As we take a look at the RotoProspects fantasy baseball rankings and projections, we see that a dominant starting pitcher can anchor your fantasy team, providing stability in wins, strikeouts, and ratios. This year’s rankings feature an exciting mix of established aces, emerging stars, and high-upside arms.
Here at RotoProspects, we provide 2025 fantasy baseball rankings position-by-position rankings and projections, broken into tiers. Here’s a quick look at the first two tiers. You can check out the entire list of the top 233 starting pitchers, with where they slot into eight tiers, by clicking here (subscription required).
Tier 1: The Fantasy Aces
1. Tarik Skubal, DET
Coming off a breakout 2024 campaign, Skubal (pictured above) has cemented himself as one of the best pitchers in the game. His dominant mix of strikeouts (222 projected) and elite control (2.0 BB/9) make him a surefire fantasy ace. Expect around 15 wins, a stellar 2.81 ERA, and a sub-1.05 WHIP.
2. Paul Skenes, PIT
The highly touted rookie didn’t disappoint last season, and he’s ready to take another step forward. With a blazing fastball and devastating slider, Skenes projects for 217 strikeouts over 173 innings while maintaining a sparkling 2.67 ERA. The Pirates’ offense may limit his win potential, but his pure stuff is electric.
3. Zack Wheeler, PHI
Wheeler remains a model of consistency at the top of the Phillies’ rotation. With a near-200-inning workload, 213 strikeouts, and a 3.24 ERA, he’s one of the safest high-end pitchers in fantasy. His ability to keep walks low (2.3 BB/9) and generate weak contact makes him a reliable SP1.
4. Logan Gilbert, SEA
Gilbert continues to refine his command and arsenal, and the results have been impressive. With a projected 3.28 ERA, 203 strikeouts, and a low 1.04 WHIP, he’s a solid frontline starter who should rack up wins in Seattle’s strong rotation.
5. Chris Sale, ATL
The veteran lefty showed he still has plenty left in the tank after a resurgence last year. He projects for a 3.13 ERA, 201 strikeouts, and a solid WHIP of 1.09. While injuries are always a concern, Sale remains a strikeout machine when healthy.
6. Garrett Crochet, BOS
One of the most intriguing breakout candidates, Crochet has transitioned smoothly into a starting role. His elite strikeout ability (11.7 K/9) and a projected 3.11 ERA make him a high-upside pick. If he can maintain his health, he could be a fantasy steal.
7. George Kirby, SEA
Kirby’s elite command (1.3 BB/9) sets him apart from many strikeout-heavy arms. While he doesn’t rack up Ks at the same rate as others in this tier, his 3.39 ERA and excellent WHIP (1.07) make him a strong SP1-SP2 option.
8. Jacob deGrom, TEX
When healthy, deGrom is still one of the best pitchers in baseball. Though he’s projected for just 132 innings, his 3.03 ERA and 11.2 K/9 could be game-changers in fantasy. He’s a high-risk, high-reward pick for those willing to gamble on his durability.
9. Corbin Burnes, ARI
Burnes moves to Arizona, where he’ll look to continue his strong track record. His projected 3.48 ERA and 186 strikeouts make him a solid ace, though his declining K rate (8.9 K/9) could limit his ceiling.
10. Blake Snell, LAD
Snell’s ability to rack up strikeouts (11.6 K/9) is undeniable, but his high walk rate (3.9 BB/9) continues to cap his efficiency. In a strong Dodgers rotation, he should still provide a 3.30 ERA and 204 strikeouts, making him a solid but volatile SP1.
11. Dylan Cease, SD
Cease brings elite strikeout upside (218 Ks projected) but comes with command concerns. If he can limit walks, his 3.41 ERA and 1.16 WHIP could make him a fantasy bargain. His ability to miss bats makes him a high-upside option.
12. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, LAD
The Japanese ace enters his first full MLB season with high expectations. He projects for a 3.42 ERA, 164 strikeouts, and a strong WHIP (1.12). If he adjusts quickly, he could rise even higher on this list.
13. Tyler Glasnow, LAD
Glasnow’s talent is undeniable, but his health remains a concern. With a 3.18 ERA, 168 strikeouts, and an 11.0 K/9 projection, he has the potential to dominate when on the mound. If he stays healthy, he’s a top-tier arm.
14. Gerrit Cole, NYY
Cole remains a top-tier fantasy option, even as he enters his mid-30s. While his strikeout rate has dipped slightly, he’s still projected for 190 Ks and a 3.59 ERA. He may not be the elite ace he once was, but he’s still a valuable SP1 option.
| No. | TIER 1 | Age | W | ERA | IP | SO | WHIP | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB |
| 1 | Tarik Skubal, Det | 28 | 15 | 2.81 | 192 | 222 | 1.01 | 10.4 | 2.0 | 5.2 |
| 2 | Paul Skenes, Pit | 23 | 14 | 2.67 | 173 | 217 | 1.05 | 11.3 | 2.5 | 4.5 |
| 3 | Zack Wheeler, Phi | 35 | 15 | 3.24 | 199 | 213 | 1.07 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 4.2 |
| 4 | Logan Gilbert, Sea | 28 | 13 | 3.28 | 196 | 203 | 1.04 | 9.4 | 1.9 | 4.9 |
| 5 | Chris Sale, Atl | 36 | 14 | 3.13 | 167 | 201 | 1.09 | 10.8 | 2.4 | 4.5 |
| 6 | Garrett Crochet, Bos | 26 | 13 | 3.11 | 156 | 202 | 1.10 | 11.7 | 2.6 | 4.5 |
| 7 | George Kirby, Sea | 27 | 13 | 3.39 | 179 | 170 | 1.07 | 8.6 | 1.3 | 6.5 |
| 8 | Jacob deGrom, Tex | 37 | 10 | 3.03 | 132 | 160 | 1.00 | 11.2 | 2.1 | 5.5 |
| 9 | Corbin Burnes, Ari | 30 | 13 | 3.48 | 187 | 186 | 1.17 | 8.9 | 2.6 | 3.4 |
| 10 | Blake Snell, LAD | 32 | 12 | 3.30 | 159 | 204 | 1.18 | 11.6 | 3.9 | 3.0 |
| 11 | Dylan Cease, SD | 29 | 13 | 3.41 | 185 | 218 | 1.16 | 10.6 | 3.4 | 3.1 |
| 12 | Yoshinobu Yamamoto, LAD | 26 | 12 | 3.42 | 157 | 164 | 1.12 | 9.3 | 2.4 | 3.8 |
| 13 | Tyler Glasnow, LAD | 31 | 10 | 3.18 | 138 | 168 | 1.07 | 11.0 | 2.7 | 4.1 |
| 14 | Gerrit Cole, NYY | 34 | 13 | 3.59 | 178 | 190 | 1.13 | 9.6 | 2.5 | 3.8 |
Tier 2: High-End Starters
15. Luis Castillo, SEA
A consistent workhorse, Castillo projects for 181 innings, 185 strikeouts, and a solid 3.54 ERA. He’s a great SP2 option with the potential to perform as an SP1 in stretches.
16. Spencer Strider, ATL
Strider remains one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers in baseball, with a 12.0 K/9. Health is a concern, but his 3.21 ERA and 153 strikeouts in limited innings make him a high-upside pick.
17. Joe Ryan, MIN
Ryan’s mix of control and strikeouts makes him a reliable option. With a 3.72 ERA, 171 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.08, he’s a strong mid-rotation arm with upside.
18. Framber Valdez, HOU
A groundball specialist, Valdez projects for 184 innings, 181 strikeouts, and a 3.34 ERA. While not a strikeout monster, his ability to limit damage makes him a dependable starter.
19. Bryce Miller, SEA
Miller’s electric fastball and improving secondary pitches have him primed for a breakout. A 3.62 ERA and 165 strikeouts give him plenty of value as an SP3 with upside.
20. Logan Webb, SF
Webb continues to be a durable, innings-eating ace with a projected 3.43 ERA and 172 strikeouts. While his strikeout rate isn’t elite, his command and durability make him a reliable fantasy option.
21. Bryan Woo, SEA
A young pitcher with excellent command, Woo projects for a 3.48 ERA, 129 strikeouts, and a solid 1.08 WHIP. His ability to limit walks (2.0 BB/9) gives him great upside.
22. Max Fried, NYY
Fried continues to be a reliable lefty with a 3.41 ERA, 161 strikeouts, and an ability to keep runs off the board. While not a huge strikeout pitcher, his overall command makes him valuable.
23. Cole Ragans, KC
With 201 strikeouts and a 3.48 ERA projected, Ragans has the potential to be a top-tier fantasy starter if he can limit walks.
24. Shota Imanaga, CHC
A strong international signing, Imanaga is expected to bring stability with a 3.62 ERA, 169 strikeouts, and a solid 1.12 WHIP.
25. Sonny Gray, STL
A veteran presence in St. Louis, Gray remains a strong option with a 3.58 ERA and 178 strikeouts. His control remains strong.
26. Pablo Lopez, MIN
A solid, innings-eating arm, Lopez projects for 197 strikeouts and a 3.73 ERA.
27. Roki Sasaki, LAD
One of Japan’s most electrifying young pitchers, Sasaki makes his MLB debut with the Dodgers. With a blazing fastball and sharp breaking pitches, he projects for a 3.56 ERA and 146 strikeouts over 142 innings. His workload may be managed early, but he has ace potential.
28. Freddy Peralta, MIL
Peralta remains a top-tier strikeout artist, posting a projected 10.2 K/9 and 191 total strikeouts. His 3.68 ERA and 1.17 WHIP make him a strong fantasy option, though his control (3.2 BB/9) can be erratic at times.
29. Spencer Schwellenbach, ATL
A rising young arm in the Braves’ system, Schwellenbach offers a solid 3.69 ERA and 158 strikeouts over 165 innings. His command (2.2 BB/9) makes him an intriguing breakout candidate.
30. Tanner Bibee, CLE
Bibee continues to build on his success, with a 3.66 ERA, 175 strikeouts, and a strong 1.16 WHIP. His solid control (2.5 BB/9) makes him a dependable mid-rotation fantasy option.
Shohei Ohtani (limited innings but elite strikeout rate), Justin Steele (3.47 ERA and solid control), Aaron Nola (veteran workhorse), Hunter Greene (high strikeout upside), Grayson Rodriguez (emerging ace), Michael King (underrated strikeout ability), and Bailey Ober (steady mid-rotation presence) round out Tier 2.
| No. | TIER 2 | Age | W | ERA | IP | SO | WHIP | K/9 | BB/9 | K/BB |
| 15 | Luis Castillo, Sea | 32 | 12 | 3.54 | 181 | 185 | 1.15 | 9.2 | 2.6 | 3.5 |
| 16 | Spencer Strider, Atl | 26 | 10 | 3.21 | 115 | 153 | 1.08 | 12.0 | 2.9 | 4.1 |
| 17 | Joe Ryan, Min | 29 | 11 | 3.72 | 158 | 171 | 1.08 | 9.8 | 2.1 | 4.7 |
| 18 | Framber Valdez, Hou | 31 | 13 | 3.34 | 184 | 181 | 1.19 | 8.8 | 2.8 | 3.1 |
| 19 | Bryce Miller, Sea | 26 | 12 | 3.62 | 171 | 165 | 1.12 | 8.6 | 2.3 | 3.7 |
| 20 | Logan Webb, SF | 28 | 13 | 3.43 | 200 | 172 | 1.18 | 7.7 | 2.0 | 3.8 |
| 21 | Bryan Woo, Sea | 25 | 10 | 3.48 | 136 | 129 | 1.08 | 8.8 | 2.0 | 4.4 |
| 22 | Max Fried, NYY | 31 | 12 | 3.41 | 171 | 161 | 1.18 | 8.5 | 2.6 | 3.2 |
| 23 | Cole Ragans, KC | 27 | 12 | 3.48 | 178 | 201 | 1.21 | 10.2 | 3.3 | 3.1 |
| 24 | Shota Imanaga, ChC | 31 | 12 | 3.62 | 172 | 169 | 1.12 | 8.9 | 1.9 | 4.6 |
| 25 | Sonny Gray, SL | 35 | 12 | 3.58 | 172 | 178 | 1.17 | 9.3 | 2.5 | 3.6 |
| 26 | Pablo Lopez, Min | 29 | 13 | 3.73 | 190 | 197 | 1.17 | 9.4 | 2.2 | 4.2 |
| 27 | Roki Sasaki, LAD | 23 | 11 | 3.56 | 142 | 146 | 1.13 | 9.2 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| 28 | Freddy Peralta, Mil | 29 | 12 | 3.68 | 169 | 191 | 1.17 | 10.2 | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| 29 | Spencer Schwellenbach, Atl | 25 | 12 | 3.69 | 165 | 158 | 1.16 | 8.7 | 2.2 | 3.9 |
| 30 | Tanner Bibee, Cle | 25 | 12 | 3.66 | 169 | 175 | 1.16 | 9.3 | 2.5 | 3.8 |
| 31 | Shohei Ohtani, LAD | 30 | 8 | 3.53 | 117 | 140 | 1.13 | 10.7 | 3.1 | 3.6 |
| 32 | Justin Steele, ChC | 29 | 11 | 3.47 | 168 | 157 | 1.18 | 8.7 | 2.4 | 3.5 |
| 33 | Aaron Nola, Phi | 32 | 12 | 3.80 | 187 | 185 | 1.16 | 8.9 | 2.2 | 4.1 |
| 34 | Hunter Greene, Cin | 25 | 10 | 3.76 | 160 | 190 | 1.16 | 10.6 | 3.3 | 3.2 |
| 35 | Grayson Rodriguez, Bal | 25 | 11 | 3.56 | 155 | 170 | 1.19 | 9.8 | 2.9 | 3.4 |
| 36 | Michael King, SD | 30 | 12 | 3.65 | 172 | 185 | 1.21 | 9.7 | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| 37 | Bailey Ober, Min | 29 | 11 | 3.96 | 169 | 171 | 1.13 | 9.1 | 2.2 | 4.2 |
Check out the rest of the starting pitchers, as well as the other positions we have posted, as we help you dominate your fantasy baseball drafts.