Cody Ponce Leads Exciting Two-Start Pitchers for Week 1 of 2026 MLB Season

The 2026 MLB season kicks off with a fresh lineup of two-start pitchers that fantasy baseball managers will want to keep an eye on. Each Friday, I’ll be here to spotlight the best options available for the upcoming week, offering insights on who to start and who to bench. While it’s just the first week of the season, every matchup counts, and early games often see pitchers in a better groove than hitters, leading to lower-scoring contests.

As teams finalize their rotations, we’ll keep updating this list throughout the weekend. For instance, the Cubs have yet to announce the order for Edward Cabrera and Jameson Taillon, both vying for the last spots in the rotation. One will pitch on Monday, setting up for two starts next week against the Angels and Guardians. If it’s Cabrera, he’s a solid choice in both 12- and 15-team leagues. However, if Taillon gets the nod, I’d recommend a more cautious approach, given his struggles during the Cactus League.

Meanwhile, the Padres are also in a similar situation with Walker Buehler and German Marquez. Both are expected to fill the final spots in their rotation, but manager Craig Stammen hasn’t confirmed who will pitch on Monday. I have reservations about both pitchers, especially with Marquez facing the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Given Buehler’s inconsistency, I’d advise against starting either for the time being.

Now, let’s dive into the two-start pitchers to consider for the week of March 30.

Going Twice…

Cody Ponce, Blue Jays, RHP (vs. Rockies, at White Sox)
Ponce is set for an exciting return to the big leagues after a stellar Grapefruit League showing, posting a 0.66 ERA and a 12/4 K/BB ratio over 13 2/3 innings. He faces the Rockies at home and the White Sox in Chicago, making him a must-start option. If he’s still available in shallow leagues, now’s the time to grab him.

Max Fried, Yankees, LHP (at Mariners, vs. Marlins)
Fried is another top choice, having impressed in his opening start against the Giants. With the Yankees opting for a four-man rotation early in the season, he’s in line for two starts next week. His matchups look favorable, making him a strong start for fantasy managers.

Kris Bubic, Royals, LHP (vs. Twins, vs. Brewers)
Bubic has earned his place as a reliable weekly starter, boasting a 2.55 ERA last season. He kicks off the week against the Twins at home, which should set him up for a good chance at a win and plenty of strikeouts.

Justin Verlander, Tigers, RHP (at Diamondbacks, vs. Cardinals)
The 43-year-old Verlander continues to defy age, showing strong performance with the Giants last season. His matchups against the Diamondbacks and Cardinals look promising, and he’s likely to be a favorite for victories and strikeouts.

Ranger Suarez, Red Sox, LHP (@ Astros, vs. Padres)
Suarez is expected to be a steady presence in fantasy lineups this season. Despite a tough matchup against the Astros, he should still be started across all formats.

Mick Abel, Twins, RHP (at Royals, vs. Rays)
Abel is anticipated to make two starts next week, showcasing impressive Grapefruit League numbers. If he finds his groove, he could be a valuable asset for fantasy teams.

Ryan Weathers, Yankees, LHP (at Mariners, vs. Marlins)
Weathers has consistently performed well when healthy, and he should continue that trend against the Mariners and Marlins.

Luis Castillo, Mariners, RHP (vs. Yankees, at Angels)
Castillo is a reliable option as an SP3 or SP4, and while facing the Yankees is challenging, he remains a must-start for fantasy managers.

Jack Leiter, Rangers, RHP (at Orioles, vs. Reds)
Leiter is looking to build on a promising rookie season. Though he needs to improve his control, he’s worth starting in most formats.

Chris Bassitt, Orioles, RHP (vs. Rangers, at Pirates)
Bassitt is a dependable streaming option with favorable matchups that could yield victories and strikeouts.

Parker Messick, Guardians, LHP (at Dodgers, vs. Cubs)
Messick finally gets his shot in the Guardians’ rotation, but he faces a tough matchup against the Dodgers to start the season.

Ryan Johnson, Angels, RHP (at Cubs, vs. Mariners)
Johnson has the potential for strikeouts, making him an intriguing gamble for deeper leagues.

Davis Martin, White Sox, RHP (at Marlins, vs. Blue Jays)
Martin could be a streaming option for those in need, but his overall upside is limited.

Lance McCullers Jr., Astros, RHP (vs. Red Sox, at Athletics)
McCullers faces tough matchups, making him a risky start this week.

Aaron Civale, Athletics, RHP (at Braves, vs. Astros)
Civale is a player I’d avoid this week due to concerns about his performance.

Nick Martinez, Rays, RHP (at Brewers, vs. Twins)
Martinez has potential but has struggled recently, making him a risky bet for the week.

Chase Burns, Reds, RHP (vs. Pirates, at Rangers)
Burns is a prospect to watch, but his workload management will be critical as the season progresses.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.