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Fantasy Baseball 2015 Player Outlook: SP Corey Kluber

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By @BPiv_Sports

Corey Kluber

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Every year, fantasy baseball owners continue to find pitching gems late in drafts. While grabbing a top ace early in drafts is essential, finding a deep sleeper to surpass your opponents is even more critical. If you were one of the owners who was able to find Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber, then you made it deep into the playoffs. He now has a much bigger price tag, so is he worth drafting in 2015?

Kluber’s 2014 performance came out of nowhere. In 2013, he went 11-5 in 26 games with a 3.85 ERA and 136 strikeouts. Fast forward to the end of the 2014 season and Kluber is hoisting up the AL Cy Young Award. He won 18 games, tied for the most, with a 2.44 ERA and 269 strikeouts. He lowered his ERA by almost a run and a half and almost doubled his strikeout totals.

From a fantasy perspective, Kluber was one of the most consistent pitchers. He had 11 games with 10 or more strikeouts, including 14, 14 and 11 in his last three games. Kluber allowed opposing hitters to score five runs only twice and four runs just three times.

Heading into the 2014 season, Kluber had an ADP of 234.5 (24th round). He emerged as the Indians’ ace and a fantasy commodity. Now, Kluber holds a third-round ADP across most websites.

Kluber will not reach the numbers he posted in 2014. The 18 wins, 269 strikeouts and 2.44 are once-in-a-career type numbers — maybe twice, if he’s lucky. I can see Kluber falling back down to earth. He may finish as a top-10 pitcher but not top five. I project 16 wins, 2.67 ERA and 210 strikeouts. Are those numbers worth a second, third or fourth-round pick? That all depends on your league and draft results, but I wouldn’t draft him that early.

There are players like Kluber to be found late in drafts. His teammate, Carlos Carrasco, is a likely candidate to be a fantasy surprise. Pitching is always a deep position, so grab one pitcher early and then fill out the position later on. Kluber was a great find in 2014, but it’s time to move on and find your next hidden gem.

Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports blogger for Rant Sports. He also contributes to the MLB, NFL and Pro Wrestling sections. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.

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