Ranking revealed: Preseason buzz grows strong as MLB Network unveils Top 10 starting pitchers

With pitchers and catchers set to report on pitch in less than a month, the MLB offseason has reached its most anticipatory stretch. Adding to the build-up, MLB Network's annual "Shredder" rankings have posted their list of the top 10 starting pitchers right now. This list is a mix of proven Cy Young winners, postseason heroes, and young rising stars. As expected, the ranking has already sparked debate across the league. Here is how the Shredder stacked baseball's top arms ahead of spring training.

Top 10 MLB starting pitchers right now

10) Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds

Hunter Greene rounded out the list after a career season in which his strikeout totals surged, fueled by an elite slider. The hard-throwing right-hander is expected to be a major part of a youthful Reds roster in the coming year.

9) Max Fried of the New York Yankees

Fresh off serving as the New York Yankees’ last season, Fried will again be asked to bear the brunt early in the season, with both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon projected to miss the first few weeks.

8) Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros

Brown's breakout year solidified him as Houston's premier starter, and the Astros will once again rely on him to lead their staff.

7) Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers

Yamamoto's stellar postseason, especially his World Series work, boosted him up the rankings after a stellar regular season in his debut season in the majors.

6) Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox

Crochet's first season in Boston exceeded expectations, and he now enters the new year with momentum and a deep rotation behind him.

5) Christopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies

One of 2025's biggest breakout pitchers, Sanchez could play a much bigger role at the beginning, with Zack Wheeler injured and Ranger Suarez now in Boston.

4) Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves

Though he dipped slightly from his spectacular 2024 game, Sale was still dominant and was one of the National League's top arms. Atlanta will again be banking on his durability.

3) Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies

Wheeler's placement raised eyebrows due to his uncertainty surrounding his return from injury, but when healthy, he has been one of baseball's best bets on a starter since he joined Philadelphia.

2) Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates

The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner is entering just his third major league season, yet already is a lock for conversation to take the top spot on any list.

1) Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

Back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner sealed Skubal at the no. 1 spot. His recent domination has cemented him as the standard of a starting pitcher in baseball today.

Preseason buzz and spring training afoot

While these rankings are based on last season of MLB, the new ones are just around the corner. As teams begin preparing for spring training, MLB Network's new rankings provide an early glimpse of the hierarchy of the game's pitchers, and a reminder that great arms may once again be the key to deciding the ace for October.


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