30. Oakland Athletics
Starting 5: Shintaro Fujinami – James Kaprielian – Ken Waldichuk – Kyle Muller – Paul Blackburn
Oakland’s rotation really struggled last year — ranking among the worst in baseball. This year might not be much different. Oakland just shipped one of its better starters from a year ago, Cole Irvin, to the Baltimore Orioles. This year, the team is relying upon a former high-round pick (Kaprielian), a journeyman with injury issues (Blackburn), two of the team’s better prospects (Waldichuk, Muller), and a veteran pitcher coming over from Japan (Fujinami).
Fujinami might be the most interesting of the bunch, as he’s said to have some pretty good stuff. Of course, if he shows even the least bit as a valuable piece, he’ll probably be dumped at the trade deadline for — you guessed it — more prospects. The 6’7″ Muller came over from Atlanta in the Sean Murphy trade, and Waldichuk moved to the West Coast in the Yankees deal that sent Frankie Montas to the Bronx.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
29. Cincinnati Reds
Starting 5: Hunter Greene – Nick Lodolo – Graham Ashcraft – Luke Weaver – Luis Cessa
The Reds are in the midst of a complete rebuild. It’s tough to harness quality pitching while playing at home in a very hitter-friendly ballpark, but most hopes on the team becoming a threat in the NL Central land on the arm of Hunter Greene. The former pitching prodigy out of Los Angeles got his first taste of extended time last year. Though he was hit around some (as to be expected with a young player), he did show some promise. His velocity — as well as the frequency with which the velo popped — was consistent all year long.
If he can continue to work on his secondary pitches, Greene does have the stuff of an ace. Atop the Reds’ rotation next to Greene is 24-year-old lefty Nick Lodolo. The former 2019 first-round pick also has some considerable upside (standing 6-foot-6). Weaver and Cessa are back-of-the-rotation fliers, and Ashcraft is another 24-year-old with minimal MLB experience.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
28. Pittsburgh Pirates
Starting 5: Roansy Contreras – Rich Hill – Mitch Keller – JT Brubaker – Vincent Velasquez
The 23-year-old out of the Dominican Republic is slated to lead this rotation. Despite possessing a smallish, slender frame, Contreras doesn’t lack for arm talent. On the contrary — his whip-like arm can pump the baseball upwards of 96 mph. Hill is a temporary placeholder, and likely will be trade fodder as we approach the deadline. Keller, Velasquez, and Brubaker all have varying degrees of talent. This rotation actually might surprise some people when it’s all said and done. However, much of the success will sit with Contreras. He could be the first budding star within the rotation for the Pirates since Gerrit Cole.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
27. Washington Nationals
Starting 5: Josiah Gray – Patrick Corbin – Trevor Williams – Cade Cavalli – MacKenzie Gore
This is a very interesting mix of high-upside guys along with some veterans. Gray and Gore both came over in high-profile trades from the NL West (the Dodgers and Padres). Gray might not have elite-level stuff, but his combination of an above-average breaking ball and a good-enough fastball should lead to a double-digit win total. Gore, once the jewel of San Diego’s farm system, is a hard-throwing lefty who likely will benefit from a change-of-scenery.
Speaking of which, expensive vet Patrick Corbin is coming off a year in which he went 6-19 with a 6.31 ERA. Things can’t get much worse, right? Williams was a solid journeyman pickup from the Mets, and Cavalli was a former first-round pick in 2020. At the very least, the team will get some much-needed data on its collection of three young yet talented prospects (Gray, Cavalli, Gore).
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
26. Kansas City Royals
Starting 5: Brady Singer – Jordan Lyles – Ryan Yarbrough – Brad Keller – Zack Greinke
Singer is easily the most interesting name. The former first-round pick out of Florida had a very nice 2022 campaign in which he went 10-5 with a solid 3.23 ERA. At only 26 years of age, Singer is just starting to hit his prime. Kansas City isn’t too far away from being competitive in the AL Central — and being able to develop a true ace atop the rotation would be more than ideal.
Greinke is back for another year as the wily veteran. Lyles and Yarbrough are both stopgap options within the rotation, and Keller is a low-risk/high-reward starter approaching his sixth season with the Royals. However, everything with this team will begin and end with Singer — ultimately hoping he develops into one of the better pitchers in the American League you’ve likely never heard of.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
25. Detroit Tigers
Starting 5: Eduardo Rodriguez – Matt Boyd – Michael Lorenzen – Matt Manning – Spencer Turnbull
This should be an interesting group. Rodriguez, a lefty with decent stuff, was brought over as a big free agent acquisition. A lot of expectations have been placed on his shoulders as a now-leader of this pitching staff. Lorenzen and Boyd are both decent arms talent-wise. With that said, both have been rather inconsistent throughout their careers — whether it be due to injury or just being plainly average. Turnbull and Manning were both high draft choices. Turnbull has bounced back from a year earlier in his career in which he accumulated 17 losses to only three wins. Manning, a first-round pick a few years ago — has the most upside. Standing 6-feet-6, he’s possessing some real depth to his pitches.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
24. Colorado Rockies
Starting 5: Kyle Freeland – German Marquez – Jose Urena – Austin Gomber – Connor Seabold
The lowly Rockies have some familiar faces returning to their staff (Marquez, Freeland) along with a couple of youngsters hoping to make a name for themselves. You pretty much know what you’re going to get with Freeland and Marquez. Both have good stuff, and both have been impacted by the altitude at Coors Field. If both can break relatively even in the win-loss column, the Rockies’ staff would be thrilled.
While Urena’s career numbers aren’t great (39-62 with a 4.80 ERA), there are hopes he can put together a solid season without much pressure. Gomber was the only plug-and-play Major Leaguer delivered to the Rockies in the Nolan Arenado trade. For Gomber and Colorado, he really has to pan out — and the pressure is on considering Arenado’s stellar play in St. Louis. Seabold struggled immensely in Boston. However, he gets a fresh new start closer to his home in Southern California.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
23. Baltimore Orioles
Starting 5: Kyle Gibson – Cole Irvin – Dean Kremer – Kyle Bradish – Tyler Wells
Wanting to boost the front of its rotation, Baltimore went out and secured two solid starters in Gibson and Irvin. Gibson isn’t too far removed from an All-Star appearance with the Texas Rangers. He struggled with the Phillies last year, but is now back in the league he’s familiar with. Irvin was just acquired from the A’s — and he’s a guy with some good stuff as a left-handed hurler.
Kremer was a solid 8-7 with a 3.23 ERA last year in his first real season of extended run. He came to Baltimore in the deal which sent Manny Machado to Los Angeles. Wells and Bradish are both young pitchers without much in the way of a collective track record. Keep an eye out for minor league stud Grayson Rodriguez. He’s one of the best pitching prospects in baseball — and likely will be up in the Big Leagues at some point this year.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
22. Arizona Diamondbacks
Starting 5: Zac Gallen – Merrill Kelly – Madison Bumgarner – Zach Davies – Ryne Nelson
This is a team on the rise. It’s flush with young talent, and the financial flexibility to eventually make some moves down the road. Gallen had a great 2022 in which he accumulated a 12-4 record with a stingy 2.54 ERA. Kelly was also good last year — winning 13 games with a sub-3.40 ERA. Bumgarner and Davies are still clever enough to get Major League hitters out with deception and a plethora of off-speed pitches. Nelson is a guy the team is quite high on. Last year during his MLB debut, Nelson shut out the Padres with 7.0 scoreless innings (7 strikeouts). He could be a total game-changer for the D-Backs if he can stay healthy.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
21. Boston Red Sox
Starting 5: Chris Sale – Nick Pivetta – Corey Kluber – James Paxton – Garrett Whitlock
This is a pitching staff currently taped together delicately for fear of mass injury. Sale, Kluber, Whitlock, and Paxton all have been dealing with various health issues over the last couple of years. Sale and Kluber were both among the best pitchers in baseball at one time. Paxton also had some massive seasons before taking a tumble with arm and back issues. Whitlock is transitioning from being a lights-out reliever to the rotation (which is no sure thing). Lastly, Pivetta has been roughly breakeven with a 4.50 ERA over the last two years.
If everything breaks right for the Red Sox, this could be a solid group. But banking on this aging unit to stay healthy is a tall task. If you’re a Red Sox fan, get excited for Brayan Bello. He’s a youngster waiting in the wings with plenty of talent.
Image Source: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
20. Chicago Cubs
Starting 5: Marcus Stroman – Jameson Taillon – Kyle Hendricks – Drew Smyly – Justin Steele
If the Cubs are to be competitive in the NL Central, their starting pitching is going to have to take a major leap. Chicago spent the offseason bolstering up its lineup with the additions of Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer. Not as many resources were spent on the staff which looks mostly the same aside from the addition of Jameson Taillon who pitched fairly well for the Yankees last season.
The other four starters are familiar faces, led by former All-Star Marcus Stroman. Stroman’s reliance on groundballs leaves him susceptible to cold streaks. Though, playing in front of what projects to be one of the better defenses in the league — especially after adding two Gold Glove winners (Swanson and Bellinger) — should aid Stroman’s efforts. If Kyle Hendricks is able to return to his 2020 form, this Cubs group could surprise a lot of people.
Image Source: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
19. Los Angeles Angels
Starting 5: Shohei Ohtani – Tyler Anderson – Patrick Sandoval – Reid Detmers – Jose Suarez
For as long as many can remember, the Angels have been hindered by a lack of starting pitching. In 2023, that may not be the case. Two-way star Shohei Ohtani leads the way after a stellar season on the mound. Ohtani finished fourth in Cy Young voting after compiling 219 strikeouts (166 IP) with a stellar 2.33 ERA. With Ohtani established as the ace of the staff, the Anaheim-based club is tasked with building the rest of the rotation around their star.
Adding Tyler Anderson — who pitched for the nearby rival Dodgers last season — was a shrewd move. The 33-year-old is coming off his best season and seemed to tap into his full potential in his lone year with the Dodgers. No. 3 through 5 were all with the team last year. The most intriguing of the bunch being Patrick Sandoval who posted a 2.91 ERA last season. The 26-year-old has potential for a breakout season in ’23.
Image Source: USA Today Sports
18. Minnesota Twins
Starting 5: Sonny Gray – Pablo Lopez – Bailey Ober – Kenta Maeda – Tyler Mahle
Minnesota should have a much improved starting staff in 2023. They essentially added two quality arms to the group in Pablo Lopez (acquired via trade) and Kenta Maeda (returning from injury). Some Twins fans may be disappointed by the loss of last year’s AL Batting Champion Luis Arraez, but Lopez is a gifted hurler who is still just 26. Maeda missed all of ’22, but is just a couple of years removed from a runner-up Cy Young finish.
Health is going to be the issue for this team. Maeda is coming off Tommy John surgery and Lopez has consistently dealt with injuries throughout his career — in addition to Sonny Gray and Tyler Mahle who dealt with their own ailments last season. If they can stay on the mound, this staff should produce at a high clip.
Image Source: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
17. St. Louis Cardinals
Starting 5: Adam Wainwright – Jack Flaherty – Steven Matz – Miles Mikolas – Jordan Montgomery
St. Louis always seems to always have quality pitching. In the past, the Cardinals were regarded as one of the very best at developing pitchers. This group has two homegrown talents, but neither are particularly young or new to the team. Three of the team’s last four first round picks were pitchers, though none have reached the Majors yet. Jack Flaherty made his debut over six seasons ago.
What could hold this group back is the lack of a true ace. Flaherty was expected to be that guy, but has pitched sparingly over the last three years due to injuries. Adam Wainwright can’t be expected to be a No. 1 option at 41 years old. Perhaps there is a trade in St. Louis’ future?
Image Source: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
16. Miami Marlins
Starting 5: Sandy Alcantara – Jesus Luzardo – Johnny Cueto – Trevor Rogers – Edward Cabrera
Led by last year’s NL Cy Young winner, the Marlins’ strength as a team lies in their starting staff. Sandy Alcantara is among the league’s best and was an ironman for Miami last season. Alcantara led the Majors in innings pitched (228.2) while posting a 2.28 ERA and a league-leading 8.1 WAR. Jesus Luzardo expects to step into the No. 2 spot now that Pablo Lopez is in Minnesota. Luzardo had a welcomed bounce-back following a disastrous ’21 campaign. The 25-year-old lefty is extremely talented and features one of the best curveballs in the National League.
This team could be defined by the final two names on the list plus one other who is unlisted — Trevor Rogers, Edwards Cabrera and Sixto Sancez. Rogers is coming off a dismal ’22 and looking to go back to what made his rookie year in 2021 so successful. Cabrera was a decorated prospect who showed some flashes in 14 starts last season. Sanchez is the most touted of them all, but we haven’t seen him pitch since 2020. The team expects Sanchez to contribute in some fashion this year, but whether that means he’ll assume a starting role remains to be seen.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
15. San Francisco Giants
Starting 5: Logan Webb – Alex Cobb – Sean Manaea – Alex Wood – Ross Stripling
With Carlos Rodon gone, this Giants pitching staff took a considerable hit in the standings. Still, we shouldn’t feel too bad for this team. San Francisco always manages to find quality pitching whether they’re contenders or not. Logan Webb’s ascension up the pitcher ranks is a testament to the Giants ability of developing their arms. The breakout star from ’21 put together another quality season last year, finishing 11th in the NL Cy Young race.
The Giants hope to replace part of Rodon’s production with another lefty hurler in Sean Manaea. The 31-year-old has bounced all around California, spending last season with the Padres after playing his first six years with the Oakland A’s. The backend of the rotation is made up of two former Dodgers in Alex Wood and Ross Stripling. You could do a lot worse than two guys who previously made All-Star teams as your No. 4 and 5.
Image Source: USA Today Sports
14. San Diego Padres
Starting 5: Yu Darvish – Joe Musgrove – Blake Snell – Nick Martinez – Seth Lugo
Based on name value, the Padres’ starting staff is among the most recognizable in the league. The top three is capable of going toe-to-toe with any group. Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove are the 1A and 1B in this staff. Both are coming off stellar seasons — Darvish finished 8th in Cy Young voting and Musgrove made his first All-Star team.
Former Rays pitcher Blake Snell started off slow in ’22, but picked it up in the latter portions of the season (2.19 ERA over the last final three months). And, Snell is somebody who has pitched in a lot of big games with 10 postseason starts under his belt. The last two spots are likely up for grabs, though Nick Martinez did prove capable in his first year with the Padres after spending the previous few seasons in Japan. Seth Lugo is likely best served as a long reliever, though he can make some spot starts here and there.
Image Source: Rob Leiter/MLB Photos/Getty Images
13. Texas Rangers
Starting 5: Jacob deGrom – Nathan Eovaldi – Andrew Heaney – Jon Gray – Martin Perez
The potential for this group is high. Of course, much of that lands on the health of big free agency acquisition Jacob deGrom. When healthy, deGrom is unquestionably one of the top arms in the game. The former Met has missed considerable time over the last two years, but the Rangers hope he can stay healthy enough to live up to that $185 million deal deGrom inked this offseason.
The offseason didn’t stop at deGrom, as the Rangers added to the rest of their staff with the additions of Nathan Eovaldi and Andrew Heaney. A World Series hero with the Red Sox, Eovaldi is a year removed from a fourth-place Cy Young finish, but did see a dip in velocity last season. Andrew Heaney is coming off his best year as a pro in his lone season with the Dodgers. Equipped with a wicked slider, Heaney hopes to build upon a strong ’22 campaign with his new club. Oh, and their No. 5 starter — Martin Perez — is coming off an All-Star campaign. If all goes to plan, the Rangers could feature a startlingly good staff.
Image Source: Ben Ludeman/Texas Rangers/Getty Images
12. Cleveland Guardians
Starting 5: Shane Bieber – Aaron Civale – Zach Plesac – Triston McKenzie – Cal Quantrill
There are very few teams which develop pitching better than the Guardians. Boasting four homegrown talents in their starting rotation, the Guardians have a knack for identifying quality hurlers and getting them to play at their highest possible level. The headliner of this group is former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber. Following an injury-riddled ’21, Bieber came on strong last season making 31 starts, posting a 2.88 ERA and earning a seventh place Cy Young finish.
Former first-round pick Triston McKenzie shined in his third year at the Major League level. While his strikeout numbers were down, McKenzie showed more control which led to pristine marks in ERA (2.96) and WHIP (0.951). It should be noted this staff is also very young. While we’ve known about this group of pitchers for quite some time, four of them will be 28 years old by the start of the season with McKenzie being the youngest of the group at just 25.
Image Source: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
11. Chicago White Sox
Starting 5: Dylan Cease – Lance Lynn – Lucas Giolito – Michael Kopech – Mike Clevinger
The White Sox entered last season with high hopes of capturing the AL Central title. The belief in this team stemmed from a balanced lineup in addition to strong pitching. The staff features a mix of accomplished veterans and promising youngsters. It didn’t exactly play out that way, as the White Sox failed to make the postseason thanks in large part to allowing the fifth most runs in the American League.
The nominal top-two starters entering last season (Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn) endured disastrous seasons. Both could bounce back in ’23 — especially Giolito who earned Cy Young votes in each of the previous three seasons. Fortunately, the White Sox did uncover a new ace in the group in Dylan Cease. Last season, Cease finished second in the AL in strikeouts (227) and ERA (2.2) while leading in WAR (6.4).
Image Source: USA Today Sports
10. Seattle Mariners
Starting 5: Luis Castillo – Robbie Ray – Logan Gilbert – George Kirby – Marco Gonzales
In 2022, the Seattle Mariners won 90 games and reached the postseason for the first time since 2001. A large factor in ending the drought was the acquisition of ace Luis Castillo. Castillo was an established star with the Reds, and he certainly showed out for the Mariners. Against the Blue Jays in the Wild Card round, Castillo pitched 7.1 shutout innings in a Game 1 victory — Seattle won the series, 2-0.
Castillo is joined in the rotation by a former Cy Young winner (Ray), a rising star (Gilbert), a stud rookie (Kirby), and a seasoned vet in Gonzales. It is entirely possible that Seattle will have four stars in its rotation in ’23. This starting five is capable of carrying Seattle to an AL West title…but the Astros won’t be easy to beat.
Image Source: Alika Jenner/Getty Images
9. Toronto Blue Jays
Starting 5: Alek Manoah – Kevin Gausman – Jose Berrios – Chris Bassitt – Yusei Kikuchi
If Toronto contends for the World Series in 2023, its pitching staff will need to be at its best. Fronting the rotation is Alek Manoah. The 25-year-old is one of the game’s top pitchers just 51 starts into his career. Last season, Manoah was an All-Star and finished third for the AL Cy Young. Toronto’s No. 2, Gausman, is also an ace. The second-year Blue Jay is 26-16 since 2021 and has two top-10 Cy Young finishes in as many seasons.
Berrios struggled immensely last year (5.23 ERA), but has superb stuff and has been a Cy Young candidate in the recent past. Like Gausman, Bassitt has two top-10 Cy Young finishes since ’20. Rounding out Toronto’s stacked rotation is Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi is decent, but clearly the weakest of the group. Gearing up to return to the diamond is another former Cy Young contender, Hyun-Jin Ryu. If Ryu returns to form, Toronto’s rotation will be very dangerous.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
8. Philadelphia Phillies
Starting 5: Aaron Nola – Zack Wheeler – Taijuan Walker – Ranger Suarez – Bailey Falter
Philadelphia’s surprising run to the National League Pennant in 2022 combined with its big offseason has the team entering 2023 with a World Series or bust mentality. The Phillies have a top ace in Aaron Nola. A member of the team since 2015, Nola was sensational in ’22 — setting career-highs in SO/W (8.10) and BB9 (1.3). Wheeler has been tremendous three years in a row for the Phillies. Since joining the club, Wheeler has finished each season with a sub-3.00 ERA (2.82). Walker joins the rotation after two years with the Mets. The rotation is rounded out by Suarez — 10 wins last year — and Falter. Falter’s season ended with a whimper in the NLCS, but he should have plenty of opportunities in ’23.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
7. Houston Astros
Starting 5: Framber Valdez – Cristian Javier – Lance McCullers – Luis Garcia – Jose Urquidy
Following last year’s World Series triumph, the Houston Astros saw Justin Verlander sign a lucrative deal with the New York Mets. For most teams, losing a pitcher like Verlander would be a critical loss. However, the Astros aren’t most teams. Houston’s rotation may not have a bonafide superstar, but it is undoubtedly one of the deepest in the sport. Valdez was an All-Star in 2022 and finished fifth for the AL Cy Young. The lefty led baseball with three complete games and 201.1 IP — and is 28-12 since ’21.
Javier won 11 games and posted a 2.54 ERA. Garcia won 15 games in the regular season, and allowed four hits in 5.2 IP in the postseason. Urquidy? 13 wins. Lastly, McCullers is a former All-Star who should return to form in ’23 after enjoying a healthy offseason. Houston will once again be a World Series favorite.
Image Source: Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos/Getty Images
6. Tampa Bay Rays
Starting 5: Shane McClanahan – Tyler Glasnow – Jeffrey Springs – Zach Eflin – Drew Rasmussen
If healthy, McClanahan and Glasnow will form one of the best one-two punches in baseball. Turning 26 in April, McClanahan is entering his third season with the Rays and is one of the best young pitchers in the game. After finishing seventh for the Rookie of the Year in ’21, the lefty reached the All-Star Game in ’22 and finished sixth for the Cy Young. Glasnow missed most of last year with an injury, but the flamethrowing righty was great when he returned to the mound.
Those two stars are joined by another budding star in Springs — 2.46 ERA in his first year as a starter — and a pair of talented hurlers in Eflin and Rasmussen. In ’22, Rasmussen won 11 games and posted a 2.84 ERA. Eflin has struggled to stay on the field the past few years, but he remains a quality starter when he takes the mound.
Image Source: USA Today Sports
5. Milwaukee Brewers
Starting 5: Brandon Woodruff – Corbin Burnes – Freddy Peralta – Aaron Ashby – Eric Lauer
At his best, Corbin Burnes is arguably baseball’s premier ace. The 28-year-old California native has posted three-straight sub-3.00 ERA seasons. En route to winning the Cy Young in ’21, Corbin led baseball in ERA (2.43), ERA+, FIP, HR9 (0.4), and SO9 (12.6). Last year, the ace led the NL with 243 strikeouts. Woodruff is a two-time All-Star and would be the No. 1 for a lot of teams around the league. Since becoming a full-time starter in ’19, the hard-throwing righty has a 3.02 ERA and averages 10.8 SO9. Peralta is coming off a disappointing year, but is not far removed from a sterling ’21 season in which he was an All-Star. Lauer and Ashby are solid options at the back of the rotation, but the true strength of the rotation is the top-3.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Starting 5: Julio Urias – Clayton Kershaw – Tony Gonsolin – Dustin May – Noah Syndergaard
In 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers won 111 games…and lost in the NLDS. The Dodgers once again had an elite pitching staff — it led MLB in ERA (2.80), WHIP (1.05), and allowed the fewest hits and earned runs. The top five starters finished with an ERA 3.10 or lower. Los Angeles’ top three returning starters were phenomenal.
Urias — who finished third for the NL Cy Young — went 17-7 with an NL-best 2.16 ERA. Kershaw finished 12-3 with a 2.28 ERA. Gonsolin, also an All-Star, completed the year with a 2.14 ERA and an absurd 16-1 record. The club will replace Tyler Anderson (15-5, 2.57 ERA), Andrew Heaney (3.10) and Walker Buehler (recovering from Tommy John surgery) with two powerful righties — May and Syndergaard. May is an ace in the waiting, and Syndergaard is a former star looking to rediscover his form in Los Angeles like so many before him have.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
3. Atlanta Braves
Starting 5: Max Fried – Charlie Morton – Spencer Strider – Kyle Wright – Bryce Elder
Atlanta is poised to be a World Series contender for years to come, and its starting rotation is amongst the reasons why. Fried, a wiry lefty out of California, has been considered an ace for a handful of years, and he is only getting better. Last year, Fried was the runner-up for the NL Cy Young and won 14 games with a 2.48 ERA. Morton is an accomplished veteran who can still get the job done. Atlanta’s rotation includes two of 2022’s biggest surprises — Wright and Strider. Wright broke through with an MLB-leading 21 wins. Meanwhile, Strider resembled Jacob deGrom en route to punching out 202 batters in 131.2 IP. Only 24, Strider also won 11 games and posted an impressive 2.67 ERA. Elder made his MLB debut in ’22, and threw a complete game shutout in September in his eighth career start.
Image Source: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
2. New York Yankees
Starting 5: Gerrit Cole – Carlos Rodon – Nestor Cortes – Luis Severino – Domingo German
While Gerrit Cole chases his elusive Cy Young, he will have to settle for being one of the game’s best pitchers for the sixth year in a row. Having finished in the top-5 of Cy Young voting five times, it is clear Cole is elite. He has an electric fastball and strikes out a ton of hitters — he led MLB with 257 in 2022. With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Cole can solve his HR problem this year after allowing 33 in ’22 (the most in the AL). Joining Cole atop the rotation is Rodon. A big addition in the offseason, Rodon has been sensational the past two years. Last year, Rodon fanned 237 batters and led MLB with 12.0 SO9.
Cortes, a lefty like Rodon, was a huge surprise in ’22. In earning an All-Star nod, Cortes went 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA. Severino is talented in his own right. Montas, who finished sixth for the AL Cy Young in ’21, will be out for the season with a bum shoulder — leaving German to fill the final spot in the rotation.
Image Source: Mark Brown/Getty Images
1. New York Mets
Starting 5: Justin Verlander – Max Scherzer – Kodai Senga – Carlos Carrasco – Jose Quintana
This wasn’t a surprise, was it? The top two pitchers in New York’s starting rotation have combined to win six Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and have 17 total All-Star nods. Scherzer, New York’s big signing two winters ago, is showing signs of aging…but still won 11 games with a 2.29 ERA and fanned 173 hitters in 2022. Verlander returned to the mound after a near two-year absence and absolutely shoved. As a 39-year-old, the former MVP went 18-4 with an MLB-best 1.75 ERA and 0.829 WHIP en route to his third Cy Young.
Carrasco won 15 games for the Mets in ’22. After a handful of disappointing seasons in a row, Quintana turned back the clock last year while pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. In 32 starts, Quintana allowed an MLB-best 0.4 HR9 and posted a career-low 2.93 ERA. Senga was New York’s other big addition this winter. An 11-year vet of the NPB, Senga went 104-51 with a 2.42 ERA while in Japan.
Image Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images