MLB Network's Ron Darling ranks his top 10 SPs in 2026

It’s that magical time of the year for MLB fans. Pitchers and catchers report in just over two weeks, and this is the final month of the year without baseball until possibly November. MLB Network has an annual tradition where their analysts rank the top 10 players at every position, and former big league pitcher Ron Darling dropped his rankings on Wednesday. Let’s take a look and see who he has in his top 10.

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10. Max Fried, New York YankeesFried had a great first season in the Bronx last year and will anchor the Yankees rotation once again.9. Hunter Brown, Houston AstrosWith Framber Valdez gone, Brown has even more pressure on him to repeat his breakout season from a year ago.8. Jacob deGrom, Texas RangersSep 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws the ball during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesdeGrom was one of the best pitchers in the American League last season and is proving that age is just a number.7. Bryan Woo, Seattle MarinersHe had a breakout season for the Mariners and will look to take another step forward in his development.6. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles DodgersHis heroic postseason performance has him looking like one of the best big-game pitchers in the league today.5. Christopher Sanchez, Philadelphia PhilliesMay 13, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Christopher Sanchez (61) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY SportsSanchez had a tremendous 2025 season for the Phillies, and will begin the season as the team’s ace.4. Garrett Crochet, Boston Red SoxHe was the best pitcher in the American League last season, not named Skubal. He anchors a very talented Red Sox rotation.3. Logan Webb, San Francisco GiantsIt was a little surprising to see Webb on this list, let alone this high. He is a good pitcher who is durable and has good stuff, and if this were an NL-only top 10 list, he should be on it.2. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh PiratesSep 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) sprints to the mound to pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesThe best young pitcher in baseball, reigning NL Cy Young award winner, and the Pirates only hope to get back to the postseason this decade.1. Tarik Skubal, Detroit TigersThe two-time reigning AL Cy Young award winner will look to make it three straight in 2026, which also could be his last season with the Tigers.