X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2023 Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Sleepers

patrick sandoval fantasy baseball rankings mlb player news

The 2023 World Baseball Classic crowned a champion, Spring training’s end is drawing near, and Major League Baseball Opening Day is swiftly approaching. This season is highly anticipated due to the recent changes the MLB implemented in order to produce a more ‘polished’ product—specifically regarding the pace of play. The pitch clock, which has been the center of much criticism this spring—has affected batters and pitchers alike.

The pitch clock has made fans a bit wary for a variety of reasons, including how it might mess with pitchers’ “flow.” Even if you’ve watched baseball for only a year or 30 years, you’ve noticed just how routine-oriented ballplayers are. However, there are many pitchers out there who will actually benefit from the pitch clock—those who work quickly and like to keep the game moving. 

Here are five under-the-radar pitching options who just might have stellar seasons in 2023:

Be sure to check all of our preseason fantasy baseball rankings for Roto, Points, H2H, dynasty, best ball, prospects and more:

 

Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly can now add “started in the championship game for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic” to his resume. Now, though, the right-hander will return to camp and continue to gear up for his age-34 season.

Kelly is an interesting case. He doesn’t throw particularly hard and relies primarily on two pitches—a fastball and a change-up. But he posted a sub-3.30 ERA in 2022 and struck out 177 batters across 200 1/3 innings. 

While he’s never blown anyone away during his four seasons in the big leagues, he’s always been a reliable presence in Arizona’s rotation. He avoided the injured list for the entirety of 2022 and made a league-leading 33 starts.

ATC projections show Kelly to post a 4.10 ERA in 2023 with 182 innings pitched and a 1.26 WHIP.

And if it’s any consolation, teammate Zac Gallen, who had a great 2022 campaign—including a stellar second half—praised Kelly ahead of his start for Team USA. “They will speak of him alongside George Washington and Paul Revere,” said Gallen. Maybe his outing didn’t reach those levels, but it’s clear Gallen has confidence in him.

 

Patrick Sandoval, Los Angeles Angels

Another participant in the WBC, Sandoval will slot into the Los Angeles Angels’ staff alongside Shohei Ohtani and offseason acquisition Tyler Anderson. Sandoval impressed with the Halos in 2022, as he had a 2.91 ERA and 151 Ks in 148 ⅔ innings. He took a big step forward in putting forth his best season yet, one that included a complete-game shutout in August where he fanned nine Detroit batters in a 1-0 Angels win. 

He’ll look to further build off that supreme outing in 2023. Sandoval, like the rest of MLB, has turned to a slider as his primary pitch, mixing in a change-up as well. Each pitch resulted in a sub-.200 batting average and not much hard contact. His change-up produced a 44.2 Whiff%, while his slider had a Put Away% of 27.4. Not bad numbers for his most frequently used pitches. 

The 26-year-old can’t say the same for his fastball and curveball, though, with hitters slugging above .400 on each. If Sandoval can produce similar numbers to that of his 2022 campaign, the Angels should have a solid front-three with Ohtani, Anderson, and Sandoval.

ATC projects Sandoval to throw 1.59 innings to the tune of a 3.69 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 2023.

 

Justin Steele, Chicago Cubs

Justin Steele began to solidify himself as a legitimate starter in 2022 with the Chicago Cubs, pitching to an impressive 3.18 ERA and 3.20 FIP across 119 innings pitched. His sophomore campaign was highlighted by a dominant second half, where he posted a 0.98 ERA in seven starts—including an 11.5 K/9.

The 27-year-old missed time while on the paternity list in July, the restricted list in August, and the injured list in September. When he did start, he was nearly untouchable. Steele was able to take a big step forward in 2022 by refining his pitch arsenal by throwing his slider more. The Missouri native went from throwing the pitch just 16.5% of the time in 2021 to 31% in 2022. Per Statcast, batters slugged just .216 against the pitch last season and had an xBA of .152. 

Steele is definitely a starter to keep an eye on when it comes to your fantasy draft this year. While not as sexy of a name as Corbin Burnes, Aaron Nola, or Sandy Alcantara, Steele is a safe pick who will collect strikeouts and supply innings. ATC projects Steele to throw 144 innings to the tune of a 3.78 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Something to be cautious of is his injury history entering his third year in the majors, as he did miss a significant amount of time in 2022. Should he remain healthy, though, he’ll certainly be a solid addition to most fantasy rosters.

 

Joe Musgrove, San Diego Padres

It’s hard to believe that a pitcher who threw a no-hitter just two seasons ago could be considered a “sleeper,” but the San Diego Padres' Joe Musgrove continues to be overlooked by many in the baseball world. 

A first-time All-Star in 2022, Musgrove tossed 181 innings to the tune of a 2.93 ERA and 3.59 FIP. The 30-year-old fanned 184 batters—good for a 9.1 K/9 alongside a 2.1 BB/9. He was the clear ace of a strong San Diego staff. When examining the right-hander’s Savant page, you’ll see an abundance of red. He ranked among baseball’s best in Avg. Exit Velocity, Hard Hit %, and Fastball Spin.

ATC projects Musgrove to toss 158 innings in 2023, with a 3.49 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.

The Padres’ confidence in Musgrove was exemplified through a five-year contract extension in July 2022. Although currently sidelined by a minor injury he sustained in February, the consensus among the San Diego personnel is that he could be ready to join the team by April 6. This injury places him at a 120.7 ADP, but he's certainly much more valuable than that.

When he makes his season debut, he will set out to continue to prove to the Padres that he’s worth every penny of his $100 million extension.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Zac Gallen5 hours ago

Gets Opening Day Nod
Nolan Schanuel5 hours ago

Injury Isn't Serious
Isaiah Stewart6 hours ago

Injured Against Boston
Duncan Robinson7 hours ago

Doesn't Return On Monday
Jackson Chourio7 hours ago

Makes Opening Day Roster
Anthony Davis7 hours ago

Cleared To Meet Atlanta
Blake Snell7 hours ago

Heading To The Giants
Onyeka Okongwu7 hours ago

To Return On Monday
Bryce McGowens8 hours ago

Unavailable For Tuesday
Tyus Jones8 hours ago

Won't Play On Tuesday
Deni Avdija8 hours ago

Unavailable For Tuesday
Nick Martinez8 hours ago

To Open The Year In The Rotation
OG Anunoby8 hours ago

Set For Multi-Game Absence
Kyle Kuzma8 hours ago

Uncertain For Tuesday
Luka Doncic9 hours ago

Considered Probable For Tuesday
Matt McLain9 hours ago

Scratched With Shoulder Soreness
Bilal Coulibaly9 hours ago

Ruled Out For Rest Of Season
Kenley Jansen9 hours ago

Scheduled To Make Four More Spring Appearances
Jackson Chourio9 hours ago

"In The Mix" For Roster Spot
Rudy Gobert9 hours ago

Ruled Out For Monday
Scoot Henderson9 hours ago

Returns To Starting Unit Without Restrictions
Matisse Thybulle9 hours ago

Available Again On Monday
Jerami Grant9 hours ago

Remains Sidelined On Monday
Lauri Markkanen9 hours ago

Returns To Action On Monday
Alex Caruso9 hours ago

Ready To Roll Monday
Coby White10 hours ago

Ruled Out For Monday
Kristaps Porzingis10 hours ago

Returns To Celtics Lineup
Jaylen Brown10 hours ago

Ready To Go On Monday
Jayson Tatum10 hours ago

Won't Play Against Detroit
Teuvo Teravainen10 hours ago

Misses Second Straight Game
Joshua Dobbs10 hours ago

49ers Reach Agreement With Joshua Dobbs
TOR10 hours ago

Mitch Marner To Miss At Least Two More Games
Jacob Markstrom10 hours ago

Could Return This Weekend
Rico Dowdle10 hours ago

Staying With Cowboys
Mikhail Sergachev10 hours ago

Skates On Monday
Dustin Wolf11 hours ago

Between The Pipes Monday
New Orleans Saints11 hours ago

Saints Expected To Sign Chase Young
Alexander Mattison11 hours ago

Signing With Raiders
DJ LeMahieu12 hours ago

In Danger Of Missing Opening Day
Buffalo Bills12 hours ago

Taron Johnson Re-Signs With Bills On Three-Year Deal
José Urquidy12 hours ago

Jose Urquidy Has Forearm Strain, Will Begin On Injured List
Justin Verlander12 hours ago

Expected To Face Hitters "In The Next Day Or Two"
Corey Seager12 hours ago

Takes Batting Practice Monday
Aaron Judge12 hours ago

Likely To Play In Four Of Final Six Spring Games
Garrett Crochet13 hours ago

Named Opening Day Starter
Nolan Schanuel13 hours ago

Scratched With Back Tightness
Dallas Cowboys13 hours ago

Leighton Vander Esch Calling It A Career
DJ LeMahieu14 hours ago

Still Pretty Sore
Aaron Judge14 hours ago

To Return On Wednesday
Jhoan Duran14 hours ago

To Begin Season On Injured List
Bryan Battle15 hours ago

Bout Ends in Controversy
Ange Loosa15 hours ago

Fight Ruled A No-Contest After Accidental Eye Poke
Ovince Saint Preux15 hours ago

Wins Split Decision In A Back-And-Forth Fight
Kennedy Nzechukwu15 hours ago

Suffers Split-Decision Loss To Ovince Saint Preux
Gerald Meerschaert15 hours ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Shohei Ohtani15 hours ago

Cleared To Begin Throwing Program
Bryan Barberena15 hours ago

Submitted In The Second Round
Kyle Manzardo15 hours ago

Sent To Minor-League Camp
Jackson Merrill15 hours ago

Wins Center Field Job
Denny Hamlin16 hours ago

Emerges Victorious For Second Bristol Win In A Row
Alexander Mattison17 hours ago

Visiting With Raiders
Dak Prescott17 hours ago

Cowboys Restructure Dak Prescott's Contract
Dmitry Orlov18 hours ago

Collects Four Points In Big Win
Tyler Toffoli18 hours ago

Dominates Against Columbus With Three Points
Lucas Raymond18 hours ago

Pots Pair Of Goals Versus Penguins
Kaz Grala18 hours ago

Finishes 19th At Bristol Motor Speedway
Bo Horvat18 hours ago

Scores Twice In Losing Effort
Brad Keselowski18 hours ago

Exceeds Value In DFS At Bristol Motor Speedway
Pavel Buchnevich18 hours ago

Delivers Three Assists In Sunday's Win
Ryan Lindgren18 hours ago

Suffers Leg Injury Versus Islanders
Kyle Larson19 hours ago

After 5th at Bristol: "I Hope I Never Have To Run A Race Like That Again"
Chase Elliott19 hours ago

Earns First Top 10 Finish Of 2024
Justin Haley19 hours ago

Earns Best NextGen Short Track Finish for Rick Ware Racing
Ty Gibbs19 hours ago

Has Dominant Day at Bristol but Fades Late
John Hunter Nemechek24 hours ago

Found Speed At Bristol
Chris Buescher24 hours ago

Secures Top 10 At Bristol
Alex Bowman1 day ago

Late Charge to Fourth Masks Early Race Struggles
Christopher Bell1 day ago

Ran Well, But His Teammates Were All Better
Martin Truex Jr1 day ago

. Matches Career-Best Finish At Bristol
Ryan Blaney1 day ago

Fades to 16th at Bristol After Handling Struggles
Russell Wilson2 days ago

Still Considered The Starter
William Byron2 days ago

Is One Of The Top DFS Options For Bristol
Ty Gibbs2 days ago

Starts 19th At Bristol After Damage In Practice
Justin Haley2 days ago

Scores A Starting Position Of 32nd For Bristol
Denny Hamlin2 days ago

Should Compete For The Win At Bristol
Brad Keselowski2 days ago

History Indicates Brad Keselowski Being A Favorable Bristol Play
Joey Logano2 days ago

Should Be Rostered With Caution At Bristol
Tyler Reddick2 days ago

Is Tyler Reddick Worth Rostering At Bristol This Week?
Martin Truex Jr2 days ago

. Could Work As A Tournament Play At Bristol
Alexander Nylander2 days ago

Totals Three Points In Saturday's Win
Sebastian Aho2 days ago

Leads Hurricanes To Victory In Toronto
Owen Tippett2 days ago

Delivers Three Assists In High-Scoring Loss
Steven Stamkos2 days ago

Extends Scoring Streak With Four-Point Performance
Nick Schmaltz2 days ago

Records Three Assists In Win Over New Jersey
Artemi Panarin2 days ago

Racks Up Five Points In Saturday's Win
Brady Tkachuk2 days ago

Sinks Islanders With Third Hat Trick
Pannie Kianzad2 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Macy Chiasson2 days ago

Gets First-Round Submission Win
Isaac Dulgarian2 days ago

Suffers First Career Loss
Christian Rodriguez2 days ago

Overcomes Early Adversity At UFC Vegas 88
Tai Tuivasa2 days ago

Suffers Fourth Straight Loss
Marcin Tybura2 days ago

Gets First-Round Submission
Justin Fields2 days ago

Traded To The Steelers
NHL2 days ago

Lukas Reichel Will Be In The Lineup Sunday
Cale Makar2 days ago

A Game-Time Decision Saturday
Zach Parise2 days ago

Likely To Return Saturday
Michael Gallup3 days ago

Panthers Bringing In Michael Gallup For A Visit
Mike Williams3 days ago

Panthers To Host Mike Williams On A Visit
New York Jets3 days ago

Jets Expected To Sign Tyron Smith
AJ Dillon3 days ago

Officially Re-Signs With Packers
Van Jefferson3 days ago

Steelers Signing Van Jefferson
Jakobi Meyers3 days ago

Raiders Restructure Jakobi Meyers' Contract
Jimmy Garoppolo3 days ago

Rams Agree With Jimmy Garoppolo On One-Year Deal
Gerald Meerschaert4 days ago

To Fight In Main Event Of UFC Vegas 88
Bryan Barberena4 days ago

In Dire Need Of Victory
Kennedy Nzechukwu4 days ago

Looks To Get Back In Win Column
Ovince Saint Preux4 days ago

Set For 27th UFC Appearance
Bryan Battle4 days ago

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Ange Loosa4 days ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 88
San Francisco 49ers4 days ago

De'Vondre Campbell Heading To San Francisco
Dallas Cowboys4 days ago

Leighton Vander Esch Being Cut By Cowboys
Michael Gallup4 days ago

Cowboys Releasing Michael Gallup
Kenny Pickett4 days ago

Steelers Sending Kenny Pickett To Eagles
Pannie Kianzad5 days ago

Looking For Redemption At UFC Vegas 88
Macy Chiasson5 days ago

Ends Layoff At UFC Vegas 88
Isaac Dulgarian5 days ago

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 88
Christiaan Bezuidenhout6 days ago

Looking To Put It All Together At TPC Sawgrass
Eric Cole6 days ago

Rebounding Well In The Sunshine State
Brian Harman6 days ago

Playing The Dark-Horse Role Again At The Players
Matt Fitzpatrick6 days ago

Searching For Answers Thus Far In 2024
Sahith Theegala6 days ago

One Of The Tour's Fastest Risers To Start The New Year
Sam Burns6 days ago

Brings A Stellar Run Of Form Into TPC Sawgrass
PGA6 days ago

Sungjae Im Trending Up After Arnold Palmer Success
Jason Day6 days ago

Facing Iron Hiccup Heading To The Players
Tom Hoge6 days ago

Brings Strong Form And History To Sawgrass
Min Woo Lee6 days ago

Ready For Second Trip To Sawgrass
Will Zalatoris6 days ago

Working Toward A Win
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF