Major League Baseball (MLB) is a hugely popular sport that’s produced some incredible athletes over the years. One position the sport is well known for is the pitcher.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the top 10 pitchers in the MLB at the moment. For those interested in placing bets on upcoming games, we’ll also look at some MLB picks today.
1. Julio Urias
Julio Urias had a slow start to life in the MLB, but he’s since proven that he’s one of the best curves in baseball. Last year, the LA Dodgers player was the only 20-game winner in the Majors. He posted an impressive 2.04 ERA in the second half of the season too, making the Mexican one of the best pitchers around.
2. Zack Wheeler
Zack Wheeler is a player who’s developed into an ace pitcher. He found consistency and that’s made him efficient and reliable. Since 2018, he’s thrown the third-most innings. He doesn’t get many strikeouts, but he’s well-known for his variety of pitches, rather than relying on speed alone.
3. Gerrit Cole
While regarded as one of the top pitchers in the league, Gerrit Cole has struggled a little as of late. His last playoff season was disastrous.
With that aside, he’s a powerful thrower and has the potential to do serious damage. He just needs to stay focused and healthy.
4. Shane Bieber
After suffering a shoulder injury, it’s taken Shane Bieber time to get his fastball back. The Cleveland Guardians will be hoping he makes a full recovery soon. He was one of their bright sparks in their last season.
Despite his injury, if he can recover and regain strength, he’s a top MLB pitcher.
5. Brandon Woodruff
Last year, the Milwaukee Brewers placed a lot of faith in Brandon Woodruff to guide them through the playoffs. He got them through the regular season, becoming a dominant hurler, complete with curveballs.
6. Sandy Alcantara
Last year, Sandy Alcantara had one of his best years in the MLB yet. The Miami Marlins pitcher has struggled for consistency over the years, always showing just glimpses of what he can offer.
Pedro Martinez famously likened Alcantara to himself, particularly for his changeups which make his pitches close to unhittable.
He’s due a big year. He just needs the Marlins to rally around him.
7. Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes had a brilliant season last year for the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing up as one of the top pitchers in the National League. He’s also one of the hardest workers. Since 2020, he’s been on the mound for 167 innings, making him a player with one of the biggest workloads in the MLB.
He’s also blown people away with his 2.11 ERA while striking out 12.6 hitters per nine innings, giving him some of the best pitching stats in the league.
8. Walker Buehler
LA Dodgers player Walker Buehler isn’t known for being a high strikeout pitcher. He’s even recorded a slight fall in his velocity. Despite all that, last year he posted a 2.47 ERA and threw a big 207.2 innings.
What sets Buehler apart from the rest is his efficiency. What’s helped him achieve this is focusing on his technique from the fastball to the changeup. It’s helped him become one of the best pitchers in the MLB.
9. Jacob deGrom
Jacob deGrom has struggled with injuries, but when fit, he’s one of the best pitchers and sports stars around, if not the best.
During the first 12 games of last year, deGrom posted a 0.50 ERA and a FIP of 0.88 with a 41.5% strikeout rate. The injury ended that incredible run of form and batters across the country breathed a sigh of relief.
If deGrom can get himself back into the shape he was in not long ago, he’ll comfortably be regarded as the best pitcher in the MLB. Whether he can help the New York Mets end their barren run is another question.
10. Max Scherzer
Scherzer has been playing for a few years now but something that’s never failed is his consistency. The LA Dodgers pitcher has never posted an ERA over 3.00 since 2014.
He’s also spent more time on the mound than the majority of other pitchers, but last year in the playoffs he had to retire with an arm injury, so fatigue could be an issue.
