X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Starting Pitchers Who Were Busts and 2025 Fantasy Baseball Outlooks

Kevin Gausman - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Pranav's biggest starting pitcher busts for fantasy baseball, who didn't live up to their preseason values. He examines their 2025 fantasy baseball outlooks.

While some prefer to look at the players that brought them success, we can never really forget the ones who disappointed us. The players who carried high expectations, but for some reason or another, failed to meet them -- the "busts."

This article will look at the starting pitchers who could be widely considered "busts" after poor performances in 2024.

Any pitcher who suffered an injury that sidelined them for a significant portion of the season will be excluded (think Spencer Strider or Jesus Luzardo). Pitchers with late ADPs will also elide the "bust" classification, as a failed dart throw doesn't compare to a miss on a foundational pick.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays

ADP: 38

A premium pitcher in 2024 fantasy baseball drafts, Kevin Gausman feels like the biggest bust of all.

His 3.83 ERA and 14 wins kept him afloat in some cases, but very few fantasy squads could recover from a nearly 10-point decrease in strikeout rate (31.1% K rate in 2023, 21.4% K rate in 2024).

Advanced metrics tell an even worse story, as his 4.24 SIERA, 10.5% SwStr%, 93 Stuff+ grade, and 25.8% CSW% are among the poorest marks of the 33-year-old's career.

Like Bobby Miller, an early season shoulder injury may have hampered Gausman's performance. Entering his 13th season, you may have less confidence he'll be able to turn back the clock; but the discounted ADP he'll hold going into 2025 may mean he won't have to.

 

Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers

ADP: 89

A fantastic rookie year catapulted Miller up the 2024 fantasy baseball draft boards. But many are looking back in anger at the moment when they drafted the 25-year-old, as his 8.52 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, 20.2% strikeout rate, and 11.6% walk rate made him one of the biggest disappointments of the 2024 fantasy baseball season.

An early season shoulder injury took Miller off the mound after just three starts. But for what it is worth, Miller’s 3.85 FIP, 2.66 xFIP, and 36% strikeout rate offered great hope that he’d produce upon his return.

The Illinois native began rehab in late May, putting up a worrying 7.80 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, 13.5% strikeout rate, and 10.8% walk rate through four starts in A-ball and Triple-A.

His return to a major-league mound proved even less fruitful, with a 9.87 ERA, 7.95 FIP, 2.08 WHIP, 10.8% strikeout rate, and 14.5% walk rate through four starts.

The vaunted rookie then went back to Triple-A Oklahoma, where he managed a meager 5.54 ERA through three starts. He took one more trip to Los Angeles late in the season, posting a 9.00 ERA, 7.68 FIP, 1.70 WHIP, and 20% strikeout rate through six starts before being bounced back to Oklahoma.

Despite the poor results, Miller’s 113 Stuff+ grade proves the talent was there amid an injury-plagued season. However, the addition of Blake Snell, the return of Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin, and possible additions in free agency to an already-loaded Dodgers pitching staff complicate hopes that Miller finds his footing in 2025.

But when healthy, very few in MLB can go pitch for pitch with a talent like Bobby Miller. Early indications show Miller will be available deep in drafts; if there are no lingering health issues, you can do much worse in later rounds.

 

Jordan Montgomery, Arizona Diamondbacks

ADP: 145

An unusually long time spent on the free agent market should’ve raised some red flags, but very few expected Jordan Montgomery to put up the numbers he did.

Through 117 innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jordan Montgomery held a 6.23 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, career-low 15.6% strikeout rate, 8.3% walk rate, and 26.7% CSW%.

While there are very few pieces of positive data emanating from his statistical profile, a 4.48 FIP and 12.3% SwStr% offer some hope that Montgomery didn't crumble completely. We can still live with the hope that 2024 was merely a below-average pitching season spiked by a few heavy doses of bad luck.

After Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick loudly rebuked his decision to sign Montgomery, it’s not likely we see the 31-year-old in Arizona next season. Perhaps with a change of scenery and a full off-season of preparation, Montgomery can regain something close to his 2023 form.

 

Chris Bassitt, Toronto Blue Jays

ADP: 125

Old Reliable wasn't so reliable this season, as Chris Bassitt turned in some of the worst numbers we've seen from him in a long while.

Through 31 starts, Bassitt turned in a 4.16 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 22.2% strikeout rate, 9.2% walk rate, and 14 losses to boot. The advanced metrics are poor, with an 8.7% SwStr%, 96 Pitching+ grade, and 4.46 xERA, putting the 35-year-old in precarious territory going into 2025.

Bassitt should still be a workhorse available at a discount in 2025, but with his degraded command, that might not be a great selling point.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aaron Rodgers

an Uncertain Fit With DK Metcalf
Erik McCoy

Active at OTAs
Abraham Lucas

Moving Well at OTAs
Olu Fashanu

Taking Part in Offseason Workouts
Zebby Matthews

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

is A Top Contender to Win At Michigan
Kyle Larson

Will Compete For The Win At Michigan
Cal Raleigh

Smashes Two Homers
Chase Elliott

is One of the Most Favored DFS Options of the Week for Michigan
William Byron

May be A Top Threat to Win at Michigan
Jo Adell

Homers Twice in Win
Kyle Busch

is Difficult to Recommend for DFS Lineups at Michigan
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Considered Day-to-Day
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Qualifies Ninth For the FireKeepers Casino 400
Alex Bowman

What Should Fantasy Managers Do With Alex Bowman at Michigan?
Austin Cindric

Should Austin Cindric be Considered For Michigan DFS Lineups?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Should Shane Van Gisbergen Be Rostered For Michigan DFS Lineups?
John Hunter Nemechek

Is A Solid Value Option For Michigan DFS Lineups
Zane Smith

Is Zane Smith Worth Rostering Outside of Tournament Lineups at Michigan?
Todd Gilliland

Is A Decent Value Option for Michigan DFS Lineups
Ryan Blaney

One of the Leading DFS Contenders, but Might Be Slightly Overpriced
Ross Chastain

Has Less DFS Value than Usual Since He Qualified Better
Joey Logano

Should Run Better at Michigan
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. Likely to Regress to the Mean at Michigan
Carson Hocevar

After Back-to-Back Top-Five Runs, Carson Hocevar Could Easily Lead at Michigan
Austin Dillon

has Solid Record at Michigan
Daniel Suarez

Will Likely Need a Strategy Play to Contend at Michigan
Josh Berry

It's Unclear Whether Josh Berry's 1.5-Mile Oval Speed Will Transfer to Michigan
Michael McDowell

has Weak Michigan Record
Trevor Story

has Three Hits, Drives in Five
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Exits With Ankle/Shin Injury After Being Hit by Line Drive
Christopher Morel

Homers Twice in Three-Hit Game
Logan Webb

Fans 10 on Saturday
Jesús Sánchez

Jesus Sanchez Shines in Victory Against Rays
Bryce Elder

Records 12 Strikeouts in No-Decision
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year, $13.65 Million Deal With Steelers
Giancarlo Stanton

Could Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Josh Reynolds

Looking Good at OTAs
Will McDonald IV

Adds Weight in the Offseason
Stefon Diggs

Looks Good "Running Routes and Cutting"
Chris Conley

Announces his Retirement
Francisco Lindor

Returning on Saturday
Darius Garland

Available "Under the Right Circumstances"
Zach Edey

to Undergo Surgery, Expected to Miss Start of the Season
Seiya Suzuki

Slugs Two Home Runs in Win Over Tigers
Miami Dolphins

Ben Stille Reuniting with Miami
Chimere Dike

Signed by Tennessee
Dillon Gabriel

Inks Rookie Deal
James Cook

to Miss Mandatory Minicamp?
Luther Burden III

Still Missing From Practice
Jaquan Brisker

Feeling Better
Devaughn Vele

Turning Heads During Offseason Workouts
Carlos Correa

Back in Action on Saturday
Bryce Harper

Lands on Injured List
Sam Hauser

Possibly on the Move?
De'Aaron Fox

: "I'll be Ready for Next Year"
Evan Bouchard

Enjoys Three-Point Period In Game 2 Against Panthers
Connor McDavid

Joins Rare Company with Three-Assist Effort
Sam Bennett

Makes NHL History with Another Goal Friday
Seth Jones

Fills Stat Sheet in Game 2 Against Oilers
Anton Lundell

Notches Two Assists in Friday's Win
Brad Marchand

Leads Panthers to Victory in Game 2 Against Oilers
Tee Higgins

Trying to Prevent Injuries
Lamar Jackson

Extension for Lamar Jackson on Ravens Docket
Anthony Volpe

Leaves Early Friday With Elbow Contusion
Gabriel Moreno

Exits Early on Friday With Hand Injury
Tyreek Hill

Won't Catch Passes Until August
Shane Bieber

Shut Down From Throwing Until Next Week
Ryan Mountcastle

Out 8-12 Months With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
Rome Odunze

Anticipates Big Year 2
Shea Langeliers

A's Place Shea Langeliers on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Keilan Robinson

Joins Eagles
Logan O'Connor

to Miss 5-6 Months Following Hip Procedure
Ezequiel Tovar

Rockies Place Ezequiel Tovar on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Tyler Seguin

Nursing a Shoulder Injury
DAL

Pete DeBoer Fired by Stars
Stuart Skinner

Seeks Sixth Consecutive Win Friday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Friday
A.J. Greer

Remains Out Friday
Sean O'Malley

Set For A Rematch
Merab Dvalishvili

Set For His Second Title Defense
Kayla Harrison

Could Become The New UFC Champion
Julianna Peña

Julianna Pena Set For Co-Main Event
Joe Pyfer

A Favorite At UFC 316
Kelvin Gastelum

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Mario Bautista

Looks For His Eighth Consecutive Win
Patchy Mix

Makes His UFC Debut
Vicente Luque

An Underdog At UFC 316
Kevin Holland

Set To Open Up UFC 316 Main Card
Alex Caruso

Shines Off the Bench in Game 1
Luguentz Dort

Knocks Down Five Triples in Game 1
Cason Wallace

Moves into the Starting Lineup in Game 1 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores 38 Points in Game 1 Defeat
Obi Toppin

Drops 17 Points in Game 1
Aaron Nesmith

Posts a Double-Double in Pacers Game 1 Victory
Pascal Siakam

Leads the Pacers with 19 Points in Game 1 Win
Tyrese Haliburton

Hits Game-Winning Shot as Pacers Steal Game 1
Karl-Anthony Towns

Undergoes Treatment for Knee, Finger Issues
Kevin Durant

Knicks Reportedly Make an Offer for Kevin Durant
Nicolas Batum

Clippers Expect Nicolas Batum to Return for Next Season
Tyus Jones

Reportedly on Kings Radar
Jeff Green

Wants to Play for Two More Years
Steven Adams

Rockets Desperate to Get Steven Adams Under a New Contract
Fred VanVleet

Likely to Remain in Houston
Nate Schmidt

Logs Pair of Helpers Wednesday
Carter Verhaeghe

Registers Two Assists In Game 1 Loss Against Oilers
Sam Bennett

Establishes New Franchise Record with 12 Postseason Goals
Kasperi Kapanen

Stays Productive in Finals Opener
Connor McDavid

Records Two Assists in Wednesday's Win
Leon Draisaitl

Scores Twice in Game 1 Win Against Panthers
Kristaps Porzingis

to be Moved This Offseason?
Phoenix Suns

Jordan Ott Named Suns Head Coach
Nikita Kucherov

Takes Home Second Ted Lindsay Award
Derek Forbort

Sticking with Canucks for One More Year
Noah Cates

Lands Four-Year, $16 Million Extension
Rico Hoey

a Decent Dark-Horse Option at TPC Toronto
Harry Hall

a Decent Option at TPC Toronto
Beau Hossler

Not Appealing Ahead of RBC Canadian Open
Taylor Pendrith

Could See Success at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Fox

a Solid Option at TPC Toronto
Mackenzie Hughes

is a Risky Option at TPC Toronto
Eric Cole

Not A Great Option For RBC Canadian Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at TPC Toronto
Quade Cummins

Hard to Trust at RBC Canadian Open
PGA

Matti Schmid a High-Risk, High-Reward Play at TPC Toronto
Jake Knapp

a Boom-or-Bust Option at RBC Canadian Open
Doug Ghim

a Sneaky Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Gary Woodland

a Solid Value Play at RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy

Eyes Third RBC Canadian Open Title
Wyndham Clark

Hoping to Reverse Slide at RBC Canadian Open
Erik Van Rooyen

Erik van Rooyen Continues Rocky 2025 Campaign
Sahith Theegala

Trying to Find Positives in 2025
Justin Rose

Enjoying Career Renaissance at 44
John Pak

Striving to Improve on PGA Tour
Kurt Kitayama

Roller-Coaster Season to Continue in Canada
Max Homa

Motivated for RBC Canadian Open
Ludovit Klein

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 107
Mateusz Gamrot

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Ramiz Brahimaj

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Billy Ray Goff

Gets Submitted
Bruno Lopes

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Dustin Jacoby

Scores First-Round Knockout
Ketlen Vieira

Dominates at UFC Vegas 107
Macy Chiasson

Dominated At UFC Vegas 107
Duško Todorović

Dusko Todorovic Drops Three Fights in a Row
Zachary Reese

Gets Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF