In fantasy baseball, finding value on the waiver wire can be the difference between contending for a title or falling out of playoff contention. While flashy names and aces dominate headlines, savvy managers know that underappreciated starting pitchers (SP) can quietly become league-winners. Whether it’s an uptick in velocity, a favorable upcoming schedule, or simply flying under the radar, these arms are worth adding immediately.
Here are five underappreciated SPs you should grab right now:
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1. Bryce Miller (Seattle Mariners)
Ownership: Low in many standard leagues
Why Add:
Miller has been overshadowed by Logan Gilbert and George Kirby in Seattle’s rotation, but he’s quietly putting together an impressive season. He’s shown improved command, a high spin-rate fastball that generates weak contact, and solid strikeout upside. His WHIP is elite, and he tends to avoid the big inning. With favorable matchups ahead in the AL West, he’s a must-add in 12-team formats.
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2. Reese Olson (Detroit Tigers)
Ownership: Under 40% in most leagues
Why Add:
Olson’s win-loss record doesn’t reflect how effective he’s been. His ERA and xERA are among the best for pitchers with fewer than five wins. The Tigers’ offense has let him down, but his ability to limit hard contact and rack up strikeouts makes him a sneaky-good fantasy arm. Regression in the form of actual wins should come — making him a perfect buy-low candidate.
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3. Mitchell Parker (Washington Nationals)
Ownership: Rising, but still under the radar
Why Add:
Parker has been one of the biggest surprises in the Nationals rotation. With pinpoint control and a deceptive delivery, he’s kept hitters off balance despite not having overpowering stuff. His walk rate is elite, and his efficiency allows him to go deep into games. As a young pitcher on a team not expected to contend, he’s been overlooked — but fantasy managers should pay close attention.
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4. Gavin Stone (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Ownership: Moderate, but rising fast
Why Add:
The Dodgers have a knack for developing strong pitchers, and Stone is no exception. After a rocky debut in 2023, he’s rebounded in 2024 with better secondary offerings and improved command. The strikeouts aren’t gaudy, but he benefits from pitching for a team that gives him run support and a chance to pick up wins. He’s especially valuable in points leagues and deeper mixed formats.
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5. Tyler Anderson (Los Angeles Angels)
Ownership: Very low despite strong stats
Why Add:
Anderson has bounced back with a vengeance after a disappointing 2023. He’s not a high-strikeout pitcher, but he’s limiting runs, pitching deep into games, and generating ground balls at a high rate. He’s a boring name in fantasy, but his recent stretch of quality starts makes him a sneaky streaming option — or even a rotation staple in deeper leagues.
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Final Thoughts:
The waiver wire is where leagues are won. These five starters won’t carry the same name value as an ace, but they’re pitching like one — or showing signs that they’re about to. If you’re struggling with rotation depth, looking for quality innings, or trying to get ahead of the curve, grab these unde
rappreciated SPs now before your league mates catch on.
