MLB’s 10 best rotations of the past 30 years raises the question: Will the 2025 Dodgers crack the list? The Dodgers recently made headlines by signing Japanese sensation Rōki Sasaki, adding him to a rotation that already includes two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. This new lineup promises to be one of the most formidable in baseball history.
However, simply assembling a collection of star pitchers does not guarantee success on the field. The Dodgers must keep their elite roster healthy and performing at peak levels. If they manage to do so, this group could secure a place among the elite rotations listed below.
These are the 10 best starting rotations over the past 30 years.
(* – signifies All-Star season)
Honorable Mention: 2003 Oakland Athletics
Tim Hudson (16-7, 2.70 ERA, 34 GS)
*Barry Zito (14-12, 3.30 ERA, 35 GS)
*Mark Mulder (15-9, 3.13 ERA, 26 GS)
Ted Lilly (12-10, 4.34 ERA, 31 GS)
The 2003 Oakland Athletics are celebrated for their stellar rotation, featuring icons like Barry Zito, Tim Hudson, and Mark Mulder. That year, they achieved the lowest ERA in the American League and the best WHIP in the majors. Mulder earned his first All-Star selection, while Hudson had a career-defining season, finishing fourth in the Cy Young voting.
10. 2018 Cleveland Guardians
*Corey Kluber (20-7, 2.89 ERA, 33 GS)
*Trevor Bauer (12-6, 2.21 ERA, 27 GS)
Carlos Carrasco (17-10, 3.38 ERA, 30 GS)
Mike Clevinger (13-8, 3.02 ERA, 32 GS)
Shane Bieber (11-5, 4.55 ERA, 19 GS)
Stephen Strasburg (18-6, 3.32 ERA, 33 GS)
*Max Scherzer (11-7, 2.92 ERA, 27 GS)
Patrick Corbin (14-7, 3.25 ERA, 33 GS)
Anibal Sanchez (11-8, 3.85 ERA, 30 GS)
Washington Nationals starting pitchers Stephen Strasburg (37), Max Scherzer (31), and Patrick Corbin (46) pose for a portrait during the team’s Photo Day on Wednesday, February 22, 2019. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
*Curt Schilling (22-6, 2.98 ERA, 35 GS)
*Randy Johnson (21-6, 2.49 ERA, 34 GS)
Miguel Batista (11-8, 3.36 ERA, 18 GS)
Brian Anderson (4-9, 5.20 ERA, 22 GS)
*Walker Buehler (16-4, 2.47 ERA, 33 GS)
Julio Urías (20-3, 2.96 ERA, 32 GS)
Clayton Kershaw (10-8, 3.55 ERA, 22 GS)
*Max Scherzer (7-0, 1.98 ERA, 11 GS)
Trevor Bauer (8-5, 2.59 ERA, 17 GS)
Tony Gonsolin (4-1, 3.23 ERA, 13 GS)
David Price (5-2, 4.03 ERA, 11 GS)
Dustin May (1-1, 2.74 ERA, 5 GS)
The 2021 Dodgers rotation could have easily made this list due to its impressive depth and performance. They recorded the lowest opponents’ batting average (.207) and WHIP (1.03) of any MLB rotation in the past three decades. Their starters led the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, showcasing their dominance throughout the season.
Despite facing injuries and setbacks, including Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave and Clayton Kershaw’s elbow issues, the Dodgers still had three pitchers—Buehler, Urías, and Scherzer—who ranked among the top seven in Cy Young voting. Scherzer’s addition midway through the season brought another level of expertise to the rotation, further solidifying their reputation.
*Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44 ERA, 32 GS)
Kyle Hendricks (16-8, 2.13 ERA, 30 GS)
*Jake Arrieta (18-8, 3.10 ERA, 31 GS)
John Lackey (11-8, 3.35 ERA, 29 GS)
Jason Hammel (15-10, 3.83 ERA, 30 GS)
*Tim Lincecum (16-10, 3.43 ERA, 33 GS)
Matt Cain (13-11, 3.14 ERA, 33 GS)
Barry Zito (9-14, 4.15 ERA, 33 GS)
Madison Bumgarner (7-6, 3.00 ERA, 18 GS)
Jonathan Sanchez (13-9, 3.07 ERA, 33 GS)
The 2010 Giants rotation marked the beginning of a dynasty, showcasing a blend of talent and resilience. Lincecum led the charge, while Cain and Bumgarner shone in the postseason, helping the Giants secure three World Series titles over five years.
*Max Scherzer (21-3, 2.90 ERA, 32 GS)
*Justin Verlander (13-12, 3.46 ERA, 34 GS)
Anibal Sánchez (14-8, 2.57 ERA, 29 GS)
Doug Fister (14-9, 3.67 ERA, 32 GS)
Rick Porcello (13-8, 4.32 ERA, 29 GS)
The 2013 Detroit Tigers showcased an impressive rotation, leading the American League in wins and ERA. Scherzer’s dominance earned him the Cy Young Award, while Verlander excelled in the postseason, further solidifying their legacy.
*Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.52 ERA, 34 GS)
*Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.88 ERA, 32 GS)
*Charlie Morton (15-3, 3.13 ERA, 30 GS)
Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.74 ERA, 34 GS)
Lance McCullers Jr. (10-6, 3.86 ERA, 22 GS)
Charlie Morton #50 of the Houston Astros, Lance McCullers Jr. #43, Gerrit Cole #45 and Justin Verlander #35 wait to celebrate with the team on July 8, 2018. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
*Roy Halladay (19-6, 2.35 ERA, 32 GS)
*Cliff Lee (17-8, 2.40 ERA, 32 GS)
*Cole Hamels (14-9, 2.79 ERA, 31 GS)
Roy Oswalt (9-10, 3.69 ERA, 23 GS)
Vance Worley (11-3, 3.01 ERA, 21 GS)
*Greg Maddux (18-9, 2.22 ERA, 34 GS)
*Tom Glavine (20-6, 2.47 ERA, 33 GS)
John Smoltz (17-3, 2.90 ERA, 26 GS)
Denny Neagle (16-11, 3.55 ERA, 31 GS)
Kevin Millwood (17-8, 4.08 ERA, 29 GS)
The 1998 Atlanta Braves rotation stands out as a legendary unit. With a combined 90 wins, they dominated the league, showcasing the talents of Hall of Famers Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz. This rotation excelled in an era known for offensive prowess, leading the majors in ERA and demonstrating exceptional control on the mound.
John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves pose for a portrait during spring training on March 20, 1997. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images)
Also considered: 2003 Cubs, 2003 Yankees, 2012 Rays, 2014 Nationals, 2015 Cardinals, 2018 Indians, 2019 Mets, 2019 Dodgers, 2021 Brewers, 2024 Mariners
