CBS Sports analyst ranks two-start pitchers for fantasy baseball week 18
The CBS Sports fantasy analyst categorises pitching options by usability, with Parker Messick and Freddy Peralta noted as key streaming targets amid a volatile week for fantasy managers.
CBS Sports fantasy analyst Scott White has released his rankings for two-start pitchers for Fantasy Week 18, covering the scoring period from July 20 to July 26. The preview categorises pitchers by usability, with Jacob Misiorowski (MIL), Cristopher Sanchez (PHI), and Joe Ryan (MIN) listed as 'must-start' options. Parker Messick (CLE) and Freddy Peralta (NYM) are highlighted as notable streaming options within the rankings. The information is current as of late Sunday.
White’s analysis requires forecasting and is subject to change, reflecting the strategic nature of fantasy roster management. The 'must-start' category for all formats includes Misiorowski, Sanchez, and Ryan, alongside Drew Rasmussen (TB), Dylan Cease (TOR), Jacob deGrom (TEX), Payton Tolle (BOS), Messick, Braxton Ashcraft (PIT), Kevin Gausman (TOR), and Michael Wacha (KC).
In the category of pitchers advisable in most cases, the list features Framber Valdez (DET), Emmet Sheehan (LAD), Nick Martinez (TB), Jose Soriano (LAA), Peralta, Jack Flaherty (DET), and Ryan Weathers (NYY). These options are positioned as reliable but slightly less certain than the top tier.
Conversely, the preview identifies a group of pitchers better left for points leagues, including Reynaldo Lopez (ATL), Tanner Bibee (CLE), Shane Baz (BAL), Andrew Abbott (CIN), Kyle Leahy (STL), Luinder Avila (KC), and Trevor McDonald (SF). This tier suggests lower expected returns for standard league formats.
The 'no thanks' category lists 12 pitchers to avoid, including Jameson Taillon (CHC), Janson Junk (MIA), Matthew Liberatore (STL), Walker Buehler (SD), Andrew Alvarez (WAS), Bryce Elder (ATL), Ronel Blanco (HOU), JP Sears (SD), Jeffrey Springs (ATH), Erick Fedde (CHW), Kyle Freeland (COL), and Mitch Bratt (ARI). This analysis follows previous CBS Sports coverage, including a July 2026 waiver wire piece that identified Cade Cavalli and Jared Jones as key targets for Week 18.
