The Shuffle Up series releases a tiered list of starting pitchers for the 2026 MLB season, designed for salary‑cap drafts, keeper decisions, and straight drafts. Top tier names include Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, Garrett Crochet, and Chris Sale, with the list reflecting where talent clusters and drops off under a 5×5 scoring system.
Starting pitchers are likened to running backs in fantasy football, often plagued by injuries, so managers are advised to secure several speculative bench options. Proactively building a pitching staff at the draft, rather than waiting, is highlighted as a key strategy to maintain roster flexibility and capitalize on high‑value performers.