We are currently in a golden era of starting pitching in Major League Baseball. Just about every team has a bona fide ace. In fact, multiple teams have pitchers that could be aces on other teams that are currently third or fourth in their respective rotation. Starting pitching is dominating hitters across the league and is a spectacular sight to watch. Unlike some baseball fans, I actually appreciate great pitching. I would rather watch a 2-0 shutout or a close, well-pitched game than an ugly slugfest. With that said, here are my top five starting pitchers in Major League Baseball right now.
1. Chris Sale, LHP (7-0, 47 strikeouts, 1.79 earned run average (ERA), 0.77 walks plus hits per innings pitched (WHIP), six quality starts (QS))
Playing on less than desirable White Sox teams they past few seasons has left Sale out of many conversations in regards to best starting pitchers. However, Sale is clearly the number one starting pitcher right now in baseball. At 27-years-old, Sale still averages 92 miles per hour fastball and is one of the most efficient pitchers in the game only averaging four-pitches-per-batter. Moreover, Sale led the American League (AL) in strikeouts last season along with strikeouts per nine innings. Ultimately, Sale is one of the best pitchers in the game right now in regards to missing bats. He is the anchor on a revitalized White Sox team and should be in top contention for AL Cy Young award later this year.
2. Jake Arrieta, RHP (6-0, 37 strikeouts, .084 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 5 QS)
On the other side of Chicago, there is another starting pitcher arguably making the case for best pitcher in MLB today. Arrieta is the dominating ace of the Cubs, who utilizes a sinker slide approach. He is the reigning National League (NL) Cy Young award winner and is pitching even more incredible this season than last year. Since July 26, 2015, Arrieta has produced an astounding 0.66 ERA along with 0.69 WHIP. Oh, did I mention he has also thrown two no-hitters in that time span as well? In Arrieta’s last 24 starts, the Cubs are 23-1, with the only loss coming on July 25, 2015, against the Philadelphia when Cole Hamels no-hit the Cubbies. Arrieta is no doubt the best pitcher in the NL, and should be in contention for Cy Young award honors once again this fall.
3. Clayton Kershaw, LHP (4-1, 64 strikeouts, 2.04 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 6 QS)
In my opinion, Clayton Kershaw is the best left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers since Hall-of-Famer Sandy Koufax donned the Dodger blue. There is no argument that Kershaw is the best LHP pitcher in baseball right. In addition, Kershaw is the best strikeout pitcher, as well. In 2015, Kershaw struck out a career-high 301 batters. To put that in context, the last pitchers to strike out 300 or more in one season were Diamondback teammates Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling back in 2002. Kershaw is on a prolific strikeout pace to start the 2016 season. As of May 8, 2016, Kershaw has struck out 64 batters and only walked three. While it is unlikely Kershaw will continue this strikeout-to-walk ratio at this rate, he is currently projected to have a 21.6 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a highly impressive statistic. Kershaw’s arsenal includes a nasty slider, beautiful changeup, and baffling curveball. Similar to fine wine, Kershaw appears to be getting even better as he ages.
4. Stephen Strasburg, RHP (5-0, 47 strikeouts, 2.36 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 5 QS)
Plagued by unfair expectations and judgmental media and fans, Strasburg continues to mature each season in the majors. When Strasburg is pitching as he is cable of doing, it is truly a sight to behold. With Washington’s incredible starting rotation, we sometimes forget how truly amazing Strasburg can be. Since coming off his disabled list stint last June, Strasburg has entered the elite echelon of pitching. His composite numbers since June 23, 2015? 124 innings, 1.96 ERA, 33.6 K%, 4.5 BB%. Strasburg’s arsenal is plentiful of options ranging from four seam fastballs, sinkers, changeups, sliders, and curveballs. In addition, Strasburg is set to hit free agency this winter at the ripe age of 28, so he could pitch end of having one of the best seasons of his career this summer showcasing why he is one of the most elite pitchers in all of baseball.
5. Cole Hamels, LHP (4-0, 36 strikeouts, 2.68 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 4 QS)
When the Texas Rangers pulled the trigger on acquiring lefty Cole Hamels from Philadelphia last summer, little did they know he would emerge as a co-ace alongside Yu Darvish. Cole Hamels features a dazzling curveball and changeup, in addition to a fastball. Hamels received immense tutelage and knowledge from Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee during his tenure in Philadelphia. Hamels masterfully commands his pitches and is garnering more mental stability in controlling his emotions. In 2016, Hamels use of his cutter has increased 8.2 percent while his fastball usage has declined 10.4 percent. Hamels utilization of his total arsenal rather than one or two pitches is changing him from a second tier pitcher into the first tier. Aided by a potent Texas lineup, Hamels will benefit with more wins and competitive games this season compared to his last two years in Philadelphia.
