Fantasy baseball starters #6: Carlos Rodon
After having some injury issues earlier in his career, Carlos Rodon has established himself as a dominant force on the mound. The lefty made 31 starts last year and pitched 178 innings. He allowed 131 hits, 57 earned runs, 52 walks, and struck out 237 batters. His ERA was 2.88, his FIP was 2.25, his WHIP was 1.03, and his ERA+ was 140. His FIP led MLB, as did his 12 K/9. This was his second year in a row finishing in the top six of Cy Young voting.
Fantasy baseball starters #5: Gerrit Cole
Who will be better for the Yankees this year, Rodon or Cole? It’s going to be really close, but I’ll give Cole the edge because of his track record. Last year, he pitched 200.2 innings in his MLB-leading 33 starts. He allowed 154 hits, 78 earned runs, 50 walks, and struck out and MLB-best 257 batters. His ERA was 3.50, his FIP was 3.47, his WHIP was 1.02, and his ERA+ was 111. It was a bit of a down year, largely due to his league-leading 33 home runs allowed, but if he can reign those in a bit, he can return to his old form. Even if he doesn’t, he’s still a workhorse and a strikeout machine.
Fantasy baseball starters #4: Justin Verlander
Like fine wine, Justin Verlander continues to get better with age. After missing 2021 with Tommy John surgery, the righty came back and casually won the AL Cy Young in 2022. He made 28 starts and pitched 175 innings, allowing just 116 hits, 34 earned runs, 29 walks, and striking out 185 batters. His ERA was 1.75, his FIP was 2.49, his WHIP was 0.83, and his ERA+ was 220. He led the league with 6.0 H/9, and he led MLB in ERA, WHIP, and ERA+. While I wouldn’t expect a repeat of this incredible performance, I would still expect him to be one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2023.