP in his return to Double-A. While he can occasionally hit 98 mph, he typically sits in the 93-95 mph range. His best pitch is a plus changeup that generates whiffs, while his slider, though inconsistent, flashes plus potential. Hence ranked 11th in swinging strike rate at 16.3% among minor league starters with at least 15 starts, showing his ability to miss bats. Durability remains a major concern, as injuries have limited him to fewer than 100 innings every season. Beyond that, St. Louis’ struggles in developing homegrown pitching add uncertainty to his future. The days of consistently producing frontline starters like Carpenter, Wainwright, Lynn, Lohse, and Wacha seem long gone. Since Jack Flaherty’s breakout in 2018, the Cardinals have failed to develop a legitimate big-league starter, with Carlos Martinez (2014) and Shelby Miller (2013) being their last success stories. That’s just two in the past decade. Meanwhile, highly touted arms like Alex Reyes, Dakota Hudson, and Matthew Liberatore failed to meet expectations. Since John Mozeliak became President of Baseball Operations in 2017, the organization’s pitching development has struggled. While there’s talk of improvement in 2025, their track record raises concerns about Hence’s long-term outlook.

15: Thomas White | Miami Marlins | Level: A+ | Age: 20

The Marlins’ 2023 first-round pick, Thomas White, was one of the most intriguing prep arms in his class and the top lefty available. Given Miami’s track record in pitching development, expectations were high. Between 2023 and 2024, he added 2-3 mph to his fastball, now sitting 93-96 mph consistently. His low arm slot creates deception, and his effortless delivery maximizes the energy from his 6’5” frame. In his first full season, he showed promise, posting a 3.18 ERA at Low-A Jupiter. White improved further at High-A, throwing 62 innings with 76 strikeouts, good for an 11.03 K/9 and a 30% strikeout rate. He also showed better control, walking fewer batters and producing an impressive 21.7% K-BB rate. Across the season, he posted a 1.31 WHIP, which dropped to 1.16 at High-A, along with a 2.91 FIP. His ability to spin a slider is advanced for his age—at just 19, it already grades as a 60 or better. His changeup is also improving, complementing his growing arsenal that fueled a 31.5% CSW in 2024. The Marlins’ top prospect could eventually have three pitches graded 60+ as he adds strength and refines his changeup. His biggest areas for improvement are pitch sequencing and command, but all the tools are there for him to be Miami’s next frontline starter.

14: Alejandro Rosario | Texas Rangers | Level: AA | Age: 22

Ranking third in swinging strike rate at 16.9%, Alejandro Rosario was a steal at pick 144 after struggling in college. His development stalled at Miami, but the Rangers overhauled his pitch mix and mechanics, turning him into a success story. Among pitchers with at least 85 innings, he ranked first in K-BB% at 33.1%, striking out 129 while walking just 13 in 88.1 innings. His fastball, now a four-seamer, sits 95-97 mph, touches 100, and features great ride and spin through the zone. All three of his pitches—fastball, slider, and splitter—grade 60 or better, with his command now at 55 or higher. While his slider is his second-best pitch, both it and the splitter generate big whiffs, and his improved command has elevated his profile. That helped him post a 36.9% strikeout rate, ranking fourth in the minors. He also led all minor leaguers in FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), the most accurate measure of pitching performance. Across Low-A and High-A, Rosario posted a 2.24 ERA and a 1.49 FIP, the best mark in the minors, alongside a 35% CSW. His immediate success after these adjustments skyrocketed him to the Rangers’ #3 prospect by season’s end. If he keeps progressing at this pace, Rosario could reach the big leagues by late 2025, joining Rocker and Leiter as Texas’ next wave of arms.

13: Chase Dollander | Colorado Rockies | Level: AA | Age: 23

On pure stuff alone, Chase Dollander will rank higher on many prospect lists, but his future home is Coors Field with the struggling Rockies. He’s their best pitching prospect since Jon Gray, and his minor league numbers already surpass Gray’s. In his first full season, he struck out 169 in 118 innings, showcasing an elite fastball that sits 95-97 mph, touches 100, and boasts at least 16 inches of IVB, generating huge swing-and-miss rates. In 2024, his fastball produced a 20.4% swinging strike rate, the highest in the minors. His arsenal includes an upper-80s slider, a nearly 12-6 curveball, and a rarely used changeup. Dollander looked dominant in High-A, posting a 37% strikeout rate and 14.27 K/9 with just a 9.3% walk rate, earning a promotion to Double-A. What sets him apart is his command, graded at 60, which helped him post a 2.59 ERA while maintaining a 9.2% walk rate across both levels. His work ethic and ability to process information are highly praised, likely why the Rockies feel comfortable pushing him aggressively. He’ll likely begin 2025 in Triple-A, but given the state of Colorado’s rotation, there’s a real chance he breaks camp with the team. By season’s end, he’ll either be a top-three arm on this list or make his MLB debut—both great outcomes.

12: Hagen Smith | Chicago White Sox | Level: A+ | Age: 21

The second pitcher taken in the 2024 draft, Hagen Smith, is now the White Sox’s #3 prospect, trailing fellow lefty Noah Schultz. While he logged just seven post-draft innings in pro ball, that small sample is insignificant. Instead, let’s focus on his absurd college stats. He set Arkansas’ all-time strikeout record with 360 and broke the single-season mark with 161 punchouts. In just 16 starts and 84 innings, he posted 11 double-digit strikeout games. His 17.25 K/9 in 2024 was the highest ever for a single season, topping Chase Burns and even Paul Skenes. To cap it off, he led the nation with a .144 average against and was the clear SEC Pitcher of the Year. His strikeout ability is elite, fueled by a fastball that sits 95-97 mph and touches 100. His lower three-quarters arm slot gives off Chris Sale vibes, allowing his 65-grade slider to generate massive whiffs with deception and lateral break. While his fastball and slider are already big-league ready, his splitter and cutter still need refinement. He rarely needed those pitches in college because his primary two offerings were so dominant. At worst, he’s a high-leverage bullpen weapon, but he has #2 starter upside—and the White Sox need arms. The only reason he isn’t ranked higher, like Dollander, is Chicago’s rebuild, which limits his short-term fantasy value in both Roto and Points leagues.

11: Brandon Sproat | New York Mets | Level: AAA | Age: 24

One of 2024’s biggest risers was Brandon Sproat, a second-round pick out of Gainesville. His college numbers were mediocre, with a 4.27 ERA and 100 walks in 223 innings, but something clicked in his first full pro season. Whatever adjustments the Mets made worked immediately, as he dominated High-A hitters to start the year. In 25.1 innings at Brooklyn, he posted a 1.07 ERA, a 32.4% strikeout rate, a ridiculous .141 average against, and a 3.48 FIP. The dominance continued in Double-A, where his ERA rose slightly to 2.45, but his FIP dropped to 2.88—ranking among the top 10 minor league starters with 80+ innings. He then struggled in Triple-A, posting a 7.53 ERA, largely due to home runs. Facing big-league-ready hitters for the first time was a challenge, but I expect him to repeat Triple-A and adjust early in 2025. Now the Mets’ #1 prospect per MLB, he boasts a plus fastball sitting 95-97 mph, averaging 96.3, and touching 102—one of the best marks in the minors. His changeup is already plus, generating good fade and whiffs, but his slider has improved so much it’s now his second-best pitch. Purely in terms of stuff, Sproat can compete with anyone on this list, but command remains the biggest issue. His walk rate was solid (3.45 BB/9 at Triple-A, 3.25 overall), but poor fastball location led to a 40% hard-hit rate, 83% contact rate, and just an 8.2% swinging strike rate—less than half his 16.8% rate at High-A and Double-A. If he refines his command, he has frontline starter upside, but even without it, he profiles as a high-end #3. If everything clicks, he has fantasy ace potential.

10: Travis Sykora | Washington Nationals | Level: A | Age: 20

Travis Sykora was a 2023 third-round pick who didn’t crack the Nationals’ season-ending Top 30 but finished 2024 as their #2 prospect. He also jumped to #70 on MLB’s Top 100, making him the biggest riser among pitching prospects. After spending the entire season at Low-A, he went 5-3 in 20 starts, throwing 85 innings. He struck out 129 batters, posting a 13.66 K/9 and an absurd 39.2% strikeout rate while walking just 27 (8.2% BB rate). His 31% K-BB rate ranked second behind Alejandro Rosario, though Sykora had a better .167 average against and a 0.91 WHIP. He also led all minor leaguers with a 20.8% swinging strike rate, showing pure swing-and-miss stuff that fueled his elite 36.2% CSW. At 6’6”, he has a large, projectable frame, and his fastball sits 94-97 mph, with scouts believing it could tick even higher. His mid-80s splitter and slider generate significant whiffs, playing off his fastball with great deception. Like many young pitchers, he has room to improve his command, but he’s already ahead of schedule. He should be challenged aggressively in 2025 and has the upside of a frontline starter. His profile carries risk, but his ceiling is sky-high.

9: Rhett Lowder | Cincinnati Reds | Level: MLB | Age: 22

A product of the Wake Forest lab, Rhett Lowder is widely regarded as having some of the best command in the minors, earning 65-70 grades. His advanced pitchability and control have been his calling cards, fueling his rising stock heading into 2025. He throws both a four-seam and two-seam fastball at 93-95 mph, touching 97, with his sinker generating an elite 52% groundball rate. Lowder made a fast rise to the majors in 2024, pitching across four levels from High-A to MLB and making six big-league starts. His minor league numbers were solid, logging 108.2 innings with a 9.36 K/9 and just 1.99 BB/9. This resulted in a 3.64 ERA, with most damage coming during a brief Double-A slump. However, once in the majors, he showed exactly why scouts were high on him, posting a 1.17 ERA in a small sample. His 5.4% minor league walk rate was elite for a starter, contributing to his 1.15 WHIP. He has three above-average pitches, though none are overwhelming, but his command allows him to stay off barrels and generate weak contact. Despite lacking swing-and-miss stuff, he still posted a 30% CSW by generating 17%+ called strikes, a skill many elite arms take years to develop. Lowder has a much shorter learning curve and is the opposite of a Sykora-type—high floor, lower ceiling. He lacks true frontline stuff but should still find plenty of success in MLB.

8: Chase Burns | Cincinnati Reds | Level: ROK | Age: 21

Speaking of elite stuff, enter Chase Burns, the #2 overall pick in the 2024 draft and a perfect example of pure dominance. Another Wake Forest lab product, Burns led the NCAA with 191 strikeouts in 100 innings, posting a 10-1 record with a 2.70 ERA. His 17.19 K/9 ranks second all-time, behind only Hagen Smith, and he recorded double-digit strikeouts in 15 games. His fastball sits 96-99 mph, regularly touching 100+ with ease, featuring strong spin rates to play well at the top of the zone. It generates plenty of whiffs but can straighten out at times, leading to more hard contact than expected. His power slider is one of the best in the minors and produced a 64% swing-and-miss rate in college. He also throws a curveball with two-plane break, which, while not as dominant as his slider, is still a great strikeout pitch. His changeup has good fade and bite but was rarely needed in college because his other pitches were overpowering. Burns has always relied on raw stuff, but his 50-grade control is the biggest area for improvement. While his delivery needs some refinement, his upside is undeniable—he mirrors Hunter Greene at the same age. Though he’s more likely to become a top-end #2 or even a #1 starter, his floor is a dominant closer. Burns should be a high pick in FYPD drafts based on pure upside alone.

7: Quinn Mathews | St. Louis Cardinals | Level: AAA | Age: 24

It’s rare to find a true workhorse in the minors, but that’s exactly what Quinn Mathews proved to be in 2024. His 124.2 innings as a Stanford senior didn’t slow him from throwing 143.1 innings while climbing four minor league levels. He was the only minor league starter to pitch at four levels and throw at least 10 innings at each stop. That’s an impressive leap, as most pitchers take longer to develop. Mathews dominated from Low-A to Double-A, with his only rough stretch coming in Triple-A. Before that promotion, he made 22 starts with a 2.27 ERA over 126 innings while striking out 180. His four Triple-A starts inflated his ERA to 2.76, but he still led the minors with 202 strikeouts. He also recorded seven double-digit strikeout games and went at least six innings in 15 starts, 14 of which were quality starts. A key change was his fastball velocity jumping to 94-96 mph in pro ball after averaging just 91 mph in college. His low release height and approach angle create deception, allowing him to miss bats at the top of the zone while pairing it with a devastating changeup. He throws all four above-average pitches for strikes and has some of the best pitchability in the minors. His command isn’t quite at Zebby Matthews or Rhett Lowder’s level, but his ability to locate all four pitches makes him an outlier. Mathews looks like a durable, front-end starter who could throw 200+ innings per year in the big leagues. I’m taking him in both Points and Roto leagues wherever I can.

6: Kumar Rocker | Texas Rangers | Level: MLB | Age: 25

Kumar Rocker’s journey has been a roller coaster. From a hyped college prospect to going unsigned by the Mets, then Indy ball, injuries, and now a meteoric rise to MLB, he has reminded everyone just how dominant he can be. The crazy part? He threw only 36.2 minor league innings in 2024 before his big-league debut. In those innings, he dominated Double-A and Triple-A, posting a 0.46 ERA at Double-A and 1.80 at Triple-A while striking out 47. His WHIP was an outstanding 0.791, and he walked just five batters across all minor league starts. Rocker’s early call-up was surprising, but he held his own in three starts, allowing five earned runs in 11.2 innings for a 3.86 ERA. His fastball sits 96-97 mph, touches 100, and is a swing-and-miss pitch. However, his 70-grade power slider is truly unhittable and was ranked the best breaking ball among minor league starters. His slider produced a ridiculous 66% swinging strike rate in the minors before being unleashed in the majors. That helped him post a 36.9% CSW and a minor-league-leading 22.2% swinging strike rate from Low-A to Triple-A. Stuff+ models grade his fastball at 113 and his slider at 110, though I think his slider is underrated. His fastball rates better than Tyler Glasnow’s and equals Zack Wheeler’s. He should compete for a rotation spot with the Rangers in 2025 and is worth a late-round flier in Points and Roto leagues, currently going outside the top 275.

5: Bubba Chandler | Pittsburgh Pirates | Level: AAA | Age: 22

Another Pirates pitching prospect has skyrocketed up rankings. Bubba Chandler looks like the next big arm in a future super rotation with Paul Skenes and Jared Jones. His 70-grade fastball averaged 97 mph in 2024 and has always been overpowering, but the Pirates pushed him to develop his secondary pitches. He responded by throwing 119.2 innings, posting a 3.08 ERA with 148 strikeouts and 41 walks. After 16 Double-A starts, Chandler earned a Triple-A promotion, where he dominated with a 1.83 ERA, 54 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 39.1 innings. His secondary pitches complement his elite fastball, with a changeup showing a 10+ mph difference and a sharper upper-80s slider. In 2024, he posted a 31% strikeout rate, 8.6% walk rate, .187 average against, and 1.02 WHIP. His fastball generates plenty of whiffs, and while refining his secondary stuff, he still posted a 14% swinging strike rate and 30% CSW. One skill that will translate to MLB is his ability to limit hard contact. In Triple-A, he posted a 30.7% hard-hit rate with an 85.3 mph average exit velocity. Those are elite numbers, and while it wasn’t a full season, it highlights his massive upside.

4: Noah Schultz | Chicago White Sox | Level: AA | Age: 21

Noah Schultz became a top prospect in 2023 after posting a 1.33 ERA and 0.852 WHIP at Low-A. He quickly became the game’s top left-handed pitching prospect after dominating hitters at High-A and Double-A in 2024. The 2022 first-round pick followed up by throwing 88 innings, striking out 115, and walking just 24. His season ended with a 32% strikeout rate, a 6.7% walk rate, and a stellar 0.98 WHIP. His mid-to-upper 90s four-seamer plays well up in the zone with great carry and finish. However, his sinker generates strong results, producing a near 60% groundball rate in Double-A. That may explain his 12% swinging strike rate, yet he still finished with a 30% CSW by piling up called strikes at an 18% rate. Some question whether he relies too much on his elite 70-grade slider. With a low three-quarters arm slot, Schultz generates insane movement on a wipeout slider that makes hitters look lost. His developing changeup has great fade and late life but still needs better command. At 6’9”, there’s reason to believe he could gain velocity and refine his command as he grows into his frame. He still needs some development, but if he doesn’t debut in 2024, he’s almost certain to be the top pitching prospect by 2025.

3: Andrew Painter | Philadelphia Phillies | Level: AA | Age: 21

It’s been two years since Andrew Painter dominated three minor league levels at just 19 years old. By early 2023, he was in the mix for a Phillies rotation spot in spring training before even turning 20. After Tommy John surgery and nearly two years away, we’re still waiting to see one of the most talented pitchers of the decade return. Without the injury, Andrew Painter would have been Paul Skenes before Paul Skenes. Back in 2022, he threw 103.2 innings from Low-A to Double-A, striking out 155 while walking just 25. Facing much older competition, he posted a 1.56 ERA, 0.887 WHIP, and a 39% K rate with a 32.3% CSW. For his age, those numbers were unheard of. His poise and mental approach were so advanced that he was favored to win the Phillies’ fifth rotation spot in 2023 after dominating big-league hitters in spring training. His stuff is as good as any MLB pitcher’s—a 97-100 mph fastball, plus slider and curveball, and an already above-average changeup. The most impressive part is his command, throwing 100 mph with precision, landing his slider on both sides, and showing Max Scherzer-like pitchability. His first appearance post-surgery came in the 2024 Arizona Fall League, where he sat 96-98 mph, struck out 18, and walked just four in 15 innings while dominating. Upside-wise, I’d take him over Jobe and Sasaki, but after two years off, rust is inevitable. The Phillies’ rotation is also deeper than it was two years ago, making his path unclear. There’s no doubt he’s a future ace and All-Star, but we need to see him perform before going all in.

2: Jackson Jobe | Detroit Tigers | Level: MLB | Age: 22

When it comes to elite stuff, Jackson Jobe has it. His fastball sits at 96-98 mph and touches 102 when needed, as seen in 2024 spring training. He also generates impressive spin on all pitches, especially his slider, which reaches 3000 rpm. This earned him the highest secondary pitch grade among MLB executives, as his slider is nearly unhittable and graded a 70. Jobe has no pitch rated below 60—Fastball 70, Slider 70, Changeup 60, Cutter 60, and Control 60—making him one of the most tooled-up pitching prospects in years. He struggled slightly with control in 2024, posting a 12% walk rate, but still managed a 26% strikeout rate. Despite the walks, he held hitters to a .177 average with a 1.12 WHIP across 91.2 innings at age 21. This earned him a playoff call-up, where he flashed his 100 mph fastball in four big-league innings. The 2021 third-overall pick also posted a 30% CSW in 2024, with 18% called strikes and a 12% swinging strike rate. As a flyball pitcher, Comerica Park should suit him well, ranking bottom five in home runs and among the best pitcher-friendly parks in 2024. His stuff is too dominant not to translate into more strikeouts, and he should get a real shot in the Tigers’ rotation next season. It’s likely too late to grab him in dynasty, but in some redraft leagues, his RP eligibility could make him the best value pick at any position in 2025.

1: Roki Sasaki | Los Angeles Dodgers | Level: MLB | Age: 23

Finally, Roki Sasaki, the Japanese superstar, sent the baseball world into a frenzy after signing with the Dodgers this offseason. Or maybe “anger” is a better word for 29 other teams. His pure stuff is ridiculous—a three-pitch mix featuring a 102 mph fastball, a devastating splitter called “the best pitch on planet Earth,” and a nasty swing-and-miss slider. His 2023 WBC performance, with 64 MLB scouts watching, convinced me he has top-10 SP potential right now. Even at 23, he’s thrown over 400 professional innings with dominant numbers: a 2.02 ERA, 524 strikeouts, 91 walks, a 0.88 WHIP, and 11.4 K/9. He’s already dominated Japan’s top league, rivaling guys like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Yu Darvish with some of the best numbers ever posted there. Compared to Jobe and Painter, he has a four-year head start in a professional league, though their pure stuff is just as electric. He’ll easily slot in as a #2, if not a #1, with ace upside in any rotation. However, adjusting from NPB’s six-man rotation and different baseball could take time. For fantasy, I’d draft him as a strong #2 or #3 SP, keeping Yamamoto and Senga’s transition in mind. His ceiling is elite, but don’t overreach—early struggles are possible. That said, he’s on the Dodgers, the best team in baseball and one of the best ever assembled. His only real downside is health, which is true for every pitcher. This is an ace—it just might take some time to show.

Follow me on X: @ProspectsOnWes | Get an early start on your 2025 Draft Prep with the updated Top 500 Dynasty Rankings. | Then check out my Top-400 Overall Fantasy Prospects

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