Ranking the Top 7 Starting Pitchers for the 2025 MLB Season

7. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers

Jacob de Grom’s strong season had Texas in playoff contention, but things have taken a turn. The Rangers are on the very fringes of Wild Card contention, and deGrom's last start was skipped due to shoulder fatigue. He is on track for his next start. DeGrom has been top five in starting pitcher WHIP for the entire 2025 season.

2. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

Zack Wheeler ranks this high for what he has already done. Unfortunately, after having surgery to remove a blood clot near his elbow, he has been diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome and will likely undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery, which means a six to eight month recovery period. Wheeler had been the top starting pitcher for the NL East-leading Phillies and was on pace for 200+ strikeouts for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

3. Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox

Garrett Crochet has propelled Boston to an AL Wild Card spot. He has reached 200+ strikeouts for a second consecutive season.

4. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh has no brighter player than Paul Skenes. He is on pace for a second consecutive season with a sub-2.15 ERA, sub-1.00 WHIP, and 170+ strikeouts.

5. Hunter Brown, Houston Astros

Hunter Brown continues to be the ace for AL East leading Astros. He is on pace for a career year in innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts.

6. Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins

Minnesota has its ace starting pitcher in Joe Ryan. He is on pace for a career year in innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts.

7. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers

Jacob de Grom’s strong season had Texas in playoff contention, but things have taken a turn. The Rangers are on the very fringes of Wild Card contention, and deGrom's last start was skipped due to shoulder fatigue. He is on track for his next start. DeGrom has been top five in starting pitcher WHIP for the entire 2025 season.