DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 13: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Comerica Park on August 13, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
After waiting all winter, MLB’s Opening Day is Thursday. The much-anticipated 2025 season is about to kick off, and below are the top 10 starting pitchers heading into Week 1 of the 2025 season.
1. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 21, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
The 2024 AL Cy Young Award winner finished with 18 wins, a 2.39 ERA, and 228 strikeouts.
2. Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 12: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the bottom of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 12, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner finished with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts.
3. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 9: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on July 9, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Wheeler enters 2025 after finishing 2024 with a 2.57 ERA and 224 strikeouts.
4. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – JUNE 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on June 11, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
The 2024 NL Rooker of the Year posted a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings.
5. Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres
Cease finished 2024 with a fourth-straight season of 200+ strikeouts and 165+ innings pitched.
6. Cole Ragans, Kansas City Royals
2024 was Ragans’ best season finishing with 32 starts and 223 strikeouts.
7. Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 30: Logan Gilbert #36 of the Seattle Mariners throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at T-Mobile Park on March 30, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Gilbert finished a strong 2024 season with a 3.23 ERA and 220 strikeouts.
8. Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox
Crochet joins Boston for the 2025 season after finishing 2024 with 209 strikeouts as a member of the Chicago White Sox.
9. Michael King, 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)
King posted a dominant 2024 season as a full-time starter finishing with 201 strikeouts.
10. Freddy Peralta, 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)
Peralta is coming off two straight seasons of 30+ starts and 200+ strikeouts.
