The 10 MLB Rookie Pitchers in 2024 Who Can Make a Fantasy Impact

The 2023 campaign saw several young hurlers emerge as rookies. Grayson Rodriguez and Tanner Bibee established themselves as future stars, as did Eury Perez. But what about 2024? With the 2024 fantasy baseball season drawing closer, let’s take a look at 10 MLB rookie pitchers who could make an impact in leagues.

Mick Abel

The Phillies love drafting pitchers from the Pacific Northwest and Philadelphia did so again in 2020 when the team picked Mick Abel in the first round. Since then, Abel has come along and developed into a very good starter. The 22-year-old struck out 126 over 108.2 IP and made it as high as Triple-A. Walks have been a problem for Abel but opposing hitters haven’t had much success with him in the Minors.

With Andrew Painter set to miss at least a good chunk of 2024 thanks to Tommy John surgery recovery, Abel’s got a good chance to crack the Phillies rotation at some point this season. Thus, Abel should be someone to monitor this spring.

Cade Cavalli

Nationals fans got their first look at former first-round pick Cade Cavalli in 2022 when the righty made his MLB debut late that season. However, a UCL strain last spring forced Cavalli to undergo Tommy John and he subsequently missed all of 2023.

Cavalli will likely not be an option until later on in 2024, as the National stated this past September that’s aiming for a June 2024 return. The former Oklahoma star dominated Minor League hitters thanks to a dominant fastball/curveball/slider combo. And with Washington in a better position heading into 2024 as opposed to ‘23, Cavalli could be a name to consider in the second half.

Robert Gasser

The Brewers acquired former University of Houston lefty Robert Gasser from San Diego over a year ago. The 2021 second-round pick has pitched well since then, thanks in large part to a formidable slider. Last season in Triple-A, the 24-year-old struck out 166 over 135.1 IP.

The lefty does throw a two-seamer, so expect elevated hit totals once he does make it to the Majors. But with good secondary stuff, the lefty has the potential to get plenty of strikeouts at the MLB level.

Kyle Harrison

Kyle Harrison made this list last year and also made his MLB debut in 2023. But it wasn’t an easy 2023 for the Giants prospect, who’s got a plus fastball with above-average extension, a tough arm slot to pick the ball up, and a very good slider. The lefty spent time on the IL but did find solid footing late in 2023. Across seven MLB starts, Harrison struck out 35 over 34.2 IP but did surrender eight home runs.

Harrison was a factor in fantasy baseball leagues late in 2023 and he’s one of the better rookie pitchers heading into 2024. And with Alex Cobb and Robbie Ray unavailable for Opening Day, Harrison has an opening to start 2024 in San Francisco. Command is a question mark for the lefty but the stuff is there for him to develop into at least a #2 starter.

Max Meyer

The Marlins saw Eury Perez turn from prospect to prospective ace in 2023. Heading into 2024, Max Meyer could be the next big arm to stick in Miami. Meyer’s plus-plus slider got him selected third overall in the 2020 MLB Draft and struck out 199 batters over 172 innings. However, Tommy John surgery sidelined him for part of 2022 and all of 2023.

After nearly two years since his last MLB appearance, Meyer told MLB.com in 2023 that he’s got “all the confidence in the world right now” in his stuff and ability as he gets ready for Spring Training.

Paul Skenes

There arguably isn’t a Minor League pitcher right now with as much potential as Paul Skenes. Skenes shot up draft boards last spring after a dominant run in LSU, thanks to a triple-digit four-seamer and sinker, along with a plus sweeper and change. Pittsburgh nursed him along after he was drafted first overall last summer but he did make it as high as Double-A. He struck out 10 over 6.2 IP.

Between elite stuff and a deceptive delivery, Skenes has the makings of a true ace. The 21-year-old may not start 2024 in the Majors — but expect him to be up in Pittsburgh at some point in the spring or summer, depending on health.

AJ Smith-Shawver

Braves prospect AJ Smith-Shawver raced up to the Majors after he was selected in the seventh round in 2021. The 21-year-old put up wild strikeout numbers — 198 over 139 MiLB innings — and made five starts for the Braves last year.

Smith-Shawver isn’t the only Braves pitching prospect to watch in 2024, as 2023 first-round pick Hurston Waldrep may also be an option for Atlanta. Now, both are likely destined to start the year in the Minors thanks to a deep rotation that now includes Chris Sale. But, both will be options should an injury arise.

Ricky Tiedemann

Blue Jays prospect Ricky Tiedemann was simply electric in 2022. The left-hander struck out 117 over 78.2 IP two years ago and emerged as one of the game’s pitching prospects. Unfortunately for Tiedemann, a biceps injury limited the young lefty to just 44 innings last year.

Tiedemann made up for lost time in the Arizona Fall League, where he struck out 23 over 28 and won the circuit’s pitcher of the year award. With his hit-and-miss stuff, Tiedemann should get a look in Toronto come 2024 provided he can stay healthy.

Will Warren

Yankees pitching prospect Will Warren emerged as an arm to watch in 2022. But his breakout year came in 2023 when he struck out 149 over 129 innings between Double and Triple-A. He didn’t make it up to The Bronx in 2023 but he should at some point in 2024.

The Yankees traded away a lot of pitching depth to get Juan Soto. Warren’s development will be key to making up for that lost depth.

Jordan Wicks

Former Kansas State ace Jordan Wicks lit up the Minors thanks to a devastating changeup. That pitch played a major role in Wicks’ early MLB success. Wicks went 4-1 with a 4.41 ERA and 24 strikeouts over his first 34.2 IP. While Wicks will pitch to contact thanks to his sinker, his ability to induce weak contact and beat hitters with the change gives him the potential to be a difference-maker at the MLB level.

Wicks will likely be a fantasy factor as early as Opening Day. While the Cubs do have at least four starting slots filled in the rotation, he’s got a chance to make it either by way of injury to another arm or a very impressive spring.