In the latest installment of the 'Are You For Real?' series, we evaluate starting pitchers who have surprised this season. Week 9 of 2025 offers intriguing options for fantasy players looking to enhance their roster. Quinn Priester of the Milwaukee Brewers showcased his potential with a strong outing against the Pirates, while Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins impressed with a dominant performance against the Angels. Similarly, Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays delivered a solid start against the Blue Jays. But are any of these pitchers truly fantasy material, or are they just passing fads?

Quinn Priester has been inconsistent, posting a 4.66 ERA overall despite a stellar 6 IP, 1 ER outing recently. His repertoire, primarily a sinker and slider, has had mixed results. Meanwhile, Edward Cabrera has shown flashes of brilliance, striking out 10 batters in his last game, yet his overall 5.50 ERA raises questions. Finally, Shane Baz's recent improvement may signal a turnaround, but his tendency to allow hard contact and a high HR/FB rate casts doubt on his long-term viability as a fantasy asset.