Top 5 starting pitcher rankings in MLB entering 2026

The 2026 MLB regular season begins on March 25th. Last season had many storylines, with tenured and rookie players having electric seasons. Baseball is the greatest sport in the world, and the upcoming season won’t disappoint. With a week before the 2026 MLB begin here are the top five starting pitcher rankings.

MORE: Top 5 catchers in MLB heading into the season

5. Hunter Brown, Houston Astros

In his third full season, Brown reached his full potential and became the undisputed ace of Houston’s starting rotation. He set career highs in games started, innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and reached 200 strikeouts for the first time. Brown will build on last season’s breakout year during the upcoming season.

4. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers

Yamamoto’s rookie season limited him to 18 starts but still showed glimpses of stardom. In his second season (2025), the Dodger right-hander made 30 starts, ranking 6th in WHIP, 4th in ERA, and 11th in strikeouts among qualified starting pitchers. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to take another leap in 2026.

3. Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox

Crochet finished his first season with Boston, and fourth full season of his career, posting career-best marks in ERA (2.59), WHIP (1.03), and strikeouts (255). His 255 strikeouts led all MLB pitchers and gave him two consecutive seasons reaching the 200-strikeout mark. The sky is the limit for Crochet in 2026.

2. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

In two seasons, Skenes is off to the best start by a starting pitcher in MLB history. He reached 30 starts for the first time in his career last season, finishing 4th in WHIP (0.95), 1st in ERA (1.97), 4th in strikeouts (216), and 6th in opponent batting average (.199). This season can be the year Skenes finishes as MLB’s top starting pitcher.

1. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

Skubal enters 2026 after winning the American League Cy Young Award in 2024 and 2025. In a back-to-back season (2025 & 2025), the Detroit lefty reached 30 games started, 200+ strikeouts, ERA below 2.40, and WHIP under 0.95. Tarik Skubal is the most dominant starting pitcher in baseball.

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