Spencer Schwellenbach and Michael Harris II have both earned spots on Bleacher Report's 25 best MLB players under 25 list, highlighting the Atlanta Braves' promising young talent. Schwellenbach, ranked 16th, was called up mid-season and quickly became a standout rookie, posting a 3.35 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 123.2 innings. With a late-season surge including a 2.54 ERA over his final 15 starts, he has shown significant development that could mitigate the impact of offseason departures like Max Fried and Charlie Morton.

Meanwhile, Harris, coming in at 9th, dazzled with his blend of power and speed, culminating in a strong finish to the 2024 season, where he batted .316 with a 162-game pace of 50 home runs. His combination of offensive prowess and elite defense has positioned him as a player to watch as he aims to solidify his status among the league's elite.

The 2025 fantasy baseball season is kicking off with an eye on young pitchers who possess elite potential, particularly those with impressive Stuff+ ratings. The Stuff+ metric, developed by Eno Sarris, gauges the effectiveness of a pitch based on its velocity, movement, and spin rates. This year, several pitchers are emerging as breakout candidates, including Aaron Civale of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose curveball and slider show promise but are underutilized in his arsenal. Taj Bradley from the Tampa Bay Rays is also a name to watch; despite inconsistency, he displayed moments of brilliance in 2024, lowering his ERA significantly. Ryan Pepiot, another promising player from the Rays, is considered for his solid second-half performance, while Luis Gil of the New York Yankees raises some skepticism due to persistent control issues despite his potential. Lastly, Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves is attracting attention for his standout metrics, making him a top sleeper pick.

Pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Spencer Schwellenbach present intriguing value in upcoming drafts. DeGrom, now with the Texas Rangers, has been overlooked despite a stellar track record and signs of health after prior injuries. His ADP at SP12 doesn't reflect his potential as a top-three starter. Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves has shown significant promise since recovering from Tommy John surgery, boasting impressive stats that suggest he should be valued much higher than his current SP24 ADP.

Meanwhile, Grayson Rodriguez, Joe Ryan, and Jared Jones also deserve attention as undervalued prospects. Rodriguez, despite a slight setback last season, possesses elite strikeout potential. Ryan, returning from injury, demonstrated an impressive WHIP under 1.00 before his shoulder strain, while Jones' rookie performance shows significant upside. In contrast, Max Fried's stock might be too high following his move to the New York Yankees, where home run rates are notably elevated.

As fantasy baseball draft season heats up, identifying undervalued mid-round starting pitchers is crucial for building a competitive roster. Targeting players like Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who showcased a strong strikeout rate but struggled in the second half of the season, can offer potential upside at a reasonable ADP. Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds could be a key addition too, having posted impressive numbers last season but with injury concerns that could affect his availability. Justin Steele and Grayson Rodriguez also stand out, with their promising metrics and potential for breakout seasons.

Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves is another intriguing option, having shown resilience as a rookie in the previous season. Drafting him could yield great returns given his strong ratios and low ADP. As fantasy managers consider these pitchers, balancing risk with the potential for high reward becomes paramount in the mid-rounds.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, fantasy baseball managers should consider pivoting their approach to drafting starting pitchers. Traditional metrics such as ERA can be misleading, as outside factors often influence a pitcher's performance. Instead, focus on skills like K-BB% and CSW, alongside favorable conditions such as run support and park factors.

Big-name pitchers like Jacob deGrom, who has struggled with injuries but posted a stellar 29.5 K-BB% when healthy, present both risk and reward. Newer talents like Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves are shining, with a promising second-half showing last season. Others like Brandon Pfaadt and Nick Lodolo offer sleeper potential despite prior inconsistencies. As fewer pitchers are expected to hit 200 innings, strategizing around this evolving landscape will be key for fantasy success.