MLB’s Top 10 Pitching Rotations Heading into 2025: A Deep Dive
The 2025 Major League Baseball season is on the horizon, and excitement is building. The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their World Series victory, are the team to beat, having bolstered their already formidable roster with key acquisitions during the winter. While the Dodgers are the frontrunners, several other teams have assembled impressive pitching staffs, promising a season filled with compelling matchups and tight contests. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 pitching rotations as we approach the 2025 campaign:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers:
The Dodgers’ pitching rotation is the envy of the league, and for good reason. Their offseason moves have transformed them into a pitching juggernaut. The additions of two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and Japanese sensation Rōki Sasaki add two established aces to an already potent staff. But the biggest storyline revolves around Shohei Ohtani, who is slated to make his long-awaited pitching debut for the Dodgers. With Ohtani joining the fold, the Dodgers boast a trio of potential Cy Young contenders at the top of their rotation.
Adding depth to this incredible rotation is veteran Clayton Kershaw, who is recovering from injury and aiming to contribute later in the season. While workload management and potential injuries are always concerns, the sheer talent and depth of the Dodgers’ rotation are unparalleled. They possess a blend of proven veterans, rising stars, and international talent, making them the clear frontrunners in the pitching department.
2. Seattle Mariners:
Last season, the Seattle Mariners’ starting pitchers led the majors with a remarkable 3.38 ERA, showcasing their dominance on the mound. They also topped the league in WHIP (1.03) and batting average against (.222), solidifying their status as one of the premier pitching staffs in baseball. However, the Mariners’ success was hampered by offensive struggles, preventing them from reaching their full potential.
The Mariners’ rotation is built around a core of talented arms, but the early-season injury to Kirby presents a challenge. The team will need other starters to step up and maintain the high standard set last season. If the Mariners can get their offense going, their exceptional pitching staff could carry them deep into the playoffs.
3. Philadelphia Phillies:
The Philadelphia Phillies boast a formidable one-two punch at the top of their rotation in Wheeler and Nola. Wheeler, an "ace’s ace," is a workhorse who consistently delivers quality innings. Last season, he tossed 200 innings and finished as the runner-up in Cy Young voting. Nola is another reliable veteran who has consistently provided quality starts over the past four years, earning Cy Young votes in 2024.
The trade acquisition of Luzardo adds another intriguing arm to the Phillies’ rotation. Luzardo, a talented left-hander, has the potential to be a valuable addition if he can recapture the form he displayed with the Marlins in 2023, when he racked up an impressive 208 strikeouts. The Phillies’ rotation is well-balanced, with a mix of veteran experience and youthful potential, making them a force to be reckoned with in the National League.
4. Arizona Diamondbacks:
The Arizona Diamondbacks made a significant investment in their pitching staff by acquiring Burnes on a substantial $210 million contract. Burnes’ arrival elevates Gallen to a co-ace role, giving the Diamondbacks a dynamic duo at the top of their rotation. The team is also hoping for a more productive season from Rodriguez, who was hampered by injuries in his first year in Arizona.
The development of young pitcher Brandon Pfaadt is another key factor for the Diamondbacks. Pfaadt has shown flashes of brilliance and could emerge as a valuable contributor to the rotation. The potential addition of left-hander Jordan Montgomery, either in a starting role or as a trade asset, further enhances the Diamondbacks’ pitching depth.
5. Atlanta Braves:
Despite the setback of losing Strider to Tommy John surgery, the Atlanta Braves still possess a strong pitching rotation. The reigning NL Cy Young winner, Sale, headlines the staff, providing a veteran presence and top-tier talent. The Braves also boast one of the game’s most promising young pitchers in Schwellenbach.
Schwellenbach enjoyed a solid rookie season in 2024, posting a 3.35 ERA in 21 starts. The Braves are hoping that he can continue to develop and take another leap forward in 2025. The Braves’ rotation has a good mix of established stars and emerging talent, giving them the potential to be one of the best in the National League.
6. Kansas City Royals:
The Kansas City Royals made a surprising run to the postseason last year, fueled in large part by their stellar starting pitching. Their starters posted the second-best ERA in baseball, a testament to their depth and effectiveness. Veteran Lugo, in his first year with Kansas City, finished as the runner-up in Cy Young voting, while Ragans recorded an impressive 223 strikeouts in 32 starts, placing fourth in the Cy Young race.
Wacha has emerged as one of baseball’s most consistent starters over the past three years, providing stability and reliability to the Royals’ rotation. The Royals’ success in 2024 was a surprise to many, but their strong pitching staff proved to be a key ingredient in their playoff run.
7. Detroit Tigers:
The Detroit Tigers made a strategic move by bringing back Flaherty after trading him to the Dodgers last summer. Flaherty slots back into the rotation behind Skubal, who is coming off a Cy Young-winning season. The Tigers also have high hopes for Mize, a former No. 1 overall pick who returned in 2024 after missing nearly two full seasons.
Mize is a potential post-hype sleeper who could provide a significant boost to the Tigers’ rotation if he can stay healthy and regain his top prospect form. The Tigers’ rotation has a good mix of established talent and potential upside, making them a team to watch in the American League Central.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates:
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ rotation is headlined by Skenes, who may be the most dominant pitcher in baseball right now. Skenes possesses electric stuff and the potential to be a true ace. However, Keller should not be overlooked. An All-Star in 2023, Keller has been a consistent and reliable presence in the Pirates’ rotation for the past two seasons.
Jones enjoyed a fine rookie campaign in 2024, posting a 4.14 ERA in 22 starts. He struck out more than a batter per inning, showcasing his potential as a strikeout artist. The Pirates’ rotation is young and promising, with Skenes leading the way and other talented arms developing behind him.
9. San Diego Padres:
The San Diego Padres’ rotation is anchored by Cease, who is entering a contract year and looking to prove his value. King, acquired from the Yankees in the Juan Soto trade, looks to build on a stellar first year with the organization. Darvish, now 38 years old, is something of a question mark, but he still has the potential to be a valuable No. 3 starter.
The Padres’ rotation has a mix of veterans and younger players, with Cease and King leading the charge. If Darvish can remain healthy and effective, the Padres could have a formidable pitching staff.
10. Cincinnati Reds:
Greene led all NL pitchers in WAR last season, establishing himself as a top-tier starter. The Cincinnati Reds bolstered their rotation by acquiring Singer from the Royals in the offseason, adding another veteran presence to the staff alongside Martinez. Abbott had a solid season in 2024, posting a 3.72 ERA in 25 starts.
The Reds’ rotation has a good mix of young talent and veteran experience. With Greene leading the way and Singer adding stability, the Reds could be a surprise contender in the National League Central.
This analysis provides a glimpse into the top 10 pitching rotations in MLB as we approach the 2025 season. While rankings are subjective and performance can fluctuate, these teams have assembled impressive staffs that are poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming season. It’s shaping up to be a year filled with exciting pitching matchups and compelling storylines.
