Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers of 2023 - Dominant Aces and Rising Stars
by B Kishwar | Updated Feb 02, 2024
Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers
1
Blake Snell
Padres
2
Gerrit Cole
Yankees
3
Zac Gallen
D-backs
4
Spencer Strider
Braves
5
Kevin Gausman
Blue Jays
6
Justin Steele
Cubs
7
Pablo López
Twins
8
Luis Castillo
Mariners
9
Logan Webb
Giants
10
Corbin Burnes
Brewers
S.No
MLB Pitchers
Team
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Best MLB Starting Pitchers
The Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers showcase a diverse and talented group of players who have excelled on the mound during the 2023 season. These pitchers, hailing from various teams across the league, have demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and performance, earning them recognition in the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings. From established aces to rising stars, this elite group reflects the dynamic and competitive nature of Major League Baseball's pitching talent. As the regular season progresses and teams vie for playoff spots, the performances of these top pitchers will play a crucial role in shaping the postseason landscape.
1. Blake Snell (Padres)
Blake Snell has emerged as a dominant force on the mound for the San Diego Padres, claiming the top spot in the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings. Despite a slower start to the season, Snell has showcased remarkable resilience and skill, leading the Majors with an impressive 2.73 ERA. His ascent to the top position is a testament to his consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Snell's left-handed prowess has played a pivotal role in the Padres' pitching success, making him a key asset as they strive for postseason contention. The southpaw's strikeout prowess and effective control have solidified his status as a frontline starter, providing the Padres with a reliable anchor in their rotation.
2. Gerrit Cole (Yankees)
Gerrit Cole continues to be a force to be reckoned with for the New York Yankees, maintaining a strong presence in the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings. As a Cy Young Award contender, Cole's performance on the mound has been nothing short of stellar. Despite a recent underwhelming start against the Red Sox, where he endured a loss and allowed six runs in four innings, Cole remains a statistical leader in the American League.
With a share of the AL lead in starts, innings pitched, and an ERA of 3.03, Cole's contributions have been instrumental in the Yankees' pursuit of success. As the postseason approaches, his ability to anchor the rotation will be critical for the Yankees' championship aspirations.
3. Zac Gallen (D-backs)
Zac Gallen, representing the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a notable presence in the MLB Starting Pitcher Power Rankings. Despite experiencing some fluctuations in performance during the season, Gallen's resilience and adaptability have stood out. Earlier in the season, he climbed to the top spot in the rankings, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing batters.
His August resurgence, evidenced by a stellar 2.01 ERA in five starts, reflects his pivotal role in the D-backs' pursuit of a postseason berth. With a diverse pitch arsenal and the capacity to deliver standout performances, Zac Gallen continues to be a key factor for Arizona as they navigate the challenges of the regular season.
4. Spencer Strider (Braves)
Spencer Strider, a formidable force on the mound for the Atlanta Braves, has consistently demonstrated his prowess as one of the premier starting pitchers in the league. His recent standout performance against the San Francisco Giants, where he allowed just one hit over seven scoreless innings, exemplifies his dominance. Strider's impressive achievement of recording his 10th double-digit strikeout performance of the season further solidifies his status as a strikeout maestro.
As the Braves push for a postseason berth, Strider's ability to maintain excellence and set records, such as his pursuit of breaking John Smoltz's franchise strikeout record, adds a layer of excitement to his contributions on the mound. The left-hander's impact extends beyond his impressive statistics, influencing crucial victories for the Braves as they aim for success in the competitive MLB landscape.
5. Kevin Gausman (Blue Jays)
Kevin Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays has undergone a remarkable transformation in his career, evolving into a reliable and effective starting pitcher. His journey from a 4.30 ERA in his early career to a consistent Cy Young Award contender showcases his dedication and improvement over the years. Gausman's impressive performances have significantly contributed to the Blue Jays' competitiveness, and he is poised to receive Cy Young Award votes for the third consecutive year.
Beyond his statistical achievements, Gausman's ability to anchor the Blue Jays' rotation and provide stability in high-pressure situations has been crucial to the team's success. As Toronto contends for a playoff spot, Gausman's experience and skill set him apart as a key asset in their pursuit of postseason glory.
6. Justin Steele (Cubs)
Justin Steele has emerged as a crucial asset for the Chicago Cubs in the 2023 season, contributing significantly to their pursuit of an NL Wild Card spot. The left-hander's under-the-radar success has been marked by remarkable consistency, allowing more than three earned runs in a start only twice in 23 appearances. His performance has played a pivotal role in the Cubs' 16-7 record in games where he took the mound, showcasing his ability to keep the team competitive. With a diverse pitch repertoire and solid control, Steele's quality starts have been a driving force behind the Cubs' push for postseason contention.
Steele's standout moment came in a dominant outing against the Giants, where he allowed only one hit over seven scoreless innings and recorded his 10th double-digit strikeout performance of the season. This achievement places him ahead of his peers, underlining his significance as a strikeout artist. As the Cubs navigate the challenges of the season, Steele's consistent and impactful performances will be instrumental in their quest for a playoff berth.
7. Pablo López (Twins)
The Minnesota Twins have found a gem in Pablo López, who has been a key contributor to their success in the 2023 season. Acquired in the offseason, López has exceeded expectations, earning his first All-Star selection and making a significant impact on the team's performance. In the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings, López reclaims a spot after a stellar run of three consecutive scoreless outings, showcasing his consistency and ability to shut down opposing lineups.
López's impressive stretch since July 20, marked by a stellar 1.22 ERA, has been crucial in maintaining the Twins' lead in the AL Central. The right-hander's strategic pitching and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations have solidified his position as a reliable force in the Twins' rotation. As the team aims for a deep playoff run, López's continued success will be vital in anchoring the pitching staff and maintaining their standing atop the division.
8. Luis Castillo (Mariners)
Luis Castillo has become a linchpin for the surging Seattle Mariners, contributing significantly to the team's recent success. With victories in each of his past five starts, Castillo has been a driving force behind the Mariners' climb in the standings. In a notable performance against the White Sox, he threw 47 straight fastballs, showcasing his adaptability and changing repertoire. Castillo's evolution, with a notable increase in fastball usage, has been a key factor in his effectiveness on the mound.
The Mariners' decision to rely heavily on Castillo's arm has paid dividends, with the right-hander finishing off strong outings and delivering crucial wins for the team. His 61.4% fastball usage in 2023, up more than 9 percentage points from the previous year, reflects a strategic shift that has added a new dimension to his pitching arsenal. As the Mariners contend for a playoff spot, Castillo's contributions will remain central to their aspirations for a deep postseason run.
9. Logan Webb (Giants)
Logan Webb, representing the San Francisco Giants, has emerged as a dependable force on the pitcher's mound during the 2023 MLB season. Leading the Majors with an impressive 169 innings pitched, Webb's durability and consistency have been instrumental for the Giants. His 21 starts of at least six innings tie for first alongside pitchers like Zac Gallen, highlighting his ability to go deep into games.
Webb's contribution extends beyond quantity, as he maintains a notable 3.09 ERA, positioning him among the league's top-tier hurlers. The Giants, contending for a postseason berth, rely on Webb's reliability and effectiveness to anchor their pitching rotation. With a career trajectory marked by steady improvement, Logan Webb's impact on the Giants' success in 2023 is undeniable.
10. Corbin Burnes (Brewers)
Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers has solidified his place among the elite starting pitchers in the league. A key factor in the Brewers' first-place standing, Burnes showcased his dominance by stifling the powerful Dodgers' offense in a recent outing, allowing just two hits and striking out nine over seven scoreless innings. Overcoming a somewhat underwhelming start to the season, Burnes has rebounded impressively, boasting a 2.70 ERA in his past 10 appearances since June 25.
His ability to adjust and perform at a high level positions him as a crucial asset for the Brewers as they push for postseason success. Burnes' stellar outings and resilience contribute significantly to Milwaukee's pursuit of a championship, making him a standout presence in the competitive landscape of MLB starting pitchers.
How is the Performance of the No. 1 Pitcher, Blake Snell, Reflected in the Rankings?
Blake Snell's ascension to the No. 1 spot in the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings is a testament to his outstanding performance during the 2023 MLB season. The left-hander, representing the San Diego Padres, has undergone a remarkable journey to claim the top position. Initially absent from the first six editions of the rankings, Snell's surge in form is highlighted by his consistency and dominance on the mound.
One of the key metrics propelling Snell to the top spot is his Major League-leading 2.73 ERA, showcasing his ability to consistently limit opposing hitters. Despite the Padres facing challenges as a team, Snell has maintained an impressive individual performance, making him a standout pitcher in the league. His rise to No. 1 also signifies his impact on crucial games and his role as a driving force behind the Padres' aspirations for postseason contention.
The rankings reflect not only Snell's statistical achievements but also the overall narrative of his season. His journey from being absent in the early rankings to claiming the top spot adds a compelling storyline to his performance. As the Padres navigate the final stretch of the season, Snell's consistency and ability to lead the Majors in key statistical categories position him as a formidable force and a deserving occupant of the No. 1 spot in the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings.
Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers - FAQs
Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants leads the Majors with 169 innings pitched, showcasing his durability and reliability on the mound.
Spencer Strider, representing the Atlanta Braves, has notched an impressive 10 double-digit strikeout performances during the 2023 season, three more than any other pitcher.
Blake Snell of the San Diego Padres recently ascended to the No. 1 spot in the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings, marking his first time leading the rankings in 2023.
Logan Webb tops the list among the Top 10 starting pitchers with the most innings pitched since 2021, accumulating 509 2/3 innings.
Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers delivered a standout performance against the Dodgers, allowing only two hits and striking out nine over seven scoreless innings.