The Best Fantasy Baseball Pitchers to Target Late in Drafts

15 May 2026

Fantasy baseball drafts can be a rollercoaster ride. Early rounds are where you lock in your aces, but the real magic happens late in drafts. Those late-round gems can make or break your season, and when it comes to pitching, there are always undervalued arms that can outperform their ADP (Average Draft Position).

So, who are the best fantasy baseball pitchers to target late in drafts this year? Let’s dive into some of the sneaky-good hurlers who can give you an edge without requiring you to burn an early-round pick.

Why Late-Round Pitchers Matter in Fantasy Baseball

Elite pitchers are great, but the reality is that injuries, innings limits, and inconsistencies make it crucial to find value later in drafts. Late-round pitchers often provide:

- Breakout Potential – Many young players or post-hype veterans emerge as impact arms.
- Strikeout Upside – Fantasy leagues heavily reward strikeouts, and there are plenty of high-K guys available late.
- Win Potential – Pitchers on good teams with solid run support can rack up wins, even if they aren’t household names.
- Ratios & Whip Boosts – A solid late-round pitcher can stabilize a fantasy team’s ERA and WHIP.

With that in mind, let’s break down some of the best late-round targets for fantasy baseball drafts.

1. Michael King (San Diego Padres)

Michael King has long been viewed as a reliable bullpen arm, but in 2024, the Padres are giving him a real shot at a starting role. Last season, King posted an impressive 2.75 ERA with a 30% strikeout rate in relief. If he can translate those numbers to a full-time starting gig, he could be an absolute steal late in drafts.

Why Target Him?

- Transitioning from bullpen to starting rotation could unlock more innings, boosting his fantasy value.
- His elite strikeout rate plays well in fantasy formats.
- Moving to San Diego's pitcher-friendly ballpark should help keep his ERA in check.

King is a high-upside swing worth taking, especially in leagues where depth is key.

2. Gavin Stone (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Gavin Stone struggled in his brief MLB debut, but don’t let that scare you off. He dominated the minors with a sub-2.00 ERA and impressive strikeout numbers, showing that he has the potential to be a frontline starter.

Why Target Him?

- Dodgers have a knack for developing young pitchers into fantasy studs.
- Elite minor league stats showcase a high ceiling for strikeouts and control.
- Likely to get spot starts early and could secure a full-time role in a strong rotation.

A polished young arm with massive upside, Stone could be a difference-maker, especially in deeper leagues.

3. Edward Cabrera (Miami Marlins)

When it comes to raw talent, Edward Cabrera is a name to circle in your draft lists. His fastball reaches 98+ mph, and he pairs it with a nasty changeup that keeps hitters off balance. The issue? Control.

Why Target Him?

- Elite strikeout stuff – He posted a 10.7 K/9 in 2023.
- Plays in pitcher-friendly Miami, which helps limit home runs.
- If he can improve his walk rate, his ceiling is sky-high.

Cabrera is a classic boom-or-bust pick, but if he puts it together, he could be a mid-round talent available much later.

4. Clarke Schmidt (New York Yankees)

Schmidt took a big step forward last season, cementing himself as a reliable arm in the Yankees' rotation. While his overall numbers (4.64 ERA) don’t jump off the page, his underlying metrics suggest he's on the verge of a legit breakout.

Why Target Him?

- Yankees' offense should provide plenty of win potential.
- His secondary pitches (cutter, slider) are improving, giving him a higher ceiling.
- Could take a leap in ERA and WHIP with more experience.

Schmidt is a great late-round flier for fantasy managers looking for innings, strikeouts, and upside.

5. JP Sears (Oakland Athletics)

Pitching in Oakland may not be glamorous, but it’s often a fantasy goldmine for sneaky-good pitchers. JP Sears is a perfect example.

Why Target Him?

- Underrated command – He limits walks and controls the zone well.
- Oakland’s ballpark suppresses home runs, keeping his ERA in check.
- Has the innings volume to be a solid back-end fantasy starter.

While he may not have ace upside, Sears is a strong depth piece with the potential to outperform his ADP.

6. Dean Kremer (Baltimore Orioles)

Dean Kremer quietly put together a solid campaign in 2023, logging over 170 innings with a respectable 4.12 ERA. On a rising Baltimore squad, he’s in a great position to post solid fantasy numbers.

Why Target Him?

- Reliable innings-eater – He should get plenty of starts in Baltimore’s rotation.
- Orioles’ improved defense should help boost his ratios.
- Win potential is high, given Baltimore’s high-powered offense.

If you're looking for a stabilizing presence in the later rounds, Kremer is a great value pick.

Key Strategies for Drafting Late-Round Pitchers

Now that we’ve covered some of the best arms to target, let’s talk about strategy.

1. Chase Strikeouts

Strikeouts are king in fantasy baseball. Prioritize pitchers with high K/9 rates, even if they have some control issues.

2. Look for Pitcher-Friendly Ballparks

Guys who play in spacious parks (like Miami, Oakland, and San Diego) tend to post lower ERAs.

3. Consider Role Changes

Some of the best late-round values are relievers becoming starters or young pitchers forcing their way into the rotation.

4. Monitor Spring Training Performances

If a late-round pitcher is dominating in spring training, that could indicate a breakout is coming.

5. Hedge Your Bets

Since late-round pitchers are often hit-or-miss, draft multiple upside arms and see who sticks early in the season.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best fantasy baseball pitchers late in drafts is an art form. While early-round aces provide stability, it’s often these under-the-radar picks that separate champions from the rest of the league.

Target arms with strikeout potential, strong underlying metrics, and favorable roles. Whether it’s a young stud looking to establish himself or a veteran ready to take that next step, these pitchers can give you league-winning value.

So, when your draft hits the later rounds, don’t just take the first name you recognize—go for upside, breakout potential, and sneaky win value.

Good luck, and may your rosters be filled with late-round gold!