It may seem a bit nostalgic, but let me reminisce about a time when the terms “rotations” and “bullpens” meant something different in baseball. I used to rank these categories individually in my analyses.
However, the landscape of baseball has evolved. Given the high turnover rates and changing roles of pitchers, the traditional labels like “starting fives” and “closers” no longer hold significance. Instead, we now assess the entire group of pitchers that a team can call upon and evaluate their capability to excel this upcoming season.
As such, here’s a list highlighting the best pitching staffs in Major League Baseball.
While I firmly believe that evaluating complete staffs is the most accurate method, I’m not fully convinced of my selections. With so many pitchers showcasing impressive skills, and injuries being prevalent, unexpected developments are likely. Just look at the early struggles of the Yankees and Mets since the spring training began.
Nonetheless, these ten teams seem poised to minimize runs effectively… at least for the moment!
1) Dodgers
Top starters: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, LHP Blake Snell, RHP Tyler Glasnow, RHP Shohei Ohtani, RHP Roki Sasaki
Key relievers: LHP Tanner Scott, RHP Kirby Yates, RHP Michael Kopech, RHP Blake Treinen, LHP Alex Vesia
The Dodgers claim the top spot on our list, just as they do in assessments of “Top 10 Lineups” in MLB. Although I’m more than aware that this team could rank poorly in various other categories, when it comes to pitching and hitting, they are undeniably superior.
2) Phillies
Top starters: RHP Zack Wheeler, RHP Aaron Nola, LHP Cristopher Sánchez, LHP Ranger Suárez, LHP Jesús Luzardo
Key relievers: RHP Jordan Romano, LHP Matt Strahm, RHP Orion Kerkering, LHP José Alvardo, LHP Tanner Banks
While the Phillies may not have the depth the Dodgers do, their healthy rotation can outperform others. Wheeler stands out as one of the best active pitchers without a Cy Young, and with a returning All-Star in Suárez, the potential is palpable. If Luzardo can regain his previous form and top prospect Andrew Painter can lend a hand, this team could be formidable.
3) Braves
Top starters: LHP Chris Sale, RHP Spencer Strider, RHP Reynaldo López, RHP Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP Ian Anderson
Key relievers: RHP Raisel Iglesias, LHP Aaron Bummer, RHP Pierce Johnson, LHP Dylan Lee, RHP Daysbel Hernández
The Braves feature last year’s NL Cy Young winner in Sale and a promising comeback from Strider. With López also showcasing his talents and the addition of Schwellenbach, the Braves have a formidable rotation, although their bullpen has seen some turnover, still possesses strong potential.
4) Mariners
Top starters: RHP Luis Castillo, RHP Logan Gilbert, RHP George Kirby, RHP Bryce Miller, RHP Bryan Woo
Key relievers: RHP Andrés Muñoz, RHP Gregory Santos, RHP Matt Brash, RHP Trent Thornton, RHP Collin Snider
Last season, the Mariners boasted the best rotation ERA in MLB, elevating their pitching talent further with few changes. Despite losing Kirby to injury early this season, the rotation remains a major strength for the club, although their bullpen has room for improvement after a struggling late season.
