MLB Positional Fantasy Rankings: Starting Pitchers (Part 3)

Here are theScore's 2016 fantasy starting pitcher rankings (projections provided by Steamer (via Fangraphs) and theScore staff):

Positional Rankings
C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF1 | OF2 | OF3 | DH | SP1 | SP2 | SP3 | RP

51. John Lackey, Chicago Cubs

A change of scenery likely won't have a significant impact on Lackey's fantasy stats, though he'll be in line for a boatload of wins behind that lineup.

52. Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves

Teheran should fare better than he did last year, but only modestly. A lack of run support will torpedo his chances of getting back to the 14-win mark.

53. Taijuan Walker, Seattle Mariners

If Walker can cut his home runs allowed - he had 25 in 169 2/3 innings last season - he'll be a top-50 option. Snag him as a high-upside SP6.

54. Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals

Gonzalez posted his lowest K/9 rate since 2010 last season, while his BB/9 climbed back to 3.5. He's a high-risk SP6 who will likely go earlier.

55. Jaime Garcia, St. Louis Cardinals

Injuries have limited Garcia to 36 starts over three seasons. He could be a sneaky play in the 16th-18th rounds, but prepare for fewer than 30 starts.

56. Yordano Ventura, Kansas City Royals

Ventura was run-unlucky last season, but remains a solid SP 5-6 thanks to decent BB and K rates and low HR allowed totals.

57. Marco Estrada, Toronto Blue Jays

Estrada outpitched his FIP by more than 1.25 last season; expect a major course correction in 2016, though he's still a solid SP6.

58. Joe Ross, Washington Nationals

Reach for Ross if it appears he'll see a full complement of starts; he has major upside, but will likely face competition for starts heading into 2016.

59. Patrick Corbin, Arizona Diamondbacks

Corbin was impressive in an abbreviated 2015 campaign, and should return fair value as a 17th- to 19th-round pick in standard drafts.

60. Kyle Hendricks, Chicago Cubs

Hendricks flashed big-time potential in 2015, and still has room for improvement; he's a high-upside SP6 who could finish as a top-50 starter.

61. Kenta Maeda, Los Angeles Dodgers

Maeda is a mystery, which means he'll likely be overdrafted - but with a rotation spot all but secure, you could do worse in the 17th-19th rounds.

62. Wei-Yin Chen, Miami Marlins

Chen has been surprisingly reliable the past two seasons, and gains some upside with the move to Miami; he's an underrated SP6.

63. Jason Hammel, Chicago Cubs

While Hammel saw a K/9 jump last season, everything else was rather ordinary; he's in the SP6 conversation, but only if his strikeout rate holds.

64. Mike Leake, St. Louis Cardinals

Leake should see most of his statistics remain level, but he simply doesn't strike out enough batters to warrant more than SP6 consideration.

65. Aaron Sanchez, Toronto Blue Jays

If Sanchez moves to the Toronto rotation, he'll be one of the most high-risk, high-reward picks among pitchers taken in the back end of standard drafts.

66. Trevor Bauer, Cleveland Indians

He's a wild one, but Bauer's strikeout potential is undeniable. Expect enough improvement in his BB/9 rate to make him a viable SP6-7.

67. Kevin Gausman, Baltimore Orioles

If he can cut down on home runs allowed, Gausman should be a nice sleeper option at the back end of standard fantasy drafts.

68. Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies

Nola has a bright future, though that it may not come to fruition in 2016; he's a nice speculative pick, but owners should expect a few bumps along the way.

69. Andrew Heaney, Los Angeles Angels

Heaney should provide owners with decent ERA and WHIP, but his strikeout rates have been unflattering - and that cripples his overall value.

70. Edinson Volquez, Kansas City Royals

Volquez is effectively wild, but sooner or later the walks, HBPs and wild pitches will catch up with him. His low K rate makes him an SP7.

71. Jimmy Nelson, Milwaukee Brewers

Nelson will struggle to record double-digit victories on this team, but should strike out enough hitters to be considered at the end of mixed-league drafts.

72. Eduardo Rodriguez, Boston Red Sox

Rodriguez had a decent rookie campaign, but a low K rate reduces his value. He has upside, but don't reach higher than your SP7 slot for him.

73. Anthony DeSclafani, Cincinnati Reds

DeSclafani becomes the Reds' No. 2 starter, and should work enough innings - and make enough progress - to be a solid SP7 in standard drafts.

74. Anibal Sanchez, Detroit Tigers

Sanchez might not lead the American League in home runs allowed again, but his best days are clearly behind him. Draft him as a matchups-only SP7.

75. Rich Hill, Oakland Athletics

Hill could finish as the SP30, or as the SP130. His range of outcomes is wider than anyone's. Feeling lucky? Take a shot with one of your final three picks.