Target These Under-the-Radar Fantasy Baseball Pitchers After Spring Training Breakouts

A look at other hurlers to keep on your radar after strong Grapefruit League performances.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:09pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery from multiple angles, with muted earth-toned colors and sharp, overlapping shapes that deconstruct the motion into an abstract, conceptual representation.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's mechanics highlights the complex movements and perspectives involved in the art of hurling a baseball.NYC Today

The New York Post examines a few lesser-known pitchers who had impressive spring training performances, suggesting fantasy baseball managers should keep an eye on them as potential breakout candidates for the upcoming MLB season.

Why it matters

Spring training stats may not count in the standings, but they can provide valuable insights into a pitcher's stuff and potential improvements. Identifying under-the-radar pitchers with strong spring showings could give fantasy managers an edge in their leagues.

The details

The article highlights Mick Abel, a pitcher traded from the Phillies to the Twins last season, who had a 7-2 record with a 2.20 ERA, 28.6% strikeout rate, .194 opponents' average, and 12.8% swinging-strike rate in 18 Triple-A starts. While his MLB numbers were less impressive overall, his final two outings showed flashes of potential with a 1.80 ERA, 15-4 strikeout-walk rate, and 14.6% swinging-strike rate.

  • Mick Abel made 10 big league appearances (eight starts) for both the Phillies and Twins last season.

The players

Mick Abel

A pitcher who was traded from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Minnesota Twins last season and had an impressive spring training performance that could make him a breakout candidate.

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The takeaway

Identifying under-the-radar pitchers with strong spring training performances can give fantasy baseball managers an edge in their leagues, as these stats can provide valuable insights into a pitcher's potential improvements and future breakout potential.