Full Breakdown
2026 MLB Season Preview: Top 10 Starting Pitchers Ranked
2/17/2026, 12:02:10 PM
Overview of the Rankings
As Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training camps commence, ESPN's Buster Olney has initiated his annual positional ranking series, focusing on identifying the top players for the 2026 season. The rankings will be released over a two-week period, starting with the top 10 starting pitchers. This year, the debate centers around two standout pitchers: Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers and Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Key Players in the Spotlight
1. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: Skubal has established himself as a premier pitcher, winning back-to-back Cy Young awards and aiming for a third consecutive title in 2026. His exceptional fastball and changeup have contributed to his success, with a strikeout rate of 32.2% last season. Evaluators note his left-handedness as an advantage, with one manager stating, "All things being equal, you prefer the left-hander."
2. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates: Skenes, a newer entrant to the MLB, has quickly gained recognition for his command and effectiveness on the mound. He finished the previous season with an impressive ERA+ of 217 and allowed three earned runs or more in only six of his 32 starts. Evaluators highlight his ability to minimize hard contact against hitters, making him a strong contender for the top spot.
3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers: Yamamoto's playoff performance has drawn attention, with opponents batting only .183 against him. However, his regular-season innings were limited due to the Dodgers' strategy of preserving pitchers for postseason play.
4. Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox: Crochet led the American League in innings pitched and strikeouts, showcasing his dominance with a strikeout rate of 31.3%.
5. Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies: Sanchez emerged as a breakout star, significantly increasing his fastball velocity and striking out 212 batters in 2025.
6. Hunter Brown, Houston Astros: Brown maintained a strong ERA+ of 172, limiting opponents to a .201 batting average.
7. Max Fried, New York Yankees: Fried's career ERA+ ranks him among the best in MLB history, demonstrating consistent performance.
8. Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants: Webb is recognized for his durability, leading the majors in starts over the past two seasons.
9. Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves: Sale's performance remains notable despite injury setbacks, with a 2.58 ERA in 2025.
10. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers: DeGrom has shown resilience, holding hitters to a .196 average in 30 starts last season.
Criticism & Opposition
The debate over the top starting pitcher has sparked differing opinions among evaluators. While some favor Skubal for his established track record and left-handed advantage, others advocate for Skenes due to his impressive command and ability to limit hard contact. This division highlights the subjective nature of player evaluations in MLB.
Official Statements & Responses
Buster Olney's rankings aim to reflect the current state of the game, focusing on performance rather than potential. The rankings will continue to evolve as the season progresses, with further evaluations expected as players demonstrate their capabilities on the field.
What's Next
The positional rankings will continue with relievers, catchers, and other positions being released daily, culminating in a comprehensive overview of the best players in MLB for the 2026 season.
