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Nine Undervalued Pitchers to Draft Late in 2026

ESPN MLB •
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ESPN's analysis identifies nine pitchers with elite command metrics but under-the-radar 2025 stats, offering late-round value. Starting pitchers like Ben Brown (Cubs) and Mike Burrows (Astros) posted swing-strike rates above 11.7% and command rates exceeding 2.80 K/BB, despite mediocre surface stats. Relief pitchers such as Griffin Jax (Rays) and Sean Manaea (Mets) demonstrated filthy stuff but struggled with inconsistency or injuries.

These pitchers’ underappreciated skills—like Brown’s whiff-generating curveball or Jax’s 45% whiff sweeper—could fuel breakout seasons with roster adjustments or improved luck.