STARTERS: Early deep-league targets

If you play in a deep league, you know it can be difficult to find available guys worth speculating on.

Here, let's take an early look at several unheralded guys with strong skill foundations who could be worth slotting at the end of your staff if they are available.
 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Chris Devenski (RHP, HOU) likely will be owned even in many shallow leagues given his early gaudy strikeout totals in a relief role. The fact that he's not in a rotation or getting saves is making him available in some leagues. If that's the case in yours, note that he's been the most skilled pitcher with 20+ IP so far in MLB. And it hasn't been close: 16.3 Dom, 1.3 Ctl, 40% GB%, 276 BPV. His command sub-indicators have been just as impressive: 21.7%...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Starting Pitchers

The underlying command gains of Cade Povich in the second half bode well for his ability to take a step forward in 2026.
Sep 6 2025 3:10am
Sean Manaea's ugly August ERA hid an impressive foundation of skills that could lead him to a much better showing in September.
Aug 30 2025 3:09am
Shane Baz's volatility can be traced back to some significant struggles against lefty bats.
Aug 23 2025 3:09am
Andrew Abbott's shiny surface stats are hiding a shaky foundation of skills when he pitches at home.
Aug 16 2025 3:09am
Cristopher Sanchez's elite second half results have been driven by similarly elite underlying skills.
Aug 9 2025 3:09am

Tools