Brandon Pfaadt 2025 Fantasy Baseball Outlook: Encouraging Sophomore Campaign Could Lead To Full Breakout
2 weeks agoThe addition of Corbin Burnes means one established starter is set to miss out on a place in the Diamondbacks rotation. While the surface numbers weren't great for Brandon Pfaadt last year, it'll be harsh if he's the odd man out. Following a so-so introduction to the Majors in 2023, Pfaadt took a step forward in his first full season as an MLB starter last year. In 32 starts (181.2 IP), Pfaadt had an 11-10 W-L record, 4.71 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 185 Ks. Pfaadt's 24.3% K% was up two percentage points from 2023 and his underlying numbers point towards Pfaadt being unlucky in 2024. He had a 3.58 xFIP and 3.65 SIERA, offering hope that he could put up a sub-4.00 ERA in 2025. Pfaadt did have a .246 xBA (37th percentile) and 39.4% HardHit% (42nd percentile) last year so it's difficult to see Pfaadt reaching an SP2 status in fantasy. But Pfaadt is currently being drafted as an SP5 in 10-12 team drafts. Providing his ERA luck isn't as bad as last year, Pfaadt should have no problem being a top-40 starting pitcher this year.