Bold Predictions for Top Starting Pitchers in 2026 Fantasy Baseball

Veteran aces like Gerrit Cole and young guns like Nolan McLean could shine in 2026

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Spring training 2026 is sparking bold predictions for starting pitchers in fantasy baseball. Some veteran aces like Gerrit Cole and Blake Snell are poised for bounce-back seasons, while young pitchers like Nolan McLean and Andrew Painter could break out with ace-level production.

Why it matters

These bold predictions can help fantasy baseball managers identify undervalued starting pitchers to target in their 2026 drafts, potentially giving them an edge over their league rivals.

The details

For the veteran starters, Gerrit Cole of the Yankees is expected to return from injury by mid-May or June and could win 15 games with a 3.63 ERA and 131 strikeouts. Shane McClanahan of the Rays is healthy after Tommy John surgery and a triceps procedure, and could be a late-round bargain with solid strikeout numbers. Blake Snell of the Dodgers, if he can stay healthy, could lead the NL in strikeouts and contend for the Cy Young Award. On the young pitcher side, Nolan McLean of the Mets has added 2 mph to his fastball and could win 15 games with strong ratios and 160 strikeouts. Andrew Painter of the Phillies is regaining his pre-Tommy John velocity and could surprise with 12 wins and 124 strikeouts. Eury Perez of the Marlins has electric stuff and could break out with 170 strikeouts and solid ratios.

  • Gerrit Cole is expected to return to the Yankees rotation by mid-May or June.
  • Shane McClanahan is scheduled to start the fifth game of the season for the Rays.
  • Blake Snell is ramping up slowly this spring and is expected to join the Dodgers rotation in mid-April.

The players

Gerrit Cole

A veteran starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is on schedule to return from injury as early as mid-May, though June is more likely.

Shane McClanahan

A starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who is healthy after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024 and a procedure to repair a nerve impingement in his triceps in 2025.

Blake Snell

A veteran starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who dealt with a sore shoulder during much of the 2025 season but is expected to join the rotation in mid-April.

Nolan McLean

A young starting pitcher for the New York Mets who has added 2 mph to his fastball and could break out with 15 wins, strong ratios, and 160 strikeouts.

Andrew Painter

A young starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies who is regaining his pre-Tommy John velocity and could surprise with 12 wins and 124 strikeouts.

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What they’re saying

“We've already written about Jacob deGrom's potential for a Cy Young season, so here we'll look at some other bold predictions that could help you win your fantasy baseball league.”

— Tim Mccullough, Author (athlonsports.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These bold predictions for veteran and young starting pitchers in 2026 fantasy baseball can help managers identify undervalued arms to target in their drafts, potentially giving them an edge over their league rivals.