Fantasy Baseball SP Rankings Update: Week 18 Top 100

Nick Pollack of Pitcher List has released his updated Top 100 Starting Pitcher rankings for Week 18, providing crucial insights for fantasy managers and bettors. The rankings, tailored for 5x5, 12-team, H2H leagues, focus heavily on upside, especially in the later tiers.

Injured Pitcher Valuations

A separate table is provided for injured pitchers, categorizing them by their relative ranking if fully healthy. This approach helps fantasy managers assess the value of players on their IL or bench, moving them out of the main Top 100 list. For example, Garrett Crochet, Max Fried, Cole Ragans, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani are all noted as top 1-10 pitchers when healthy, despite currently being sidelined Source. Corbin Burnes (TJS), Joe Musgrove (TJS), and Stephen Kolek (Forearm) are also among the many key pitchers listed with their expected healthy ranks.

Minor League Stash Targets

Pollack also included a "loose" list of minor league starting pitchers to consider stashing, with general ETAs for August 1st. This bonus table is designed for managers looking to add high-upside prospects. Kade Anderson, River Ryan (who is now back on the IL), Ryan Sloan, Jack Wenninger, and Brody Hopkins are highlighted. Managers should view this as a guide for potential future adds rather than a definitive projection.

Notable Ranking Shifts and Tier Analysis

The rankings see significant movement, particularly in the back half, reflecting the volatile nature of waiver wire options. Pollack notes that he prioritizes upside in these lower tiers, stating, "If I see elements that suggest a pitcher could be a Top 40 arm, I’m going to move up a ton from the 80s to the 60s." This strategy encourages managers to chase ceiling over floor when making waiver claims.

Tier 1 – How Is He Still Doing This

This elite tier includes Jacob Misiorowski (MIL), Tarik Skubal (DET), Chris Sale (ATL), Cam Schlittler (NYY), Zack Wheeler (PHI), Joe Ryan (MIN), Paul Skenes (PIT), and Chase Burns (CIN). These pitchers are consistently performing at an ace level. Misiorowski remains atop the list despite fatigue concerns, while Chris Sale continues his dominant run.

Tier 2 – The Other Aces

This tier features Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD), Cristopher Sánchez (PHI), Jacob deGrom (TEX), Drew Rasmussen (TBR), and Logan Gilbert (SEA). Yamamoto's complete game helps maintain his inning count, while deGrom's return to the mound without an IL stint is positive news. Cristopher Sánchez's recent struggles, labeled a "hitpocalypse," are noted, but he remains in this tier for his overall potential.

Fantasy managers are encouraged to read the detailed notes accompanying the rankings for a full understanding of player valuations and movements. The rankings are fluid, especially for fringe pitchers, as Pollack's daily SP Roundup and extensive player analysis inform these weekly updates.