Ranking the 10 best starting pitchers in MLB for 2025 is an exciting endeavor, as fans anticipate the upcoming season. Over the next two weeks, baseball enthusiasts will see a detailed ranking of the finest players at each position.
This eight-part series kicks off with starting pitchers, featuring a reigning Rookie of the Year aiming to build on last year’s success and a former Cy Young winner making a notable comeback.
Let’s examine the top 10 starting pitchers heading into the 2025 season.
2024 stats: 18-4, 192 innings pitched, 2.39 ERA, 228 strikeouts, 5.9 fWAR
2025 ZiPS projection: 13-7, 170 IP, 2.74 ERA, 196 Ks, 5.2 fWAR
Leading the starting-pitcher rankings is Tarik Skubal, a 28-year-old ace who is firmly in his prime. He has a strong chance to repeat as the American League Cy Young winner. Fans are eager to see him reunite with his formidable partner, Jack Flaherty, as the Tigers aim for back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in over a decade.
2024: 16-7, 200 IP, 2.57 ERA, 224 Ks, 5.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 13-7, 175 IP, 3.28 ERA, 184 Ks, 4.2 fWAR
Zack Wheeler appeared poised to clinch his first Cy Young award last season, achieving personal bests in ERA and WHIP (0.95), only to be edged out by Chris Sale’s impressive performance. With a remarkable 24.7 fWAR since 2020, Wheeler’s experience and durability make him the top starter in the National League.
2024: 11-3, 133 IP, 1.96 ERA, 170 Ks, 4.3 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 8-6, 151 IP, 3.25 ERA, 181 Ks, 3.7 fWAR
Paul Skenes, the NL Rookie of the Year, finished third in Cy Young voting last season. Now, at just 22 years old, he aims for even greater achievements, potentially becoming the first pitcher to win both awards in consecutive seasons since Dwight Gooden in 1985. Fans are excited to see him surpass the 150-innings mark as he prepares for a full season in the majors.
2024: 15-9, 194 IP, 2.92 ERA, 181 Ks, 3.7 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 14-7, 181 IP, 2.97 ERA, 179 Ks, 3.8 fWAR
2024: 6-12, 146 IP, 3.58 ERA, 209 Ks, 4.7 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 12-6, 135 IP, 2.93 ERA, 169 Ks, 4.0 fWAR
The spotlight is on Garrett Crochet, who is tasked with bringing his impressive strikeout rate of 35.1% from Chicago to Boston while also increasing his innings pitched. If he can achieve this in a full season with the Red Sox, he may pose a significant challenge to Skubal in the AL Cy Young race.
2024: 18-3, 177 IP, 2.38 ERA, 225 Ks, 6.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 11-5, 138 IP, 2.98 ERA, 170 Ks, 3.7 fWAR
Chris Sale’s resurgence has sparked discussions about his ranking, as he aims to defend his Triple Crown title after a remarkable season. Despite being in his age-36 season, there is optimism that he can replicate his electrifying performance with the Braves.
7. Logan Webb, RHP, San Francisco Giants
2024: 13-10, 204 IP, 3.47 ERA, 172 Ks, 4.4 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 13-9, 195 IP, 3.22 ERA, 164 Ks, 4.4 fWAR
Logan Webb has consistently delivered, throwing at least 192 innings and receiving Cy Young votes in each of the last three seasons. He finally earned his first career All-Star nod last year, showcasing his ability to limit home runs and walks effectively.
8. Blake Snell, LHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
2024: 5-3, 104 IP, 3.12 ERA, 145 Ks, 3.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 9-5, 133 IP, 3.38 ERA, 176 Ks, 3.1 fWAR
9. Logan Gilbert, RHP, Seattle Mariners
2024: 9-12, 208 IP, 3.23 ERA, 220 Ks, 4.1 fWAR
2025 ZiPS: 12-8, 189 IP, 3.29 ERA, 190 Ks, 3.5 fWAR
Logan Gilbert stands out in a league filled with injuries, consistently pitching over 185 innings in his last three seasons. His impressive 33 starts in 2024 and a low 4.6% walk rate showcase his reliability as he approaches his age-28 season.
10. Jacob deGrom, RHP, Texas Rangers
2024: Returned from Tommy John surgery for three September starts (10.2 IP, 1.69 ERA, 14 Ks)
2025 ZiPS: 3-1, 51 IP, 3.13 ERA, 69 Ks, 1.4 fWAR
Jacob deGrom’s health remains a concern, but when fit, he ranks among the elite pitchers in MLB. His revamped fastball, now reaching 97 mph, positions him as a strong contender for another Cy Young award, potentially enhancing his Hall of Fame credentials.
Honorable mentions: Cole Ragans, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, Michael King
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