The MLB season is almost upon us, and with it, the excitement of ranking the projected Opening Day starters! In an era where analytics rule, the traditional ace starting pitcher still holds a special place in baseball's heart. So, let's dive into the rankings and uncover the top pitchers who are set to take the mound on that momentous day.
30. Kyle Freeland, Colorado Rockies
Freeland's recent performances have been a bit of a rollercoaster. While he's struggled with a high ERA, his issues are partly due to the hitter-friendly Coors Field. In 2025, he threw a significant number of pitches in the strike zone, which didn't work in his favor. But hey, every pitcher has their challenges!
29. Matthew Liberatore, St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals, in their rebuilding phase, are likely to start Liberatore, who's been impressive this spring. Last season, he pitched a career-high number of innings with a decent ERA and FIP. He's added a splitter to his arsenal, aiming to increase his strikeout numbers. A promising start for sure!
28. Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals
Cavalli's ranking is more about potential than proven performance. Injuries and setbacks have limited his opportunities, but he's shown the ability to strike out batters at the Triple-A level. With a clean bill of health, he could be a real force on the mound.
27. Yusei Kikuchi, Los Angeles Angels
At 34, Kikuchi is a workhorse, consistently throwing over 175 innings in the last two seasons. That's impressive! He was an All-Star in '25 and is expected to deliver similar numbers in 2026. Solid, but not quite at the top of the ace list.
26. Luis Severino, A's
Severino has expressed his discomfort pitching in Sacramento, where his ERA is much higher than on the road. If he can replicate his road performance at home, the A's could be in for a great season. A little home-field advantage goes a long way!
25. Shane Smith, Chicago White Sox
Smith, an All-Star in '25, is the likely Opening Day starter for the White Sox. His numbers last season were impressive: a low ERA, WHIP, and WAR. A solid choice for the team!
24. Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks
Gallen had a rough '25 season, with career-worst marks in ERA and strikeout rate. However, he finished strong, giving hope for a bounce-back year. If he can return to his career norms, this ranking might be too low.
23. Gavin Williams, Cleveland Guardians
Williams switched up his pitching strategy, using more curveballs and sliders, which paid off with a career-best ERA and strikeout rate. His challenge now is to control his walks, as he tends to invite runners on base.
22. Trevor Rogers, Baltimore Orioles
Rogers had an incredible '25 season, finishing ninth in the AL Cy Young Award race. But was that a fluke? His previous seasons were less impressive. The question is, can he maintain that ace-like performance?
21. Drew Rasmussen, Tampa Bay Rays
Rasmussen, after recovering from elbow surgery, had a fantastic season, with a low ERA in a career-best number of innings. If he stays healthy, another All-Star campaign could be on the cards. A true comeback story!
20. Cade Horton, Chicago Cubs
The Cubs' Opening Day starter situation is a close call, with all five starters having a strong case. Horton, who was called up last May, has been impressive, winning 11 games and finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
19. Michael King, San Diego Padres
Injuries hampered King's '25 season, but in '24, he was an ace for the Padres. His ERA and strikeout-to-walk ratio were impressive, finishing seventh in the NL Cy Young Award race. A true talent when healthy!
18. Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins
Ryan had a breakout year for the Twins, being named to his first All-Star team. His strikeout and walk rates were among the best in the league. A real find for the Twins!
17. Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
Alcantara, returning from Tommy John surgery, had a rough start but finished strong, resembling his '22 NL Cy Young-winning form. With a new pitch in his arsenal, he could surprise everyone and climb up these rankings.
16. Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays
Gausman, a veteran Blue Jays starter, is projected to start on Opening Day over new signee Dylan Cease. His regular season and postseason performances have been solid, ranking highly in strikeouts and innings pitched.
15. Cole Ragans, Kansas City Royals
Ragans is back and feeling good after missing time with a rotator cuff strain. In his last healthy season, he struck out over 200 batters and finished fourth in the 2024 American League Cy Young Award voting. A true comeback story in the making!
14. Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers
Woodruff has consistently ranked highly in ERA and opponent batting average. The issue? Injuries have limited his innings. But when he's on the mound, he's one of the best. A true ace when healthy!
13. Freddy Peralta, New York Mets
Peralta had a breakthrough year in '25, setting career highs in wins, ERA, and innings pitched. His strikeout numbers were impressive, and with the media attention in New York, his reputation is sure to soar.
12. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers
Is deGrom still elite? Absolutely! His numbers last season were top-notch, ranking among the best in ERA, opponent batting average, and strikeouts. Even at 37, he's got plenty of gas left in the tank.
11. Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds
Greene had an impressive '25 season, ranking highly in ERA, strikeout rate, and WHIP. His fastball is one of the best in MLB, and his slider is a real weapon. If he stays healthy, a Cy Young Award could be within reach.
10. Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants
Webb is the epitome of reliability. He consistently ranks highly in innings pitched, ERA, strikeouts, and quality starts. A true workhorse for the Giants!
9. Bryan Woo, Seattle Mariners
Woo had an incredible season, joining an elite group of pitchers who've achieved specific milestones. His control and strikeout numbers were exceptional. A real find for the Mariners!
8. Max Fried, New York Yankees
Fried's career adjusted ERA ranks him among the best left-handed pitchers of all time. He's been a consistent performer, and his first season in New York was no different. A true ace for the Yankees!
7. Hunter Brown, Houston Astros
Brown entered the ace tier in '25 with his sizzling fastball, knucklecurve, and sinker. Hitters just couldn't figure him out. A real force on the mound for the Astros!
6. Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies
Sanchez had an incredible season, leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He was the Phillies' ace in waiting, filling in for the injured Zack Wheeler. A true All-Star, it's a wonder he wasn't selected!
5. Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves
Injuries have plagued Sale's career, but when healthy, he's one of the best. His '24 Cy Young Award-winning campaign is a testament to his talent. His slider is a real weapon.
4. Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox
Crochet had a dominant season, leading MLB in strikeouts and throwing a high number of innings. He finished second in the AL Cy Young vote. With another strong season, the award could be his in 2026.
3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers
Yamamoto had an incredible year, setting career highs across the board. He pitched the Dodgers to their second World Series title, with a dominant ERA in the postseason. A true hero for the Dodgers!
2. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Skenes has had an incredible start to his career, winning the NL Rookie of the Year and then the NL Cy Young Award. His ERA through 55 starts is the lowest since 1920. A true phenomenon!
1. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Skubal is the best pitcher on the planet right now. His last two regular seasons have been incredible, with a low ERA and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio. He's the Tigers' ace, giving them an edge in any playoff series. An undisputed champion!
So, there you have it! A comprehensive ranking of the projected MLB Opening Day starters. Who do you think will shine this season? Let's discuss in the comments and see if we can predict the next ace in the making!
