In the upcoming season, fantasy baseball managers should strategically target pitchers with Average Auction Values (AAV) under $5 to maximize their auction draft potential. This article highlights valuable players within this budget, emphasizing the necessity of budget-friendly options, particularly for saves and strikeouts.

The Washington Nationals' Kyle Finnegan emerges as a prime candidate, showing resilience as the closer despite some advanced metrics raising concerns. At $3, he offers potential savings, making him a reliable selection for teams in need of saves.

Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays is another standout, having transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation successfully with impressive late-season stats. His AAV of $3 reflects significant upside, making him a worthy gamble for fantasy managers seeking depth.

Walker Buehler, now with the Boston Red Sox, presents a high-risk, high-reward option given his recent struggles but showcased postseason brilliance. Priced at $2, he could yield a substantial return if he rebounds under a new regime.

DJ Herz from the Nationals is touted for his potential despite command issues, offering a tantalizing profile at $2. Lastly, these pitchers provide excellent opportunities for fantasy owners to enhance their roster without breaking the bank, underscoring the importance of strategic bidding in auction drafts.

Drafting effective pitchers in the late rounds can be the secret to fantasy baseball success, especially this season where volatility in pitching is high. While traditionally reliable options such as Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Eflin have value, true sleepers can be found well past pick 200. Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays stands out with his impressive 1.53 ERA since becoming a full-time starter. Clarke Schmidt of the Yankees is poised for a breakout, aided by injuries in the rotation. Jason Adam could emerge as a top closer for the Padres, while Jesús Luzardo's potential makes him a high-risk, high-reward pick. Other noteworthy late-round options include Nestor Cortes and Cody Bradford, who both show promise despite limited prior opportunities. DJ Herz and David Festa are rookies with high strikeout potential, and Ben Brown's swing-and-miss capability rounds out a list of intriguing options.

Bowden Francis, once perceived as mere organizational depth, has solidified his position as a key member of the Toronto Blue Jays' rotation thanks to a remarkable finish to the 2024 season. Transitioning from a shaky start, he posted a stunning 1.53 ERA over his final nine games, highlighted by near-no-hitters against the Angels and Mets. With the minimum batting average of .188 against him post-All-Star break, Francis has transformed skepticism into confidence. His success earned him a full-time rotation spot, allowing him to focus on starting without the distractions of being pulled for inconsistent performances.

Despite the impressive run, the expectations for Francis are tempered, as consistency remains a challenge for many pitchers. The Blue Jays' management is cautiously optimistic as they witness his evolution. With established starters like José Berríos and Kevin Gausman providing stability, Francis is seen as the potential X-factor in a playoff-contending team. As he prepares for the new season, Francis aims to harness his previous success while navigating the pressures of a full MLB season.

The Toronto Blue Jays' spring training game against the Detroit Tigers was canceled due to rain, impacting their plans for the day. Right-hander Bowden Francis, who was slated to make his spring debut, is now set to pitch on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals in Dunedin, Florida. This marks an important opportunity for Francis as he aims to build on a strong finish in the previous season.

Acclaimed veteran Max Scherzer will also take the mound for the Blue Jays, making his own debut for the team after joining in the offseason. After winning their first two games this spring against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the Blue Jays are looking forward to their regular season opener against the Baltimore Orioles on March 27.

As spring training kicks off, fantasy managers should focus on standout players from each MLB team, particularly those poised for breakout seasons. Heston Kjerstad of the Baltimore Orioles, a former second overall draft pick, is expected to secure significant playing time and could launch 20-plus homers this season. For the Boston Red Sox, Kristian Campbell's ascent suggests he may soon replace Trevor Story, while Jasson Domínguez of the Yankees boasts high fantasy upside and could be a five-category contributor. Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays is a post-hype sleeper to monitor, and Bowden Francis is also intriguing following a solid 2024 finish.

In the AL Central, pitchers like Sean Burke from the White Sox and Gavin Williams from the Guardians are among those to watch closely for potential. The AL West has promising talents such as Nick Kurtz with the Athletics and Isaac Paredes with the Astros, both of whom are positioned to make significant impacts. Meanwhile, Corbin Burnes with the Diamondbacks and Chase Dollander with the Rockies could bolster pitching lineups in the NL.