Finding the right starting pitchers in fantasy baseball can be the difference between a championship season and falling short. While many managers focus on the big names early in drafts, the key to success is identifying undervalued breakout pitchers who can provide elite production at a discounted price.

In this 2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide, we deep dive on Spencer Schwellenbach, one of the most intriguing arms heading into the 2024 season, offering the perfect combination of strikeout upside, elite command, and a high win potential on a dominant Atlanta Braves team. If you're looking for a must-draft starting pitcher who could significantly outperform his current ADP, Schwellenbach is a name you need to know.

 

 

 

SP Fantasy Baseball ADP - Starting Pitcher Spotlight - Spencer Schwellenbach

As the 2024 MLB season approaches, the Atlanta Braves find themselves in an enviable position. With Spencer Strider returning from injury and Chris Sale coming off a Cy Young-winning season, their rotation is already stacked. However, one of the most exciting arms to watch this year isn’t a household name—yet. Enter Spencer Schwellenbach, a pitcher who not only delivered in a big way last season but has all the tools to take an even bigger leap in 2024.

A Breakout Year in 2024

Last season, the Braves suffered a massive blow when Spencer Strider went down with an injury. While Chris Sale stepped up with the best season of his career, the Braves needed another arm to step in and fill the gap. Schwellenbach did precisely that, proving he belongs in Atlanta’s star-studded rotation.

Over 123.2 innings, Schwellenbach posted a 3.35 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, with an impressive 25.4% strikeout rate and a minuscule 4.6% walk rate. His ability to dominate hitters while limiting free passes is rare for a young pitcher, and everything points to him being able to sustain—and potentially improve upon—those numbers this season.

 

 

 

An Elite Pitch Mix That Sets Him Apart

One of the biggest reasons for Schwellenbach’s success is his deep and highly effective pitch mix. Unlike many young pitchers who rely on just two or three offerings, Schwellenbach has six quality pitches that he uses consistently, making him an incredibly difficult matchup for hitters.

  • Fastball (102 Stuff+)
  • Sinker (100 Stuff+)
  • Cutter (98 Stuff+)
  • Slider (113 Stuff+)
  • Splitter (112 Stuff+)
  • Curveball (101 Stuff+)

The fact that his “worst” pitch still grades out with a 98 Stuff+ rating speaks volumes about his overall arsenal. He combines elite velocity, sharp movement, and pinpoint control, which allows him to keep hitters off balance and generate both strikeouts and weak contact.

A Workhorse in the Making

For many young pitchers, workload is a concern, but Schwellenbach is well-prepared to handle a full season in the majors. Even though he only threw 123.2 innings in Atlanta, he also logged 45 innings in the minors, bringing his total to 168.2 innings in 2023. That experience puts him in a perfect position to easily surpass 170+ innings in 2024, assuming he stays healthy.

With the Braves expecting to make another deep postseason run, Schwellenbach will have every opportunity to pitch deep into games and rack up innings, making him an extremely valuable asset in both fantasy baseball and real life.

 

 

Elite Ratios, Strikeouts, and Wins on a Contender

Another major advantage Schwellenbach has is his team. The Braves boast one of the best lineups in baseball, featuring stars like Ronald Acuna, Matt Olson, Micheal Harris II, Marcell Ozuna, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley. Not only does this mean plenty of run support and quality defense, but it also ensures that Schwellenbach will be in a position to rack up wins at an elite rate.

Pitchers with great ratios and strikeout numbers can sometimes still struggle to accumulate wins if they play for weaker teams. That won’t be a problem for Schwellenbach. With Atlanta’s offensive firepower and strong bullpen behind him, he should have one of the highest win potentials in baseball.

Why Schwellenbach Is Still Undervalued

Despite his impressive performance last season and all the signs pointing toward further growth, Schwellenbach still isn’t being drafted as high as he should be. Many fantasy managers are overlooking him in favor of more established names, but that could be a mistake.

With his elite control, deep arsenal, high strikeout upside, and strong team backing him, Schwellenbach has all the makings of a top-tier fantasy starter. If you’re looking for a pitcher who could outperform his draft position and deliver ace-level production, Schwellenbach should be at the top of your list.

In 2024, Spencer Schwellenbach isn’t just a breakout candidate—he’s a star in the making.