Cristopher Sánchez impressed during his spring debut with the Philadelphia Phillies, tossing two scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, striking out three batters, including former Phillies prospect Curtis Mead. His fastball reached an impressive 97-99 mph, significantly higher than last season's average of 94.5 mph. Sánchez attributed this improvement to offseason conditioning and tweaks to his slider, which now boasts more horizontal movement.

In the game, Edmundo Sosa led the scoring for the Phillies, while utility prospect Otto Kemp showcased his versatility at first base. Phillies manager Rob Thomson praised Kemp's maturity and balanced approach at the plate, deeming him a pleasant surprise in the lineup. The team will play the Blue Jays next in their spring training schedule.

The Philadelphia Phillies were set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates' star rookie, Paul Skenes, but rain canceled the highly anticipated match-up. Last season, Skenes had an impressive debut, posting a 1.96 ERA over 133 innings, and his absence means the Phillies will need to wait until the regular season to see him on the mound. Notably, a solid batting lineup including Trea Turner and Bryce Harper was ready to take on Skenes, indicating the significance of this matchup.

In his absence, Cristopher Sánchez will now face the Tampa Bay Rays, while other key pitchers, including Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo, will make their spring debuts against the Yankees and Red Sox, respectively. Concerns about injuries linger, particularly with Johan Rojas, who is being cautious with a shoulder issue but is expected to return soon.

As fantasy baseball managers gear up for their 2025 drafts, evaluating starting pitchers is crucial, particularly those whose K-BB% have dropped significantly. Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays saw a notable decline of 9.9% in his K-BB%, raising concerns despite a strong ERA. Similarly, Zach Eflin's K-BB% fell by 6.9%, but his command remains elite, suggesting he might still be a reliable fantasy option. Cristopher Sánchez’s K-BB% decreased by 5.6%, yet he showed promise with a strong finish to the season. Understanding these trends can guide managers in making savvy draft decisions.

In the realm of fantasy baseball, creating a strategic roadmap for drafts becomes essential for identifying valuable player targets and navigating potential pitfalls. As the 2025 draft approaches, a focus on specific players can help fantasy managers refine their strategies. This guide highlights four starting pitchers who present appealing draft values.

Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins, with an average draft position (ADP) of 104, showcases a solid track record despite injury concerns. With a 3.60 ERA and impressive strikeout rates, Ryan’s upside is appealing compared to other pitchers with similar risks.

Cristopher Sanchez from the Philadelphia Phillies, currently at an ADP of 188, is noted for his strong performance in 2024, including a 3.32 ERA and All-Star recognition. His ability to generate groundballs indicates a high floor for fantasy managers.

Moving to the Houston Astros, Ronel Blanco, with an ADP of 236, showcases a breakout season with a 2.80 ERA. Despite skepticism about his consistency, managers may find great value in his late-round potential.

Finally, Pittsburgh Pirates' Bubba Chandler is highlighted as a prospect with an ADP of 352, being one of the top-ranked prospects. If called up, he could provide significant upside.

A focus on pitching for fantasy drafts reveals promising talent among several pitchers. Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds has showcased remarkable improvement, particularly with his four-seam fastball, which significantly increased in effectiveness. Despite injury concerns, he possesses the potential to become a top-tier fantasy pitcher if he secures a full season of starts.

Cristopher Sanchez from the Philadelphia Phillies has emerged as a sleeper choice, combining elite groundball rates with low walk percentages. While his strikeout rate dipped, a newly developed pitch could enhance his value. Clarke Schmidt from the New York Yankees, despite facing injuries, has demonstrated potential with a versatile pitching arsenal, making him a candidate for bounce-back success.

Nick Lodolo, also from the Reds, is a high-risk, high-reward option, while Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks represents a solid veteran pick at a late draft position, despite recent injury setbacks.