MLB Network's Shredder Unveils Top 10 Starting Pitchers Ahead of Spring Training
With pitchers and catchers scheduled to report in less than a month, the MLB offseason has entered its most eagerly awaited phase. Adding to the excitement, MLB Network's annual "Shredder" rankings have released their list of the top 10 starting pitchers currently in the league. This prestigious ranking blends established Cy Young Award winners, postseason standouts, and emerging young talents, sparking lively debates across baseball circles. As teams gear up for spring training, here is how the Shredder has evaluated baseball's premier arms.
Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers Right Now
- Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers – Securing the number one spot, Skubal is the back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner. His recent dominance has established him as the benchmark for starting pitchers in today's game, showcasing consistency and elite performance.
- Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates – The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, despite entering only his third major league season, is already a strong contender for the top position on any list, highlighting his rapid ascent and impact.
- Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies – Wheeler's ranking has raised some eyebrows due to uncertainties about his return from injury. However, when healthy, he has proven to be one of baseball's most reliable starters since joining the Phillies.
- Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves – Although slightly off from his spectacular 2024 season, Sale remains a dominant force and one of the National League's top pitchers. Atlanta continues to rely on his durability and skill.
- Christopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies – As one of 2025's biggest breakout pitchers, Sanchez is poised for a larger role early in the season, especially with Zack Wheeler injured and Ranger Suarez now in Boston.
- Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox – Crochet's debut season in Boston surpassed expectations, and he enters the new year with momentum, supported by a deep rotation behind him.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers – Yamamoto's stellar postseason performance, particularly in the World Series, elevated his ranking after an impressive regular season in his major league debut.
- Hunter Brown, Houston Astros – Brown's breakout year solidified his status as Houston's premier starter, and the Astros will once again depend on him to lead their pitching staff.
- Max Fried, New York Yankees – Fresh off his role with the Yankees last season, Fried is expected to shoulder significant responsibility early on, as Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are projected to miss the initial weeks.
- Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds – Greene rounds out the list following a career season marked by a surge in strikeouts, driven by an elite slider. The hard-throwing right-hander is set to be a key component of the youthful Reds roster.
Preseason Buzz and Spring Training Insights
While these rankings are based on the previous MLB season, the new campaign is just around the corner. As teams commence their preparations for spring training, MLB Network's Shredder rankings offer an early glimpse into the hierarchy of the game's pitchers. This serves as a reminder that exceptional pitching arms will likely play a crucial role in determining success as the season progresses toward October. The anticipation builds as fans and analysts alike look forward to seeing how these top performers fare in the upcoming games.
