The MLB season is vastly approaching as the majority of teams have began reporting to their respective Spring Training facilities. Pitchers and catchers are always the first to report, and last season there were a few stellar performances by starting pitchers as they climb in the rankings. For some, last year will be hard to top, for others their dominance on the mound will continue as they cement a legacy on an outstanding career. Here’s a look 10 of the best in the game.
10. Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
Despite an off 2014 season, there’s no doubting Verlander’s success has led him to be one of the best pitchers in MLB. He’s a force in the Tigers rotation and the three-time All Star has also earned Cy Young honors.
Last year was a down year for the righty as he posted a 15-12 record with a 4.54 ERA. As the 2015 season approaches, the Tigers rotation will have a different look to it, and Verlander will be the guy they rely on in big-game situations. Expect a lower ERA, in the threes, for the Tigers ace, but not much change record wise, maybe one or two more wins.
9. Sonny Gray, Oakland A’s
The A’s have gone through a lot of change this offseason, and their rotation has a few spots open for the taking, but Sonny Gray has claimed his spot as a starting pitcher for some time. The youngster burst on the scene late in the 2013 season and hasn’t looked back earning every start he’s made. He’s easily one of the best young starters in the game with a bright future ahead of him.
Gray posted a 14-10 record with a 3.08 ERA. He had some ups and downs throughout the year, but was able to push through and rebound from a rough patch during the season. This year when it comes to wins and losses that’s a bit of a toss up and depends on how this new A’s lineup clicks, but Gray’s ERA will remain in the low threes as he looks to build off a fast start to his career.
8. Garrett Richards, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Richard’s 2014 season was cut short due to elbow surgery, but he was a big reason why the Angels won the AL West. He’s aiming for an Opening Day return and had a good bullpen session last week, so it’s not out of the question. The Angels will need Richards to deliver whenever he is able to take the mound as they look to repeat in 2015.
Last season, Richards was 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA. This season, his ERA may increase, but the Angels offense is so threatening and has the star power capable of giving him a few more wins.
7. Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals
Scherzer signed with the Nationals this offseason making that starting rotation even scarier than it was before. The veteran spent five seasons with the Tigers where he dominated the mound. Now he enters the National League where he should have even more success.
Last year, Scherzer went 18-5 with a 3.15 ERA. With the Nationals, his numbers should be even better as there is a lot of depth in the Washington rotation and he won’t be facing a designated hitter.
6. Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs
Lester’s usual dominance in the postseason is what landed him a big contract this offseason. The lefty came with a big price tag and the Cubs came calling as they look to get back to the playoffs. The Cubs have made a lot of changes for the better this offseason and will have a new look in 2015. When it comes to the Lester acquisition, it was a good one for both parties; Lester will shine even brighter in the National League, and the Cubs rotation has vastly improved.
Last year with both the Red Sox and A’s, Lester went 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA. As a member of the Cubs, expect Lester to post an even lower ERA.
5. Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals
Wainwright has been a consistently good pitcher for the Cards and an ace on their staff. The 33-year-old has had a remarkable career dominating opponents at the plate for eight seasons, and is a huge contributor to the Cards postseason success.
Last season, Wainwright posted a 20-9 record with a 2.38 ERA. 2014 was the best season of his career, and while he may not boast these exact numbers this season, they’ll be pretty close. The ERA will rise, but when it comes to wins, they won’t drastically decrease.
4. Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox
With the flurry of moves the White Sox have made this offseason, they are expected to be pretty big contenders in the AL Central. They’ve improved their rotation with the addition of Jeff Samardzija, which in turn will also help their ace, Chris Sale.
Sale has been pretty consistent throughout his career, but last season he was great. He finished 2014 with a record of 12-4 and an ERA of 2.17. With an improved lineup and additions on the pitching staff, expect his wins to go up in 2015.
3. Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds
In the past four seasons, Cueto has consistently been one of the best in the game posting a low ERA and sending hitters back to the bench with a ridiculous amount of k’s. The 29-year-old is a valued pitcher and an ace on the mound.
Last season Cueto went 20-9 with a remarkable 2.25 ERA and 242 strikeouts. While the Reds didn’t make the postseason and have struggled lately, Cueto is able to hold his own on the mound and get the Reds in the win column. Expect him to continue to post numbers like this and dominate opponents.
2. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw’s numbers speak for themself. The three- time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 MVP had an incredible season last year. At only 26-years-old, he has accomplished so much and cemented his name in baseball history. Kershaw has consistently been one of the best pitchers in the game and that will continue throughout his entire career.
In his MVP season, Kershaw’s record was a remarkable 21-3 and he posted an MLB-best 1.77 ERA with 239 strikeouts. 2014 was the best season of his six-year career, but looking ahead to 2015, these numbers may fluctuate a bit, but it won’t be drastic as Kershaw is one of the best to take the mound.
1. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
He’s called King Felix for a reason. The Mariners ace has been dominating hitters since he joined the M’s rotation at the age of 19. He’s a pitcher no one wants to face in any situation, and he’s a guy who can go deep into games always giving the Mariners a good chance at a W every five days. At only 28-years old he has been in the league for nine years and looks to play his entire career in a Seattle Mariners uniform.
Last season, the King went 15-6 with a 2.14 ERA and 248 strikeouts. The Mariners look to be on the rise adding some pop to their lineup to give their young, studded rotation some offensive support. The M’s made a run last season, but came up short, expect them to be in contention in the West and Wild Card again in 2015 and as a result, King Felix will post more wins and will have another year with an impressively low ERA.