Kevin Gausman made a promising start this spring, pitching 1 2/3 innings while striking out two and allowing no hits in the Toronto Blue Jays' 7-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gausman, who finished the previous season with a 14-11 record and a 3.83 ERA, looks to build on that momentum as he enters his fourth year with the Jays. Although Toronto mounted a late comeback with back-to-back homers from Arjun Nimmala and Alan Roden, it fell short. The Pirates took an early lead, aided by Oneil Cruz's three-run shot and Joey Bart's solo homer.

This draft season emphasizes the importance of timing when selecting starting pitchers. A consensus suggests that grabbing one of the top three pitchers early could be beneficial; however, waiting until the fourth or fifth round can lead to a more balanced team. Evaluating the starting pitcher landscape is crucial as some players are undervalued while others are overvalued based on their Average Draft Positions (ADPs).

Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays is deemed undervalued at an ADP of 154.1; despite a subpar previous season impacted by a shoulder injury, he has a track record of consistent performance. Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, with an ADP of 103.7, is another undervalued asset due to his strikeout potential and solid performance. On the contrary, Tyler Glasnow, despite his elite skills, is labeled as overvalued due to his injury history and a high ADP of 94.7. Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants is a hidden gem with an ADP of 92.3, offering durability and solid ERA. Jacob deGrom, on the other hand, is viewed as a risky pick at an ADP of 50.1 due to his recent injury struggles.

The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly bolstered their pitching depth by signing veteran Ryan Yarbrough to a minor-league deal. This move provides vital insurance for an aging rotation, particularly as injuries have plagued the team's pitching staff in previous seasons. Yarbrough, who posted a stellar 2.01 ERA last year in over 31 innings, is expected to compete for a spot on the roster this spring.

With the starting rotation potentially featuring José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis, Yarbrough's addition could impact the deployment of Yariel Rodríguez, who may see time as a middle reliever. The Jays have also struggled with depth in their minor leagues, making Yarbrough’s experience crucial as they look to avoid last year's injury woes.

In the quest for a successful fantasy baseball season, identifying players likely to bust is just as crucial as finding the right sleepers. Early-round pitchers come with significant risk, and dropping a high-cost player mid-season can severely hamper your team's chances. Using past examples like Alek Manoah and Bobby Miller, a pitcher bust is typically someone dropped from most fantasy rosters. Key indicators of a potential bust include below-average chase rates on two-strike counts, average balls in play rates, and fluky HR/FB ratios.

This season, potential busts include Bryce Miller and Spencer Schwellenbach, both of whom exhibit concerning metrics. Miller's two-strike chase rate is below average, and Schwellenbach, despite a strong finish last season, faces challenges with his pitch mix and competition for the starting role. Meanwhile, pitchers like Luis Castillo and Framber Valdez, who are experiencing declines, warrant close monitoring despite not meeting all bust criteria. Understanding these dynamics can help fantasy managers avoid costly mistakes.

Max Scherzer has joined the Toronto Blue Jays, bringing his Hall of Fame credentials and a rich repertoire of pitches to the team. The three-time Cy Young winner thrives on deception and adaptation, qualities that have defined his career. Teammate Kevin Gausman recalls their past encounters, highlighting Scherzer's formidable ability to keep hitters guessing with his varied pitches, including his signature changeup.

Despite injury struggles last season, Scherzer is eager to showcase his skills in a competitive Blue Jays rotation alongside Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and José Berríos. Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins expresses excitement over Scherzer's competitive spirit and professionalism, which promises to elevate the team's performance. As Scherzer ramps up for the spring, his presence is sure to draw attention from players eager to learn from one of baseball's greats.