Best Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball 2023 After MLB Week One
UPDATE: This post has gone out of date. MLB the Show 24 releases on March 19th visit our blog page for up to date info
I understand the importance of identifying emerging talent on the pitching mound, whether it's for traditional fantasy baseball leagues on Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, CBS Sports, Fantrax HQ, and Ottoneu or daily fantasy sports on FanDuel and DraftKings. Moreover, my experience in playing MLB the Show 23 has given me an added perspective on real-life player performance. With that said, this article will focus on my top picks for pitchers in the 2023 MLB season after week one.
Fantasy baseball is an exciting game of skill and strategy, where players draft their team and manage their rosters throughout the season, competing against other fans for a chance to win. One of the most important components of building a strong fantasy baseball team is selecting the right pitchers to fill out your rotation. In this article, I'll discuss my top four pitchers for the 2023 season after Week One in MLB, with statistics and analysis to support my choices.
Introduction
We can all speculate about players and performance up to and through spring training, but when the season starts, the rubber really hits the road. Fantasy owners or MLB the Show 23 Players need to hit the ground running and build their roster for success, including focusing on early acquisitions of standout pitchers. To do this, it's essential for owners to research players, analyze statistics, and hone their intuitive sense of when specific players are poised for breakout performances for the remainder of the 2023 Major League Baseball season. I use similar reasoning in my Underrated MLB The Show 23 Pitchers for Profitable Diamond Dynasty Investments.
My Favorite Pitchers for the 2023 Season
1. Luis Castillo
Luis Castillo is coming off a 2022 season when he earned an All-Star bid and split time between the Reds and the Seattle Mariners. In 2022, Castillo posted 150 innings with a 2.99 ERA, 167 strikeouts, 45 walks, and a FIP of 3.07. In his first two starts of the 2023 season, he has thrown 11 2/3 innings with an opponent's batting average of 0.079 in 40 plate appearances.
Why I believe Castillo's performance can continue: Luis Castillo leads qualified starters this season in xwOBA with a 0.199 and holds an xERA of 1.63.
2. Shane Bieber
Shane Bieber is two years removed from his Cy Young Award season and coming off a lackluster 2022 season. He's now set to solidify his name among the best pitchers in baseball. In 2022, he went 13-8 on a talented Guardians team, posted a FIP of 2.87, and grabbed himself a Gold Glove. In 2023, his stats so far have been stellar, facing off against Castillo on opening day and proving he's not messing around this season. In his first two starts, he has tossed 12 innings, allowing only three runs, 10 strikeouts, and only one walk.
Why I believe Bieber's performance can continue: Looking at predictive stats from Baseball Savant, Bieber maintains an xERA of 2.76 and an xwOBA of .261 through 46 plate appearances.
3. Zac Gallen (My Pick to Turn it Around This Season)
In 2022, Gallen had a breakout season with a lackluster Arizona Diamondbacks squad, posting a 12-4 record and a 60+ inning scoreless streak. He led the league in hits per nine (5.9) and WHIP (0.913). So far this season, through his first two starts, Gallen has not been his 2022 self, with an ERA of 7.59 and a whip of 1.59.
Why I believe Gallen's performance can continue: Based on his stellar 2022 season, I believe he can repeat this success. He is one to watch as he continues on this season.
4. Jeffrey Springs
Bouncing around from the Texas Rangers to the Boston Red Sox and now settling with the Tampa Bay Rays, Jeffrey Springs maintains a 14-6 record so far with the Rays heading into 2023. In 180 innings pitched, he has a 3.04 FIP. Springs leads the league in FIP (-0.30), WHIP (0.167), Hits allowed (0), and SO9 (18) in the 19 batters he has faced.
Why I believe Springs' performance can continue: While this is a small sample size, it shows his potential this season with a stellar Rays team. Springs was stellar in his first start and has a xwOBA of 0.107.
Comparisons
A. Teams Each Pitcher Plays For
Castillo plays for the Seattle Mariners, Bieber for the Cleveland Guardians, Gallen for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Springs for the Tampa Bay Rays.
B. Innings Pitched
Castillo has thrown 11.2 innings, Bieber with 12 innings, Gallen with 10.2 innings, and Springs with 2 innings pitched.
C. Strikeouts
Castillo has 16 strikeouts, Bieber 10 strikeouts, Gallen has 6 strikeouts, and Springs has 13 strikeouts.
Conclusion
A. Overview of Each Pitcher
In summary, Luis Castillo, Shane Bieber, Zac Gallen, and Jeffery Springs are some of the must-watch pitchers in 2023. Their tracking stats highlight why they are great picks on any fantasy baseball team.
B. Summary of Benefits of Researching and Analyzing Statistics
Researching and analyzing statistical data is an essential part of creating a winning fantasy baseball team. By examining a player's past performance and making informed decisions, managers are more likely to create a competitive team that can win their league.
C. Final Thoughts on Drafting the Best Team
When it comes to fantasy baseball, it's essential to remember that good drafting is what sets the tone for a season. Identifying key trends and standout players using statistical data is key to building a successful fantasy baseball team.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to evaluate pitchers before drafting them?
Evaluating pitchers before drafting them starts with analyzing their previous year's performances, health reports, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses.
2. How do I know which pitchers are worth picking?
Fantasy baseball managers can conduct complex statistical analyses to identify the best pitchers suited for their team.
3. Which websites offer the best research tools for fantasy baseball managers?
There are several websites that offer research tools, including but not limited to Baseball-Reference, ESPN, FanGraphs, and MLB.
4. How important is it to follow players throughout the season?
Following players throughout the season is vital to making informed decisions when drafting, trading, or making waiver-wire pickups.
5. Can I still win my fantasy league if I have a rocky start to the season?
Yes, managers can win their fantasy league even if they have a rocky start. Constant analysis of statistical data and making informed decisions improves a team's chances of success as the season progresses.
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The statistical information presented in this article was gathered from reputable sources such as Baseballsavant.com, Fangraphs.com, and Baseball-reference.com. These sites offer comprehensive data on various aspects of the game and are trusted by baseball enthusiasts and analysts alike.
