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Fantasy Baseball 2-Start Pitcher Rankings: Look for help where you can with slim picking on the waiver wire
TL;DR
The 2026 two-start pitcher rankings reveal a weak pool, prompting managers to consider one-start options. Randy Vasquez leads the list, followed by Steven Matz and Jack Leiter, who face challenging matchups.
Key points
- 2026 features a weak group of two-start pitchers
- Randy Vasquez is the top target for shallow leagues
- Steven Matz has favorable matchups despite recent struggles
- Jack Leiter is a former elite prospect facing tough opponents
PadresRaysRangersMets
This is the weakest group of two-start pitchers to this point in 2026, and many managers will want to instead dip into the one-start list. On the hitting side, the Mets and Orioles should provide short-term help, especially at catcher and in the outfield.
Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)
Randy Vasquez, Padres, 60% (vs. CHC, vs. CWS): Armed with an uptick in velocity, Vasquez is having his best season. The 27-year-old has allowed one or zero runs in four of five starts, while compiling an impressive 30:8 K:BB ratio. I normally omit pitchers with a roster rate over 50%, but with a dearth of options this week, I wanted to ensure that those in shallow leagues recognize Vasquez as their top target.
Steven Matz, Rays, 23% (@ CLE, vs. SF): Matz ended a string of three effective starts when he allowed four earned runs over three innings last time out. He did everything in that start that he doesn’t usually do — allow multiple homers and issue too many (4) walks. The lefty has favorable matchups this week, as the Giants rank 29th in baseball in runs scored and the Guardians are an average matchup for southpaws. In a weak group, Matz can be started in 12-team leagues.
Jack Leiter, Rangers, 36% (vs. NYY, @ DET): A former elite prospect who logged solid results (3.86 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) in his first full season, Leiter was expected to take another step forward this year. So far, it hasn’t happened. His strikeout and walk rate are slightly better than they were last season, with his struggles stemming from an unfortunate .338 BABIP. There is reason to believe that Leiter will eventually turns things around, but a pair of challenging matchups makes him a fringe option in 12-team leagues.
Dustin May, Cardinals, 21% (@ PIT, vs. LAD): May hasn’t pitched as poorly as is suggested by his 5.84 ERA and 1.54 WHIP. He has been plagued by a .395 BABIP and a 64.2% strand rate despite allowing normal marks in average exit velocity and barrel rate. The righty owns a solid 20:5 K:BB ratio, and his turnaround is already underway, as he has allowed exactly one earned run in each of his past three starts. Although the matchup against the is reason for pause, May can still be considered in 12-team leagues.
Q&A
Who are the top two-start pitchers for fantasy baseball in 2026?
Randy Vasquez, Steven Matz, and Jack Leiter are the top two-start pitchers this week.
What are Randy Vasquez's stats this season?
Randy Vasquez has a 30:8 K:BB ratio and has allowed one or zero runs in four of five starts.
Why should managers consider Steven Matz for their fantasy team?
Despite a recent poor performance, Matz has favorable matchups against teams that struggle offensively.
What challenges does Jack Leiter face in his upcoming matchups?
Jack Leiter faces difficult matchups against the Yankees and Tigers, making him a fringe option for 12-team leagues.
