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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Projecting Rest of Season Top 10 Starting Pitchers in 2025 Fantasy Baseball (Week 9)

Tarik Skubal - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Kevin projects which 10 pitchers will finish the season in the top 10 for the 2025 fantasy baseball season as we head into Week 9 of MLB action.

Welcome to the Week 9 edition of our Top 10 Starting Pitchers series for the 2025 fantasy baseball season. Starting pitching is incredibly important to having consistent success with your fantasy lineup, making it one of the bigger things for you to focus on as a fantasy manager.

With Memorial Day in the rearview mirror now, we are starting to truly understand who's real and who's not. Some pitchers who started cold are heating up. Some surprising starters are falling back to earth. Both are reaching their middle ground, and projections are starting to become clearer.

With a third of the season now behind us, let's take a look at this season's current top-ranked pitchers.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Current Top 10 Starting Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball

According to Yahoo's player rankings, here are the top 10 most valuable starting pitchers in standard leagues (as of May 27).

Pitcher IP W K ERA WHIP
Tarik Skubal 68.2 5 92 2.49 0.845
Zack Wheeler 70.2 6 88 2.42 0.877
Garrett Crochet 75 4 89 2.04 1.067
Max Fried 70 7 67 1.29 0.929
Yoshinobu Yamamoto 64 6 75 1.97 0.906
Carlos Rodon 65.2 6 80 2.88 0.959
Nathan Eovaldi 67.1 4 71 1.60 0.787
Hunter Brown 61.2 6 71 2.04 0.908
Kris Bubic 68.1 5 70 1.45 1.010
Jesus Luzardo 67 5 77 2.15 1.179

Taking over the current top overall spot is Tarik Skubal. Is it possible that he may be even better than he was last year when he won the AL Cy Young Award? After a complete game, 13 K shutout performance on just 94 pitches, Skubal authored one of the best Madduxes we've seen in quite some time.

His ERA sits at 2.49 on the season, just a bit above his 2.39 ERA from 2024. However, his FIP (1.96) and xFIP (2.16) suggest we could be seeing even better things out of the southpaw soon. He's now the odds-on favorite to repeat as the AL Cy Young winner, and that doesn't feel like a mistake. He's going to continue performing at incredibly high levels for the rest of the season.

Fellow AL southpaw Garrett Crochet is very likely to find himself in the Cy Young discussion alongside Skubal at the end of the season. Maybe he and his 2.04 ERA have been a victim of bad luck from the Red Sox offense, as you'd expect him to have a better record than 4-4.

Opposite to the positive regression Skubal has coming, Crochet may be headed the opposite way. His 2.70 FIP and 2.91 xFIP tell us that his 2.04 ERA is likely to rise. But a sub-3.00 xFIP is a welcome sight any day. He'll continue to drive home plenty of fantasy value.

After a tough start in Tampa, we see Hunter Brown dropping quite a bit. He gave up five ER and struck out just four batters in five innings. It was the first time this season he hadn't recorded an out in the sixth inning and broke a streak of five consecutive games with exactly nine strikeouts.

Similar to Crochet, his 2.04 ERA is buoyed by a 2.77 xFIP. So, more negative regression is likely to hit the 26-year-old, but he's still going to be the clear-cut Astros ace. He'll look for redemption against Tampa as he's the scheduled starter for Houston's series finale on Sunday, June 1st.

Kris Bubic finds his way into the top 10 for the second straight week. After a seven-inning, nine-strikeout performance against the Twins, he just keeps finding ways to not only limit hitters and get outs, but get outs efficiently in terms of pitch count.

The bigger question is how long he can stave off negative regression. With a 3.34 xFIP, that's a decent-sized jump from his current 1.45 ERA. He's going to continue providing the Royals and fantasy managers with value, but it may not stay at the elite level it's currently at.

In a similar boat, Max Fried continues to defy the models. He recorded the win in his most recent start at Coors Field against the Rockies, striking out seven in just over seven innings of work. We've mentioned multiple times now that Fried is expecting negative regression as his 1.29 ERA has a 3.19 xFIP we need to consider.

Part of what's driving that xFIP to be higher is Fried's walk rate. He allowed just one walk on Saturday, just the second time in his last eight starts that he didn't have multiple walks. If the walks stay down, and he can raise his K/9 to a number at or above 9.00, then he'll have more staying power in the top 10.

Jesus Luzardo rounds out the top 10 after a seven-inning, 10-strikeout performance against the A's. It didn't come without some troubles, though, as he gave up three runs on nine hits. It still marked Luzardo's second straight start with 10 strikeouts.

With a 2.15 ERA and a 2.99 xFIP, Luzardo is still on the negative regression train. But as we've mentioned with some of the pitchers above, that's still a very solid regression point to where he's still going to bring more than enough value to your fantasy team.

 

Projected Top 10 Starting Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball

Plenty will change between now and October, though. Here's how I think the top 10 will look by the end of the season. I based these rankings on where each pitcher stands now, what the underlying metrics indicate about their performance, and who will likely have sustained success over the next five months.

My rest-of-season projections change weekly, but here's where they stand for now.

Pitcher Projection Current Rank
Tarik Skubal 1 1
Zack Wheeler 2 2
Garrett Crochet 3 3
Yoshinobu Yamamoto 4 5
Logan Webb 5 14
Paul Skenes 6 13
Hunter Brown 7 8
Carlos Rodon 8 6
Nathan Eovaldi 9 7
MacKenzie Gore 10 11

Skubal takes over the projection as our top pitcher. With how dominant he has been and positive regression coming for him, there's no reason to think he won't keep up his upper-echelon production for Tigers fans and fantasy managers alike.

Zack Wheeler comes in at the two-spot. His three-hit, eight-strikeout outing against the A's this weekend just exemplifies what he's going to give you nearly every outing. With a 2.42 ERA and a 2.51 xFIP, we're getting true results out of the 34-year-old who just may win the NL Cy Young Award this year for the first time in his career.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto comes in at number four behind Crochet. Yamamoto has started to get things straightened out over his last two starts, giving up just two earned runs while recording 16 K in 13 IP against Arizona and Cleveland. His 1.97 ERA puts him in the NL Cy Young conversation, and he'll be there with Wheeler and Paul Skenes at the end of the season.

Speaking of NL Cy Young contenders, Logan Webb ranks fifth for us. A subpar outing against the Royals dropped Webb down in the current top 10 after he gave up 10 hits and three ER in just four innings. It was his shortest outing this season. But his 2.67 ERA is paired with a 2.37 xFIP, so he's got better days in front of him.

Paul Skenes comes in at number six. Is he heating up now? After another strong outing against Milwaukee, where he notched eight strikeouts in six innings, he's starting to get back to his normal ways. But a 3.07 xFIP to go along with his 2.36 ERA tells us negative regression is coming for him if he can't keep his strikeouts up. That and the Pirates offense are all that can hold him back.

Carlos Rodon comes in at number eight. He gets his spot in the top 10 ahead of fellow Yankee southpaw Max Fried, given his strikeout rate brings more fantasy value. Walks will be his biggest enemy going forward, but if he can keep those under control, he'll be solid.

Nathan Eovaldi comes in at number nine. His six-inning, one-run performance against the Yankees on Thursday was one in which he was given the loss. He certainly didn't deserve it, as he's been a near lock for six innings and seven strikeouts every start. That's his third start where he's given up one ER or fewer and wasn't credited with a win. Similar to Skenes, the Rangers offense is Eovaldi's biggest fantasy enemy.

MacKenzie Gore finishes out our top 10 list. After getting roughed up in Baltimore, Gore righted the ship on Friday with a six-inning, nine-strikeout performance against San Francisco, where he gave up just one ER. An inept offensive performance resulted in Gore getting the loss, but he did what he needed to do to get back on track.

Who do you think is missing from the list, RotoBallers? Let me know! Reach out to me here on X and share your thoughts.

Thanks for reading, and good luck the rest of this fantasy baseball season!



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 Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Corbin Carroll

Injures Hand on Wednesday, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Michael King

Likely Out Through All-Star Break
Tyrese Haliburton

Officially Questionable for Game 6
Bucky Irving

Not Resting on Laurels Ahead of Second Season
Denver Broncos

Mario Goodrich Signs with Denver
Maverick McNealy

May Need To Be Avoided at TPC River Highlands
MLB

Brewers-Cubs Postponed on Wednesday
Shedeur Sanders

Issued Citation for Excessive Speeding
MLB

Cardinals-White Sox Postponed on Wednesday
Wyndham Clark

Avoid Wyndham Clark at the Travelers Championship
Rickie Fowler

a Very Risky Option at TPC River Highlands
Russell Henley

Has Elite Value at TPC River Highlands
Ben Griffin

Once Again a Solid Option for Travelers Championship
Jason Day

an Intriguing Option at TPC River Highlands
MLB

Pirates-Tigers Postponed on Wednesday
PGA

Sungjae Im Still Totally Useless For DFS Ahead of Travelers Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Looking to Bounce Back After Messy U.S. Open
Ryan Fox

Looks to Continue Hot Run at TPC River Highlands
Jordan Spieth

Makes a Strong Case at Travelers Championship
Tyjae Spears

Has Impressed this Offseason
Cam Skattebo

Agrees to Terms on Rookie Deal
Beaux Collins

Working with Giants Starters
Marquise Brown

Feels 100% Healthy
Damon Arnette

Texans Signing Damon Arnette
Jaire Alexander

Inks One-Year Deal with Ravens
Jared Wiley

Wearing Knee Brace at Minicamp
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks to Continue Momentum Into Travelers Championship
Anders Carlson

Jets Release Anders Carlson
Malik Nabers

Will be Ready for Training Camp
TreVeyon Henderson

Unclear if TreVeyon Henderson is a Future Bell-Cow Back
Hideki Matsuyama

Searching for Consistency at Travelers Championship
Justin Thomas

Looks to Bounce Back at Travelers Championship
Travis Hunter

More Comfortable on Defense?
Adam Scott

Looks to Rebound After Disappointing U.S. Open Finish
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Another Strong Performance at Travelers
Shane Lowry

a High-Upside Play at Travelers
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Travelers
Corey Conners

Withdraws from Travelers with Wrist Injury
Keegan Bradley

in Solid Form Ahead of Travelers Championship
Gary Woodland

Hit-or-Miss at the Travelers
Sepp Straka

Expected to Contend at Travelers Championship
Tyrese Haliburton

to Be a Game-Time Call Thursday
Roman Josi

Expects to Return for 2025-26 Campaign
Sam Bennett

Wins Conn Smythe Trophy
Matthew Tkachuk

Reveals Multiple Injuries
Aleksander Barkov

Posts Two Assists in Cup-Clinching Win
Carter Verhaeghe

Collects Hat Trick of Assists in Tuesday's Win
Sam Reinhart

Scores Four Goals in Cup-Clincher
Cal Raleigh

Homers, Drives in Six on Tuesday
Andy Pages

Homers Twice in Win Over Padres
Cam Smith

Launches Two Home Runs in Victory
Salvador Perez

Homers Twice, Plates Four Tuesday
Michael Toglia

Homers Twice, Plates Three Tuesday
Javier Báez

Javier Baez Collects Three Hits, Homers Twice Tuesday
Las Vegas Raiders

Jeremy Chinn Will Continue to Play Multiple Roles With Raiders
Christian Wilkins

Absent at Minicamp
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders to Add Cornerback Help?
Rafael Devers

Expected to Play First Base in San Francisco
Will Warren

Strikes Out 11 in Quality Start
Elijah Ellis

Signs with Chargers
Jashaun Corbin

Heading to Atlanta
Kyren Williams

Rams Progressing Toward Extension
Jaxson Dart

Showing Well Early
Max Scherzer

Could Rejoin Blue Jays Next Week
John Klingberg

Rejoins Oilers Lineup Tuesday
Tylor Megill

Placed on 15-Day Injured List, Out 4-5 Weeks With Elbow Sprain
Kasperi Kapanen

Returns to Oilers Lineup for Game 6
Stuart Skinner

Back in Oilers Crease Tuesday
Gabriel Moreno

Scratched on Tuesday With Sore Hand
Jurickson Profar

Starting Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Will Vest

Likely to Avoid Injured List
Rafael Devers

Expected to Make Giants Debut on Tuesday
Chet Holmgren

Has Tough Shooting Night in Game 5 Against Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Outstanding at Both Ends Monday
Jalen Williams

Erupts for 40 Points in Game 5 Win
Pascal Siakam

Has Best Game of Finals Monday
Tyrese Haliburton

Determined to Battle Through Calf Injury
LeBron James

Progressing Well From Knee Injury
Lucas Giolito

Strikes Out Season-High 10 in Monday's Win
Logan Gilbert

Fans 10 in Return on Monday
Stephen Curry

"Not Even Close" to Retirement
Jonathan Kuminga

Linked to Bulls, Heat
Kevin Durant

Has "No Desire" to be Traded to Minnesota
Jarace Walker

Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Cody Brundage

Mansur Abdul-Malik Defeats Cody Brundage By Technical Decision
Oumar Sy

Suffers His First Loss
Alonzo Menifield

Scores Upset Win
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF