Mar 25, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) delivers a pitch to the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images
These are the top 10 pitching staffs in MLB as we head into the All-Star break:
1. Houston Astros
Apr 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown (58) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
The Astros have a top 5 team ERA and BAA this season. Hunter Brown has become the ace of the staff, but Valdez is still an ace as well, and Josh Hader remains one of the best closers in the game.
2. Texas Rangers
Mar 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Eovaldi and deGrom have been excellent so far for the Rangers, and their bullpen is much improved over the past few weeks. They lead the league in team ERA.
3. San Francisco Giants
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 13: Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants reacts after he struck out Trent Grisham #2 of the San Diego Padres to end the eighth inning at Oracle Park on April 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Giants have gotten great pitching from Webb and Ray who are both NL Cy Young award candidates, and their bullpen has been sharp as well.
4. Kansas City Royals
Apr 11, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic (50) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
The Royals rotation has picked up right where it left off a season ago, except for one big difference. Kris Bubic has become a legitimate weapon now, too.
5. Detroit Tigers
Apr 7, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize (12) delivers in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Mize and Skubal have been very good, Flaherty has been up and down but is mostly reliable, and the Tigers bullpen has been terrific for most of the season.
6. New York Mets
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 30: Kodai Senga #34 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies to end the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on May 30, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Until recently, the Mets had the best pitching staff in MLB, but they have struggled lately and have fallen in the rankings.
7. Milwaukee Brewers
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MAY 11: Freddy Peralta #51 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field on May 11, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Brewers have moved into the top 10 in ERA and have a very talented rotation.
8. San Diego Padres
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 01: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Petco Park on October 01, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Led by staff ace Michael King, who should return from the IL soon, and closer Robert Suarez, the Padres are one of the best staffs in the league.
9. Philadelphia Phillies
Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
The Phillies have one of the top rotations in MLB, but their bullpen could use some work, though.
10. Tampa Bay Rays
Apr 1, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz (11) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Rays are just outside the top 10 in team ERA, but they have a solid rotation and a very good bullpen. Their rotation has only gotten better as the season has progressed.
