2025 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 5 Pitchers You Need to Know

The position of a top-tier pitcher in fantasy baseball rankings can shift considerably primarily based totally on factors including league size, format, and the energy of your competition. While buying and selling can regularly be a manner to shore up weaknesses in different parts of your roster, now no longer all leagues provide that flexibility. For example, in high-stakes codecs just like the National Fantasy Baseball Championship (NFBC), in which buying and selling is prohibited, building a strong pitching group of workers from the outset is crucial. With no possibility to make in-season modifications thru trades, managers ought to cautiously plan their drafts.

In such leagues, counting on the waiver cord won`t offer the identical gain it would in home leagues, emphasizing the significance of early and strategic pitching selections. With that during mind, right here are the top 5 fantasy pitchers to do not forget for the 2025 season, in keeping with Fantasy Sports On SI.

Here are Top 5 Fantasy Baseball Rankings Pitchers 2025-

1 – Paul Skenes, PIT (ADP – 10.4)

In his rookie season, Paul Skenes proved why he has quickly become one of the best young pitchers in the league. Skenes began the season with a string of impressive performances in the minor leagues, posting an impressive 0.99 ERA and 0.915 WHIP in seven AAA starts with 45 batters in 27.1 innings. In his major league debut on May 11, he showed glimpses of his potential, though he only allowed three runs in four innings. Since then, he has developed into one of the most reliable pitchers in the fantasy baseball league.

In his next 13 starts, he showed his ability to limit damage and get strikeouts with an remarkable 1.76 ERA, 0.890 WHIP and 100 strikeouts in 82 innings. He struggled in early August against the Dodgers (giving up four runs in six innings) but bounced back with an impressive finish. In his last eight starts, Skenes is 5-1 with a 1.32 ERA, .927 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 41 innings. Heading into the 2025 season, Skenes is poised to be a cornerstone for any fantasy manager who is able to acquire him in the early rounds.

His average fastball reached 99.1 mph. Hitters struggled to hit all five of his pitches (four-seam – .228, sinker – .182, slider – .171, curveball – .214, changeup – 0.086). Right-handed hitters had the most success against his four-seam fastball (.281 batting average). Skenes limited his damage with walks (2.2 per 9 innings) and a high strikeout rate (11.5 per 9 innings, 33.1%).

Fantasy Outlook: Skenes is fantasy baseball’s next big star and worth competing for in the draft. He is the first pitcher drafted with a first-round ADP in the premium market in 2025. The Pirates allowed him to throw 90 or more pitches in 18 of his 23 starts as a rookie, including 15 straight starts. Skenes has the profile of a hard worker and has natural growth to pitch over 190.0 innings this year. I expect 15 wins and 240+ strikeouts while maintaining a large lead in ERA and WHIP. If Pittsburgh can’t sign him to a long-term deal, the team should put a lot of pressure on him early in his career. If his changeup improves, he’ll be even more likely to strike out batters.

2 – Tarik Skubal, DET (ADP – 14.0)

After missing the first 3 months of 2023 getting better from elbow surgery, Skubal lower back with impressive form. He published a strong 4.06 ERA over 44.1 innings and confirmed elite strikeout potential (50 strikeouts). However, it turned into his very last six starts that truly showcased his ace potential, as he went 4-1 with a 1.25 ERA and fifty two strikeouts over 36.zero innings.

Skubal built in this momentum in 2024, incomes the AL Cy Young with a 2.39 ERA, main the league in wins (18) and strikeouts (228). His advanced command (1.6 walks according to nine) and dominant fastball (ninety seven mph) had been key, as he excelled in opposition to each righties and lefties. Although his strikeout fee regressed slightly, his consistency and ability to close down fighters had been unmatched.

Fantasy Outlook: Skubal is a top-tier fantasy starter, however his heavy workload in 2024 can be a concern. He must maintain a sub-3.00 ERA with over 225 strikeouts in 2025, making him a secure guess for fantasy groups in want of a strong ace.

3 – Zack Wheeler, PHI (ADP – 20.1)

Over the last 5 seasons, Wheeler has been a regular fantasy asset with a 2.94 ERA and 899 strikeouts in 829.1 innings. In 2024, he set profession highs in wins (16), ERA (2.57), WHIP (0.955), and had the bottom opponent batting common in the NL (.192 BAA). His K:BB ratio become elite (8.7:1), and he persisted to be a dominant force for the Phillies.

However, Wheeler noticed a mild dip in ERA and WHIP midseason because of an growth in home runs, however he ended the 12 months sturdy with an 11-game streak of allowing or fewer runs, together with a 1.89 ERA and 86 strikeouts over 71.1 innings. His new split-finger fastball helped lessen his BAA on different pitches, though he still struggled with left-handed batters (15 of 20 home runs allowed to lefties).

Fantasy Outlook: At 35, Wheeler`s ability set stays ordinarily unchanged. While his fastball speed has barely declined, he`s still an extremely good choice for fable managers. Expect regular performance, with capability for 200+ strikeouts and sturdy ERA numbers in 2025. He’s a secure pick, however fitness issues round his age will be a factor to monitor.

4 – Jacob deGrom, TEX (ADP – 41.5)

Jacob deGrom has been one of the maximum dominant pitchers in baseball when healthy, posting a 1.90 ERA, 0.633 WHIP, and 248 strikeouts over 156.1 innings in 2021 and 2022. His strikeout rate (14.3 K/9) and walk rate (1.1) are elite, and opposing batters struggled with a .148 common towards him.

However, accidents were a consistent issue. In 2021, deGrom handled a lat strain, a proper elbow issue, and a shoulder problem that ended his season early. In 2022, a pressure response in his proper scapula behind schedule his debut, however he still controlled to supply extraordinary performances, which includes a 1.66 ERA in seven starts. Despite a few struggles in his final 4 starts, he continued to generate excessive strikeouts.

In 2023, deGrom`s season ended early with Tommy John surgical procedure after six robust starts (2.67 ERA, 0.746 WHIP, 45 strikeouts). His fastball still had life (97.eight mph), and he mixed in a 4-seamer and slider effectively.

Fantasy Outlook: deGrom`s harm records is a concern, however whilst healthy, his capacity is unmatched. With extended recuperation time, he can be poised for a robust comeback in 2025. Fantasy managers will carefully watch his spring education performance, however his elite talent set makes him really well worth the threat as a capacity game-changer. If you`re inclined to take on a few uncertainty, deGrom will be a precious asset at his ADP.

5 – Chris Sale, ATL (ADP – 37.7)

Chris Sale’s move to the Braves was a big success in 2024, as he returned to his peak form, leading the NL with an 18-4 record, 2.38 ERA, 225 strikeouts and winning his fourth Cy Young Award. He finished the year with an impressive 10-0 record at home with a 2.28 ERA, 0.989 WHIP and 103 strikeouts.

Sale was dominant down the stretch, allowing two runs or less in his last 18 starts (10-2, 1.96 ERA, 143 strikeouts). Despite missing his last two starts due to back spasms, Sale still led the league in strikeouts (11.4 K/9) and got outs with his slider (40.4% usage rate). While his changeup and slider were solid, Sales’ four-seamer (.270 batting average) and sinker (.375 batting average) were weak.

Fantasy Outlook: Sale’s 2024 return marked a return to his best form, albeit with fewer innings per start (6.1). He is part of a high-scoring Braves offense that will likely continue to thrive. With 32 starts under his belt, his solid control and strikeout ability make him an attractive fantasy asset, but his overall production still has room for improvement. His career trajectory suggests he could peak again in 2025, making him an attractive option.