Strategies

Fantasy Baseball Break Out Stars


 
Corey Kluber’s brilliant 2014 MLB season has him as one of the top fantasy breakout stars. The Cleveland Indians righty has emerged as not only the teams top starter but one of the top starters in the American League.

In 28 starts this season for the Indians, Kluber has posted an 13-8 record with 213 strikes and a 2.52 earned run average. These stats have Kluber atop the American Leader board in all three major stats including second in strikeouts, fourth in earned run average and sixth in wins.

Kluber got off to an up and down start in April allowing three or more runs in four of six starts. Over that stretch the Indians starter finished the month with a 2-3 record and a 4.14 earned run average. Since the month of April, Kluber has had three straight months with an earned run average under three including an outstanding 1.54 earned run average in July.

The Indians breakout star is just one of a handful of MLB players that have put together break out fantasy seasons. Here is a list of the players that make our list.

Corey Kluber
Corey Kluber

Jake Arrieta, Starting Pitcher: The Chicago Cubs acquired Arrieta in a deal with the Baltimore Orioles last season. The reward has paid off as the righty has pitched to a 2.88 earned run average and 7-5 record in 21 starts. Arrieta has rewarded his fantasy owners allowing two or fewer runs in 15 of 21 starts including 11 starts with at least seven strikeouts.

Tyson Ross, Starting Pitcher: Ross has been one of the San Diego Padres bright spots this season pitching to a 12-12 record and a 2.64 earned run average. Over his last 10 games, Ross has allowed three or fewer runs to go along with at least six innings pitched.

Steve Pearce, Outfielder/First Baseman: The Baltimore Orioles unsung hero has been a key assets to the team as well as fantasy owners. In what might end up being a break out season, Pearce has 16 home runs and is on pace for over 20 home runs. Pearce might not be the answer every night of the week but makes a great cheap option in daily leagues.

J.D. Martinez, Outfielder: The Detroit Tigers outfielder is having his best season in the Majors hitting .312 with 17 home runs and 58 runs batted in. In three previous semi seasons in the Majors Martinez highest average was a .274 back in 2011 with the Houston Astros.

Scott Kazmir, Starting Pitcher: The 30 year old Kazmir has reinvented himself as a starter with the Oakland A’s this season. In 26 starts, Kazmir has a career high 14 wins to go with six losses and a 3.07 earned run average. Kazmir posted at least seven strikeouts in nine of his 26 starts this season.