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Unearthing Tomorrow’s Fantasy Baseball Aces: The Next Generation of Pitching Dominance
May 28,2025 – Spotting the next big thing in fantasy baseball can give you a huge edge. Just ask anyone who has Detroit Tigers’ ace, Tarik Skubal, on their roster.Skubal, the reigning American league Cy Young Award winner, recently threw a complete-game, two-hit shutout against The Cleveland Guardians. The performance included 13 strikeouts, qualifying as a “Maddux,” completing the game with fewer than 100 pitches and hitting 102.6 mph on his final pitch.
For many fantasy team owners,including this columnist,having a reliable ace like Skubal can be the difference between rebuilding and competing for a championship. The key is identifying these players before they reach their peak value.
The Art of Finding Future Fantasy Baseball Aces
Looking back, Skubal’s journey highlights the importance of getting ahead of the curve. He missed 11 months due to flexor tendon surgery between 2022 and 2023 and didn’t always possess his current velocity. Through 2023, he threw only 22 fastballs 98 mph or faster. Since then, 28% of his fastballs have reached that speed.
Today, everyone knows names like Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Zack Wheeler. But who will be the next generation of pitchers to dominate fantasy baseball?
The following pitchers have ceilings noticeably above their current fantasy market value. Some are prospects or recovering from injury,making them scarcely rostered. They’re names to monitor as you seek the “next Skubal.”
top Pitching Prospects to Watch
Spencer Schwellenbach, Atlanta Braves
Spencer Schwellenbach might be the most likely future ace and perennial Cy Young contender among those not yet widely recognized. His transition from college shortstop to pitcher, along with a diverse six-pitch repertoire, draws comparisons to Jacob deGrom.While it’s a lofty comparison, Schwellenbach’s ability to make quick adjustments gives him a real chance to follow a similar path.
Andrew Painter, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are carefully managing Andrew Painter’s recovery from July 2023 Tommy John surgery, but his arrival is getting closer. Painter has already thrown three pitches at 100 mph in seven minor league starts, averaging 96.6 mph with his four-seam fastball. He has struck out 15 of 51 hitters in three Triple-A outings. Whether he ends up in the rotation or bullpen, painter projects as a top-10 positional prospect.
Hunter Greene,Cincinnati Reds
Hunter Greene could already be a fantasy ace,but health has been a barrier. He’s had five injured list trips in his four-year career, most recently due to a groin strain. despite this, he has shown front-of-the-rotation potential over the past year, with improved walk, zone, and first-pitch strike rates, along with increased fastball velocity. If you’re willing to take the risk, Greene is a worthwhile trade target.
Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers
Not every pitcher succeeds immediately, and Jack Leiter hasn’t had extensive exposure.Despite early struggles in the minor leagues and his 2024 debut, Leiter occasionally shows the potential that made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft. This includes a 97-mph fastball that can reach 100 and a slider that’s filthy when commanded well. Leiter is a future-ace prospect who might be available at a significant discount, and his progress during spring training and recent starts suggests he could take a big step forward soon.
Eury Perez, Miami Marlins
Eury perez is more of a 2026 speculative add than a player who will dominate this summer. However, his performance during his Tommy John surgery rehab assignment suggests he could provide value, even in standard leagues. perez has top-shelf stuff,striking out 35.4% of minor league hitters (28.9% in the majors). In 2023, his fastball averaged 97.5 mph, and he generated whiffs more than 45% of the time on his slider, curveball, and changeup.Perez should be ready to join The Marlins soon, making him a smart speculative stash.
Additional pitchers to consider: Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones, Pittsburgh Pirates; Gavin Williams, Cleveland Guardians; Jesus Luzardo, Philadelphia Phillies; Noah Schultz, Chicago White Sox.
comparative Analysis of Potential Fantasy Baseball Aces
| Player | Team | Potential | risk Factor | ETA (MLB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer Schwellenbach | Atlanta braves | Cy Young Contender | low | 2025 |
| Andrew Painter | Philadelphia Phillies | Top-10 Prospect | Medium (Injury Recovery) | 2025/2026 |
| Hunter greene | Cincinnati Reds | High-End Ace | High (Injury History) | Now |
| Jack Leiter | Texas Rangers | Front-of-rotation starter | Medium (Inconsistency) | 2025 |
| Eury Perez | Miami Marlins | Dominant Ace | Medium (Injury Recovery) | 2026 |
Investing in Pitching Prospects: A Long-Term Strategy
In fantasy baseball, much like in real-life MLB, acquiring top-tier pitching is crucial for sustained success. Savvy fantasy managers understand that identifying and developing pitching prospects is a cornerstone of long-term strategy.
Pro Tip: Keep tabs on minor league performances, injury updates, and changes in pitching mechanics. These factors can provide valuable insights into a player’s potential trajectory. Also, monitor prospect rankings from reputable baseball sources like MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, updated as recently as April 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fantasy Baseball Aces
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Who is spencer Schwellenbach and why is he considered a potential fantasy baseball ace?
Spencer Schwellenbach of The Atlanta braves is drawing comparisons to Jacob deGrom due to his transition from college shortstop to pitcher, diverse repertoire, and ability to make quick adjustments. These qualities make him a likely future ace.
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What makes Andrew Painter a compelling prospect for fantasy baseball?
Andrew Painter of The Philadelphia Phillies, recovering from Tommy John surgery, impresses with his fastball, already clocking up to 100 mph in the minor leagues. His potential role in the rotation or bullpen makes him a high-value positional prospect.
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What are the key factors holding Hunter Greene back from being a top-tier fantasy baseball ace?
Hunter greene of The Cincinnati Reds has shown ace-level talent,but his frequent trips to the injured list due to health issues hinder his consistency and prevent him from reaching his full potential as a Cy young contender.
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Why is Jack
