Buster Olney Unveils 2026 Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers List
The MLB season is gearing up, and Buster Olney from Filmogaz.com has unveiled his rankings for the top 10 starting pitchers for the 2026 season. This annual series aims to highlight the best players based on their abilities for the upcoming season rather than their long-term potential or career achievements.
2026 Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers Ranked
As the baseball community anticipates the new season, the rankings start with the starting pitchers, showcasing talent and varying opinions among experts. Here’s a look at the top ten pitchers as assessed by industry evaluators:
- Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
- Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox
- Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies
- Hunter Brown, Houston Astros
- Max Fried, New York Yankees
- Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants
- Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves
- Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers
The Top Contenders: Skubal vs. Skenes
The debate for the top spot revolves around Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. Evaluators have expressed mixed feelings about who deserves the No. 1 ranking. Here are some key statistics:
- ERA+: Skenes at 217, Skubal at 187.
- Strikeout Rate: Skubal leads with 32.2%; Skenes follows with 29.5%.
- Walk Percentage: Skubal at a minuscule 4.4%, Skenes at 5.7%.
Despite the close competition, Skubal holds an advantage with back-to-back Cy Young awards, a rarity for American League pitchers. His fastball is noted for its effectiveness, making hitters swing and miss consistently.
Profiles of the Leading Killers on the Mound
Each pitcher on the list brings unique strengths:
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto: With an impressive playoff performance, his opponents hit only .183 against him.
- Garrett Crochet: Excelled in 2025 with a striking 205⅓ innings pitched, leading to the most strikeouts in the league.
- Cristopher Sanchez: A significant breakout with remarkable fastball velocity, earning 212 strikeouts.
- Hunter Brown: Demonstrated skill with a 172 ERA+ and opponents hitting just .201.
- Max Fried: Maintains a storied ERA+, alongside a reputation for performance consistency.
These pitchers are poised to influence their teams significantly as the 2026 MLB season unfolds. As more positions are evaluated in the weeks ahead, baseball fans and analysts alike will keep a keen eye on these elite talents.
