It is an interesting time for starting pitching in Major League Baseball (MLB). Once the undisputed foundation of any contending team, the role of the starter has undergone a dramatic transformation.
From the Atlanta Braves with NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale to the New York Yankees with Max Fried freshly signed to the Los Angeles Dodgers after acquiring Blake Snell, these rankings cover it all.
Gone are the days when aces like Nolan Ryan routinely pitched into the ninth inning, often carrying their teams on their backs. In their place, we’ve entered an era dominated by bullpen games, five-inning outings, and meticulous pitch counts.
Despite the declining workloads and an increasing reliance on relievers, one fact remains crystal clear: MLB teams still prize elite starting pitchers. The proof? An eye-popping $1.2 billion of the $2.6 billion spent on free agents this offseason went to starting pitchers.
Fewer innings, more money. It speaks volumes about how the game has changed and how much teams still value a dominant rotation. Let’s take a closer look at the top rotations entering the 2025 season.
1. Seattle Mariners
Sitting at the top of the starting rotation rankings are the Seattle Mariners. Their pitching depth and consistency seem to be unmatched. Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Luis Castillo provide a rock-solid trio, with Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo rounding out a rotation that oozes reliability.
Even their sixth option, Emerson Hancock, provides quality innings in a pinch. This group combines elite control (the league’s best walk rate) with the ability to pitch deep into games, giving them the top spot despite a lineup that still lacks firepower.
It’s no wonder GM Jerry Dipoto has resisted calls to trade from this rotation for more offense. The Mariners’ ability to generate soft contact and keep runs off the board sets them apart.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies come in as a close second, with a rotation rivaling Seattle’s star power and depth. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola lead the charge, both capable of dominating any lineup on a given day.
Ranger Suárez and the rising Andrew Painter provide balance, while Cristopher Sánchez adds further depth. This rotation edges the Mariners in raw talent but falls slightly behind in limiting hard contact.
That said, they possess the potential to emerge as the league’s most fearsome rotation by season’s end, particularly in the high-stakes environment of October baseball.
3. Atlanta Braves
The Braves present a unique case featuring a phenomenal mix of established stars and young potential. Now in peak form, Chris Sale pairs with Spencer Strider to create a devastating one-two punch.
Meanwhile, Reynaldo López and Spencer Schwellenbach solidify the middle of the rotation, though there’s a noticeable dropoff after the top tier.
Youngsters like AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep could step in to boost the Braves’ depth, but for now, their rotation hinges on Sale and Strider staying healthy and effective.
If they do, Atlanta will have one of the most dangerous playoff rotations in the league.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
Given their track record of building powerhouse rotations, it’s no surprise to see the Dodgers in the top five.
Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow headline a staff loaded with talent, while Shohei Ohtani’s two-way brilliance makes this group even more dynamic.
Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin round out the rotation, though both will need to stay healthy to reach their potential. The wild card here is the Japanese phenom, Roki Sasaki.
If the Dodgers land him, they could leap to the top of these rankings, boasting a rotation that’s almost unfairly stacked with firepower and depth.
5. New York Yankees
The Yankees’ rotation has plenty of firepower, but their fifth-place ranking underscores just how competitive the top tier of MLB rotations has become.
Gerrit Cole anchors the staff, with Max Fried and Carlos Rodón providing excellent support. Luis Gil and Marcus Stroman offer solid depth, but there’s a noticeable dropoff after Clarke Schmidt.
The Yankees might not have the pure depth of the Mariners or Phillies, but they could close the gap if they succeed in luring Sasaki to the Bronx.
Imagine a rotation led by Cole and Sasaki, supported by Fried and Rodón—that group could end the Yankees’ long title drought.
MLB Honorable Mentions
Several teams just missed the top five but remain intriguing for different reasons. The Arizona Diamondbacks boast an exciting mix of veterans and young arms, led by newly acquired Corbin Burnes and Zac Gallen.
The Houston Astros, though not as dominant as in years past, still rely on the consistency of Framber Valdez and the potential breakout of Hunter Brown.
The Cubs and Rays also have rotations filled with upside, depending on health and player development.
The wild cards are the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, both of whom could vault into the top tier with a few key moves or the successful return of injured stars like Brandon Woodruff.
A Renaissance or Reinvention in the MLB?
While debates continue over how to restore the glory days of starting pitching, it’s clear that teams still believe in the value of elite arms. The numbers don’t lie.
Even as analytics drive front-office decisions, teams are shelling out record-breaking contracts for the best starters in the game.
Whether or not these rotations deliver on their promise will be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 season.
One thing’s for sure: starting pitching, far from fading into the background, remains as vital as ever in pursuing a championship.
