👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


Late Season Dynasty Prospect Rankings: Starting Pitchers

The final dynasty article of the season is here. In this article, I am going to be ranking the top starting pitching prospects in baseball, combining the two articles where I split the pitchers up by league. These will not be full length scouting reports, but rather will just be quick little paragraphs to recap what I said about the pitcher and to tell you why these guys should be viewed as highly as they are viewed.

A quick note on how these articles are formatted. They are going to be sorted by who I think is the best option for dynasty owners based on a combination of estimated time of arrival and potential upside. I will include their stats from their current level, their age, their ETA and lastly a talent grade. The talent grade will be an all-encompassing grade designed to inform dynasty owners of how big of a fantasy impact a player will realistically have. It will take into account how long it takes to reach the big leagues and will be on a scale of 1-10.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including DFS Premium Cheat Sheets), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through the playoffs. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

 

Starting Pitcher Prospect Dynasty Rankings

1. Lucas Giolito (WAS, AAA)
Stats: 37.1 IP, 2.17 ERA, 2.95 FIP, 9.64 K/9, 2.41 BB/9, 0.72 HR/9
Age: 22
ETA: September

There is no pitcher in the minors with higher upside than Giolito and if you believe so, I am sorry to tell you that you are wrong. Giolito has the best fastball/curveball combo in the minors and is very likely to break camp next season in the Nationals’ rotation. Though he may not be as highly touted as Stephen Strasburg was, Giolito is on track to be one of the better pitchers in our game and dynasty owners should stash him assuming that he starts putting everything together in the big leagues next season.

Talent grade: 10

2. Tyler Glasnow (PIT, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 110.2 IP, 1.87 ERA, 2.91 FIP, 10.82 K/9, 5.04 BB/9, 0.33 HR/9
Age: 23
ETA: NA

Glasnow almost has the stuff to be just as good as Giolito, but ultimately lacks the necessary command to take the top spot on this list. Despite the issues with walks, he is still a future front-of-the-rotation starter with the potential to provide 200+ strikeouts per season to any dynasty owner willing to stash him. He will undoubtedly begin next season in the starting five for Pittsburgh behind Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon and should be stashed in all dynasty leagues.

Talent grade: 9.5

3. Alex Reyes (STL, MLB)
Stats: 20.0 IP, 1.35 ERA, 2.25 FIP, 10.80 K/9, 4.50 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9
Age: 22
ETA: NA

Though some are concerned Reyes may be best utilized as a bullpen arm, dynasty owners should be relieved to know that for the foreseeable future he will be a starter. Between an upper-90s fastball and a near-elite curveball, Reyes has all the makings to be a one or two pitcher in nearly any rotation, though he still has some adjustments to be made with his command. But the Cardinals have proven with the growth of Carlos Martinez that they can successfully develop electric young starters and Reyes should be the next young star of St. Louis' rotation. Expect him to pitch every fifth day next season for the Cardinals with the chance to provide ridiculous strikeout totals.

Talent grade: 9.5

4. Jose De Leon (LAD, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 86.1 IP, 2.61 ERA, 3.25 FIP, 11.57 K/9, 2.08 BB/9, 0.94 HR/9
Age: 24
ETA: NA

Arguably the most polished pitching prospect in the National League, De Leon does not have the ace-upside of Giolito, Glasnow or Reyes, but he combines a stellar repertoire with excellent command. He should open up as the four starter behind Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias and Kenta Maeda at the start of the 2017 season and could be viewed as an early NL Rookie of the Year candidate. De Leon is a reliable pitcher with a high floor and high ceiling and should be owned in all dynasty leagues.

Talent grade: 9

5. Brent Honeywell (TB, AA)
Stats: 59.1 IP, 2.28 ERA, 3.17 FIP, 8.04 K/9, 2.12 BB/9, 0.61 HR/9
Age: 21
ETA: 2017

One of my personal favorite pitchers in the minors, Honeywell was an easy choice for the top spot in the American League. Like De Leon, he is a polished starter who lacks the upside of an ace starting pitcher, but also has a high enough floor where he looks to be a lock to pan out as a two or three starter in the Rays’ rotation. He is only at Double-A so he may spend a month of two in the minors next season, but he should be counted on to debut in 2017. And besides, would you really pass up an opportunity to own a guy who throws a screwball?! I think not.

Talent grade: 9

6. Josh Hader (MIL, AAA)
Stats: 69.0 IP, 5.22 ERA, 3.81 FIP, 11.48 K/9, 4.70 BB/9, 0.65 HR/9
Age: 22
ETA: September

Since being taken 582nd in the 2012 draft, Hader has displayed an ability to strikeout oodles of batters and has begun to really make a name for himself. Though he is currently more of a two pitch pitcher, Hader at least offers two well above-average pitches and some deception from his delivery. Struggles with control have plagued him in the past, but he has made some major strides and looks poised to debut in September with a chance to actually join the rotation full time in April of 2017. Few can match his strikeout potential which is why dynasty owners will just have to live with higher walk totals.

Talent grade: 9

7. Tyler Jay (MIN, AA)
Stats: (from A+) 69.2 IP, 2.84 ERA, 3.31 FIP, 8.78 K/9, 2.71 BB/9, 0.65 HR/9
Age: 22
ETA: 2018

Jay has been a highly touted prospect since being taken sixth overall in last season’s draft and now finds himself knocking on the door of the big leagues. Despite the lower strikeout total than most, he possesses an outstanding repertoire with four average to above-average pitches. Jay has also displayed sharp command in his time in the minors which helps to provide him with a high floor. He was a reliever in college, but few doubt he has what it takes to become a starter. Expect him to debut around the end of next season and really begin his career as the number two Twins starter behind Jose Berrios in 2018.

Talent grade: 9

8. Francis Martes (HOU, AA)
Stats: 125.1 IP, 3.30 ERA, 2.73 FIP, 9.41 K/9, 3.38 BB/9, 0.29 HR/9
Age: 20
ETA: 2017

Since being acquired in the Jarred Cosart deal back in 2014, Martes has sky-rocketed up prospect lists to the point where he is now viewed as a future front-of-the-rotation starter for Houston. He does not have a great changeup, but makes it up for it with one of the better fastball/curveball combinations of most right-handed starting pitching prospects and impressive control for a 20-year-old prospect. The ceiling is high with Martes and he could start to put that upside on display as early as next season when he might jump in to start for Houston.

Talent grade: 8.5

9. Anderson Espinoza (SD, A)
Stats: 32.1 IP, 4.73 ERA, 3.18 FIP, 7.79 K/9, 2.23 BB/9, 0.28 HR/9
Age: 18
ETA: 2019

Of all the prospects on this list, none are further away than Espinoza from reaching the big leagues, but that should not scare everyone off. Scouts are extremely excited about his upside with many comparing him to another short starting pitcher, Pedro Martinez. He possesses three above-average offerings and many scouts believe they could all develop to become borderline elite pitches. Throw in his advanced control for someone of his age and you’ve got a guy who could be at the top of this list in a year or two of development.

Talent grade: 8.5

10. Amir Garrett (CIN, AAA)
Stats: 67.2 IP, 3.46 ERA, 4.14 FIP, 7.18 K/9, 4.12 BB/9, 0.80 HR/9
Age: 24
ETA: 2017

Garrett has taken a long time to get where he is today, but now that he’s here, dynasty owners should be excited. His control has made remarkable strides over the past few seasons and his repertoire has really come along as well. In a vacuum, Garrett’s repertoire is not viewed as one of the best in the minors, but he has serious athleticism which helps increase his upside in the eyes of many scouts. Dynasty owners should expect him to begin 2017 in the Reds’ rotation and finish the year as one of their top three starters.

Talent grade: 8.5

11. Jake Thompson (PHI, MLB)
Stats: 26.1 IP, 7.86 ERA, 6.60 FIP, 5.47 K/9, 4.78 BB/9, 2.05 HR/9
Age: 22
ETA: NA

Viewed as a future middle-of-the-rotation, innings-eating bulldog, Thompson is not the most exciting pitching prospect, but there is something to be said for reliability. No, he is not going to be a 200 strikeout, sub-2.50 ERA starter for the Phillies, but dynasty owners can count on 200+ innings of a sub-3.50 ERA with modest strikeout totals and little to no walks. He has struggled to this point in his big league career, but don’t count on that to continue moving forward.

Talent grade: 8.5

12. Michael Kopech (BOS, A+)
Stats: 52.0 IP, 2.25 ERA, 2.61 FIP, 14.19 K/9, 5.02 BB/9, 0.17 HR/9
Age: 20
ETA: 2018

Kopech has exploded onto the scene this season, thanks in large part to an awe-inspiring fastball that has been clocked reaching triple-digits. Kopech lacks quality secondary stuff at the moment, but scouts believe his slider has the makings of a future above-average pitch and his changeup also shows potential. It is still early, but he has all the makings of a front-of-the-rotation starter if he can iron out his control and improve his secondary stuff.

Talent grade: 8.5

13. Mike Clevinger (CLE, MLB)
Stats: 35.2 IP, 5.30 ERA, 4.49 FIP, 8.07 K/9, 5.05 BB/9, 1.01 HR/9
Age: 25
ETA: NA

The Indians’ rotation is absolutely loaded and is locked up for the long haul which means Clevinger might find himself on the trade block this offseason, but that should come as welcome news to dynasty owners. Clevinger has a simple delivery which allows his stuff to play really well, leading many to believe in his future as a three or four starter with the upside to possibly be a number two guy. He is Major League ready and just needs an opportunity to see regular starts to have fantasy value.

Talent grade: 8

14. Luis Ortiz (MIL, AA)
Stats: 23.1 IP, 1.93 ERA, 4.35 FIP, 6.17 K/9, 3.86 BB/9, 0.77 HR/9
Age: 20
ETA: 2017

Scouts love Ortiz’s repertoire and overall makeup, but for whatever reason it has never translated into the high level of domination most would expect. He possesses a great fastball and slider while showing the potential to develop an above-average changeup, yet has never been a great strikeout artist. Ortiz demonstrates pin-point control which leads many to believe he is a lock for a spot in a future rotation. Ortiz may not be the most exciting guy in the minors, but he gets the job done and fantasy owners will take that any day of the week.

Talent grade: 8

15. Yohander Mendez (TEX, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 31.1 IP, 0.57 ERA, 3.94 FIP, 6.32 K/9, 4.60 BB/9, 0.00 HR/9
Age: 21
ETA: NA

Smoke and mirrors is really the best way to explain how Mendez has done this well. Though the 6’5” southpaw has imposing size, his fastball and curveball only grade out as average to slightly above-average while his changeup stands out as his only well above-average pitch. But Mendez has deception and control, and when you have both of those you can have a successful Major League career. Don’t expect Mendez to carry your rotation, but rather count on him to fill out his role as a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter.

Talent grade: 8

16. David Paulino (HOU, AA)
Stats: 14.0 IP, 3.86 ERA, 3.08 FIP, 12.86 K/9, 3.86 BB/9, 0.64 HR/9
Age: 22
ETA: 2018

I like Paulino a lot more than most because I believe in his potential. At 6’7”, he towers over most opposing hitters and that has allowed him to make a living in the bottom of the strike zone. His massive frame also helps him to get the most out of his pitches, enhancing an exciting fastball/curveball combination. He is coming off of Tommy John surgery and could spend most of next season at Triple-A again, but he has exciting potential if he can stay healthy and could eventually profile as a solid number two starter in the big leagues.

Talent grade: 8

17. Sean Newcomb (ATL, AA)
Stats: 140.0 IP, 3.86 ERA, 3.19 FIP, 9.77 K/9, 4.56 BB/9, 0.26 HR/9
Age: 23
ETA: 2017

Newcomb has struggled with control throughout most of his MiLB career, but there are few pitchers who can come close to his level of upside. He has one of the best repertoires of any left-handed starter and has drawn some lofty comparisons to guys like Jon Lester for both his size and nasty stuff. And though he has struggled a bit at Double-A this season, he does have a 2.04 ERA and 2.03 FIP in his last seven starts which includes a very nice 3.18 BB/9 rate.

Talent grade: 8

18. Luke Weaver (STL, MLB)
Stats: 21.0 IP, 3.86 ERA, 4.14 FIP, 11.14 K/9, 3.00 BB/9, 1.71 HR/9
Age: 23
ETA: NA

It’s not the upside that gets dynasty owners excited about Weaver, but rather it is his steadiness and reliability. He is a lock to remain in the starting rotation moving forward and has shown that he knows how to get batters out. Weaver does not possess the elite repertoire of many top notch starting pitching prospects out there, but he knows how to use it and should fill the role of a number three starter moving forward.

Talent grade: 7.5

19. Reynaldo Lopez (WAS, AAA)
Stats: 33.0 IP, 3.27 ERA, 4.95 FIP, 7.09 K/9, 2.73 BB/9, 1.64 HR/9
Age: 22
ETA: September

There are a number of factors that point to Lopez eventually being used as a reliever, but he is doing everything he can to hold that off. He has done extremely well this season being used entirely as a starter and has made some major strides in improving his control. And of course, strikeouts have not been any kind of issue for him as he continues to baffle hitters with his elite fastball. His limited repertoire, smaller stature and loaded future Nationals’ rotation has many believing Lopez will be either used as trade bait or a bullpen arm for the club, but dynasty owners should still be willing to take the risk when betting on a guy with this kind of upside.

Talent grade: 7

20. Phil Bickford (MIL, A+)
Stats: 27.0 IP, 3.67 ERA, 3.40 FIP, 10.00 K/9, 5.00 BB/9, 0.33 HR/9
Age: 21
ETA: 2018

Bickford still has some development time left in the minors, but his quick rise through the minors has him potentially knocking on the door for a call up as early as late next season. Bickford has shown no issues racking up plenty of strikeouts while also impressing scouts with his continuously improving control. He could improve on his changeup a bit, but Bickford is starting to convince more and more people that he is destined for the rotation and not the bullpen. Dynasty owners should be very excited about his upside.

Talent grade: 7

Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)

Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 


Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jam Miller

Has Sneaky Value if He Can Earn a Roster Spot
Justice Hill

a Dynasty Drop Candidate Wherever He's Still Rostered
J'Mari Taylor

Is J'Mari Taylor Worth a Taxi-Squad Spot in Deep Dynasty Leagues?
Greg Dulcich

Has a Lack of Competition Made Greg Dulcich a Dynasty Sleeper?
Carson Beck

a Worthy Investment in the Later Rounds of Rookie Drafts
Devon Toews

Logs Two Assists In Game 3 Defeat
Brett Howden

Nets 10th Postseason Goal
Mitchell Marner

Delivers Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Mark Stone

Returns With Multi-Point Effort
Valeri Nichushkin

Exits Early Sunday
Nathan MacKinnon

Hurt in Game 3 Loss
Isaiah Hartenstein

Provides Steady Production in Defeat
Chet Holmgren

Has a Quiet Offensive Night on Sunday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Held Under 20 Points in Game 4
Stephon Castle

Hands Out Six Assists in Game 4 Win
Devin Vassell

Tallies 13 Points in Game 4 Win
De'Aaron Fox

Records Double-Double as Spurs Even Series
Victor Wembanyama

Sets Tone Early as Spurs Force a Pivotal Game 5
Isaac Guerendo

Could be a Drop Candidate in Dynasty Leagues in 2026
Jayden Higgins

' Dynasty Arrow is Pointing Up With Clear Path to WR2 Role in Houston
Jakobi Meyers

a Sell-High Candidate in Dynasty Formats?
Drake Maye

to Make a Big Leap in 2026 in Second Season With Josh McDaniels?
Jamal Murray

Earns First Career All-NBA Selection
Kevin Durant

Becomes First Player to Make All-NBA Team With Five Franchises
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Victor Wembanyama Lead All-NBA First Team
Taylor Hall

Enjoying Life in Carolina
Mark Stone

Returns to Action Sunday
Cale Makar

Rejoins Avalanche Lineup Sunday
Cason Wallace

Joins Starting Unit Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Doesn't "Feel Great" Entering Game 4
Jalen Williams

Won't Play Sunday
Christian Watson

Is Christian Watson on the Verge of a Legitimate Breakout?
Khalil Shakir

Dynasty Value in Decline
Travis Hunter

Still a Risky Buy, Even at his Sunken Dynasty Cost
Gunnar Helm

a Dynasty Sleeper with Room to Grow
Drake Maye

Is Drake Maye Becoming the Most Valuable Player in Superflex Dynasty Leagues?
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Pat Freiermuth

Steelers Restructure Pat Freiermuth's Contract
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
Jordan Mason

a Short-Term Dynasty Depth Piece
Dontayvion Wicks

Can Dontayvion Wicks Stand Out in Another Crowded Offense?
Chuba Hubbard

Dynasty Value Back on the Rise
Juwan Johnson

an Overlooked Buy Candidate for Contending Dynasty Managers
Kimani Vidal

Easily Acquirable as a High-Value Insurance Back
Evan Mobley

Tallies Series-High 24 Points on Saturday
Donovan Mitchell

Struggles at the Line Saturday
Karl-Anthony Towns

Continues Playmaking Surge on Saturday
OG Anunoby

Delivers Clean Shooting Line Saturday
Mikal Bridges

Fills Box Score in Game 3 Win
Jalen Brunson

Pushes Knicks Closer to NBA Finals
Orlando Magic

Magic Interview Jeff Van Gundy for Head-Coaching Position
Phillip Danault

Extends Point Streak to Three Games
Josh Anderson

Nets Two Goals in Painful Loss
Jalen Chatfield

Delivers Two Assists in Crucial Win
Mark Jankowski

Contributes Two Assists in Game 2 Victory
Eric Robinson

Scores in Second Consecutive Game
Nikolaj Ehlers

Tallies Two Goals as Hurricanes Bounce Back Saturday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Magic Reportedly Have Giannis Antetokounmpo on Their Radar
Ja'Tavion Sanders

a Dynasty Dart Throw With Potential Untapped Upside
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Nazem Kadri

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Ross Colton

Nets Lone Avalanche Goal Friday Night
Rasmus Andersson

Extends Assist Streak to Four Games
Pavel Dorofeyev

Focuses on Playmaking in Friday's Win
Jack Eichel

Enjoys Multi-Point Outing in Game 2 Win Friday
Ivan Barbashev

Amasses Three Points as Golden Knights Grab 2-0 Series Lead
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
CFB

Lincoln Riley Believes USC is Ready for Playoff Run
CFB

Notre Dame-Stanford Rivalry Renewed Through 2028
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Says He's "Back to the Road to Success"
CFB

Texas Tech Graduate Judge Recuses Himself from Brendan Sorsby Case
CFB

UCLA Tackle Jordan Davis Officially Eligible for 2026 Season
CFB

Bret Bielema Supports Significant College Football Playoff Expansion
Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List

Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

Hoping to Build on Strong Myrtle Beach Finish
PGA

Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
Billy Horschel

Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
Tony Finau

Looking for Consistency at TPC Craig Ranch
Luke Clanton

Searching for Form at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Aaron Rai

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Wyndham Clark

Can Wyndham Clark Find Form at CJ Cup?
Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
Gerrit Cole

to Make Season Debut on Friday Against Rays
Drake Baldwin

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF