Ranking every MLB Opening Day starter
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 MLB season will start on March 25th, 2026, with the New York Yankees hosting the San Francisco Giants. Every MLB will have its Opening Day in short order afterward, and an Opening Day victory is a perfect way to start the MLB season.
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As a result, it’s a heavy distinction when a team gives a pitcher the nod for Opening Day. Whether it’s a young starter earning his stripes or a veteran pitcher who’s gone through the shuffle, it’s a great honor and a heavy responsibility.
30. Kyle Freeland, Colorado Rockies
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Mar 4, 2026; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland (21) throws against the United States in the first inning at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn ImagesMore: MLB season begins tonight with controversy
It’s nice that the Rockies are paying homage to Freeland’s loyalty to the team. He’s earned the opening day start for three straight seasons and is the franchise leader in pitching WAR. However, Freeland has rarely been an elite pitcher with Colorado, even considering the anti-pitcher atmosphere at Coors Field.
Freelund has a 16-39 record and averaged a 5.07 ERA, along with a 4.77 FIP the past three seasons. Ever since his elite 2018 season, where he posted a 17-7 record and a 2.85 ERA, he’s largely been more of an average pitcher than an elite one. Still, the Rockies clearly trust him, and they don’t have much better in their rotation.
29. Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals
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Sep 26, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli (24) throws to the Chicago White Sox dduring the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn ImagesMore: MLB’s stat leaders prediction for National League
The Nationals are another team without a ton of proven arms on their roster. They traded MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers for a few prospects, so as a result, Cavalli gets the nod. He marks the fourth different opening day starter, joining Patrick Corbin (2023), Josiah Gray (2024), and Gore (2025). The 2020 first-round pick has made just 11 starts in four seasons in the majors, but he showed a lot of promise last season, with a 4.25 ERA and a 4.53 FIP in his 10 starts.
28. Luis Severino, Athletics
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Sep 24, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Luis Severino (40) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn ImagesMore: American League MVP odds before Opening Day
The owner of the biggest contract in Athletics’ history will be earning the nod. He’s still viewed as the team’s de facto ace despite posting a below-average 4.54 ERA and 4.11 FIP last season. Severino’s been a streaky pitcher ever since his torn UCL, but the Athletics didn’t have many options, so it’s sensible for Severino to get the nod.
27. Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
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Sep 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) exits the game against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesMore: Cubs finalizing long term extension with World Baseball Classic star
Alcantara has been the ace for the Marlins for several years, and unlike Freeland, Alcantara has been borderline elite in nearly his entire time with the Fish. He’s posted a 3.64 ERA in seven years with the Marlins, and he won the 2022 Cy Young award. His tendency to work deep into games made him a fan favorite.
However, after missing the entire 2024 season with a torn UCL in 2023, Alcantara hasn’t been the same. He finished with an 11-12 record and a gross 5.36 ERA in 2025. Eury Perez was the only other sensible option, though, so it’s hard to fault the Marlins for giving their veteran starter the Opening Day nod. It will be his sixth time in his seven-season tenure in Miami.
26. Matthew Liberatore, St. Louis Cardinals
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Feb 16, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch during spring training workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn ImagesMore: Bold predictions for the 2026 MLB season
The Cardinals have expected a lot from Liberatore, who was the big prospect in the trade that sent Randy Arozarena to the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 offseason. The 2018 first-round pick looked like he was going to live up to those expectations early in 2025, posting a 3.19 ERA in March/April and a 2.97 ERA in May. Unfortunately, he posted a 5.05 ERA the rest of the way, which brought his ERA down to 4.21 for the rest of the season. The Cardinals are banking on him returning to the form he showed at the beginning of the season.
25. Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee Brewers
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Misiorowski was named the opening day starter solely due to his potential. The 2022 second-rounder is Milwaukee’s youngest Opening Day starter since Ben Sheets in 2002, and for good reason. He has insane velocity on all of his pitches, with a 99MPH fastball, 94MPH Slider, 92MPH changeup, and 87.1MPH curveball. It would’ve been nice to see Brandon Woodruff earn the start, but the fans will be excited seeing the young pitcher tested.
24. Jose Soriano, Los Angeles Angels
Feb 26, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano (59) throws a pitch in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn ImagesSoriano is a very underrated pitcher, transitioning from the bullpen to the rotation. He was a frontline starter in 2024, posting a 3.42 ERA through 22 games. However, 2025 saw him shake a tad. He had a 4.26 ERA, although part of that was ending the season with a disastrous 16.43 ERA in September/October. Still, he earns the starting job.
23. Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks
Sep 26, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws to first base for an out during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn ImagesIf this were a list from 2024, Gallen would be much higher. The 30-year-old has been a workhorse with the Diamondbacks, averaging 183.5 innings and a 3.63 ERA each of the past four seasons. However, it appears as if Gallen hit a wall in 2024. He had an ERA over 5 from March to July 2025. However, August and September showed flashes of the old Zac Gallen, so he is expected to bounce back.
22. Shane Smith, Chicago White Sox
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Sep 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Shane Smith (64) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesMore: Dodgers sign former Yankees pitcher, 4-year MLB veteran
Smith is a fascinating story. The 25-year-old righty was a Rule 5 pick by the White Sox, but he took advantage of the White Sox trading Garrett Crochet away to the Red Sox (more on Crochet later). He became the White Sox ace, finishing with a 7-8 record, a 3.81 ERA, and an appearance in the 2025 All-Star game.
21. Trevor Rogers, Baltimore Orioles
Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn ImagesRogers is a really tough pitcher to crack. He had an insane run at the end of the 2025 season. He totaled a 9-3 record and a 1.81 ERA, but he pitched just 18 games. Will he keep his performance up, or will he regress to past season’s form? Regardless, it was obvious for Baltimore to give him his first Opening Day starting opportunity.
20. Matthew Boyd, Chicago Cubs
Feb 26, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) throws a pitch in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn ImagesBoyd is another tough pitcher to project. The 12-year veteran has always had the stuff to be a great pitcher, and in 2024, he finally put it all together with the Cubs. He went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA. However, the Cubs had a lot of decent options in their disposal, such as Japanese star Shoto Imanaga and 2022 first-round pick Cade Horton. Boyd will look to prove his 2025 season was legit.
19. Nick Pivetta, San Diego Padres
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Sep 30, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (27) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesMore: ABC teases Taylor Frankie Paul ‘Bachelorette’ season despite ongoing drama
Pivetta is another guy who had the stuff to pitch very well, but he couldn’t put it together until 2025, similar to Matthew Boyd. The Padres were the perfect place for him to find his stuff. He finished 2025 with a 13-5 record and a 2.87 ERA. As a result, he earns his first career opening start.
18. Tanner Bibee, Cleveland Guardians
Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee throws in the first inning of Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series, Oct. 1, 2025, in Cleveland.Bibee is also an underrated starter. The 2021 fifth-round pick wasted no time becoming a quality starter. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year votes in 2023, and overall, he has a career 3.61 ERA for the Cleveland Guardians. It’s a wonder why he hasn’t been an All-Star yet, especially with the Guardians winning the AL Central each of the past two seasons. He was slated to earn this distinction last season, but he suffered an illness, so Ben Lively took over.
17. Cole Ragans, Kansas City Royals
Apr 8, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn ImagesI’m banking on a return to form from Cole Ragans. He finished 2025 with a 3-3 record and a rough 4.67 ERA before going down with a rotator cuff strain, but before that, he posted a 3.28 ERA through 19 starts in 2024. He was an All-Star, and he became just the fifth player in Royals history to earn 200 strikeouts in a season, joining Zack Greinke (2009), Kevin Appier (1996), Dennis Leonard (1977) and Bob Johnson (1970).
16. Drew Rasmussen, Tampa Bay Rays
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Sep 19, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesMore: Pat McAfee embarrasses Dan Orlovsky live on ESPN
Rasmussen has been a great pitcher since his trade to the Tampa Bay Rays, posting a 2.73 ERA in his five seasons with them. However, he has just two seasons with over 20 starts under his belt: 2022 and 2025. In 2025, he had a 2.76 ERA, a 10-5 record, an All-Star appearance, and the ninth-most Cy-Young votes. If he can stay healthy, Rasmussen will be higher on this list for sure.
15. Andrew Abbott, Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott (41) pitches in the first inning between Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Sept. 21, 2025.Abbott is the definition of a solid pitcher. Over his three-year career, he has a 3.42 ERA, including a career-high 2.87 in 2025. FIP disagrees with his rise slightly; he has a career 4.26 FIP. However, it’s still a nice moment for the 2025 All-Star. Hunter Greene would’ve been an interesting choice, but he is out due to elbow pain.
14. Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins
Sep 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan (41) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesRyan had a remarkable turnaround in 2025. He went from an above-average pitcher (3.92 ERA) to an elite one. He had a 3.63 ERA in 2025, with an All-Star appearance, and if it weren’t for a tough September (6.75 ERA), he could’ve been a finalist for the Cy Young.
13. Nathan Eovaldi, Texas Rangers
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Feb 20, 2026; Surprise, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) delivers to the plate in the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesMore: WNBA team makes big announcement on home games against Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese
Eovaldi has been a solid pitcher throughout most of his career, but in 2025, he was a Cy Young candidate. He had a 1.73 ERA and an 11-3 record, recording 129 strikeouts in 130.0 innings. Unfortunately, a rotator cuff strain ended his season prematurely, but a healthy Nathan Eovaldi might compete for the Cy Young this year.
12. Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays
Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) throws in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesWhile Ryan’s transformation into an elite pitcher happened just last season, Gausman’s career turnaround happened in 2021. He had a 14-6 record and 2.86 ERA in 2021, and since the Blue Jays signed him to a five-year, $110 million contract, he’s had a 3.48 ERA. In 2025, he had a 3.59 ERA, including a 2.93 ERA in the playoffs.
11. Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners
Feb 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesIn a rotation full of elite starters, Logan Gilbert can sometimes get overlooked, but he’s super lethal as well. In 2025, he had a 3.44 ERA and a 1.031 WHIP in the regular season, earning a whopping 173 strikeouts through 131.0 innings. His splitter is otherworldly, and his four-seamer and slider are highlight-reel material as well.
10. Freddy Peralta, New York Mets
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Feb 11, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) warms-up during spring practice. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesMore: Kevin Durant has low-key response to passing Michael Jordan on NBA scoring list
Peralta has been an unheralded pitcher for most of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, but he earned a lot of love for his 2025 season. He earned a 2.70 ERA and a league-leading 17 wins last season, while also punching out 200 batters for the third year in a row. Now with the Mets, he is the undisputed ace of the rotation, and he should compete for the Cy Young award this season.
9. Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves
Sep 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesSale is making his seventh career Opening Day start, tying for second place with Max Scherzer. It’s an impressive feat for Sale, who’s still an elite pitcher at 36 years old. He won the 2024 Cy Young award, and in 2025, he looked prime for another Cy Young run, but he injured his ribs against the New York Mets on June 18. Still, he ended the season with a 2.58 ERA, a 1.066 WHIP, and an All-Star selection too.
8. Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants
Sep 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) throws against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn ImagesIt’s a shame that an elite pitcher like Webb has rarely seen postseason baseball. Webb has a career 3.38 ERA, earning over 30 starts and 190.0 innings a season for the past four seasons. He’s led the MLB in starts in both 2024 and 2025, and in 2025, he also led the MLB in innings (207.0) and the National League in strikeouts (224). He had a 3.22 ERA, but he had just a 15-11 record due to the Giants’ mediocre batting core. The nation will be watching him duel against another elite ace who’s earned considerably more postseason experience.
7. Max Fried, New York Yankees
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Oct 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried (54) throws in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game two of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesMore: Longest championship droughts in sports
Fried’s first season with the New York Yankees went about as well as everybody expected. He went 19-5 with a 2.86 ERA and a 1.101 WHIP, striking out 189 batters through 195.1 innings. He finished fourth in Cy Young voting and even earned a Gold Glove for his defense on the mound. So far, he is living up to the megadeal the Yankees gave him in the 2024 offseason.
6. Hunter Brown, Houston Astros
Mar 2, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown (58) pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesBrown quickly rose to stardom in the 2025 season as well. He’s always had the stuff to do it, with some even comparing his pitching mix to Justin Verlander. However, he put it all together in 2025, notching a 2.43 ERA, a 1.025 WHIP, and 206 strikeouts through 185.1 innings. Brown’s Astros narrowly missed out on a postseason spot last season, but with Framber Valdez signing with the Detroit Tigers (more on them later), Brown is the unquestioned ace of the rotation.
5. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesYamamoto has been sensational since the Dodgers signed him out of the JPPL. The 27-year-old had a 2.49 ERA, an insane .990 ERA, and 201 strikeouts through 173.2 innings. He earned the last out of the Dodgers World Series win, and his presence on the roster is a big reason why the Dodgers are unfair to play against.
4. Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies
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May 13, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Christopher Sanchez (61) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY SportsMore: 3-Time NBA Slam Dunk champ Mac McClung etches name in G League history
Like Brown, Sanchez has been creeping up into becoming one of the best pitchers in the game. In a rotation with Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola, Sanchez became the face of the rotation. He had an MLB-leading 8.0 WAR on Baseball Reference in 2025, posting a 2.50 ERA, a 1.064 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts through 202.0 innings. If it weren’t from another Pennsylvania pitcher, Sanchez would’ve won the 2025 NL Cy Young award.
3. Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox
Sep 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesGarrett Crochet, like Chris Sale, benefited mightily from a trade from the Chicago White Sox to the Boston Red Sox. He is an incredible pitcher to watch, with a league-leading 255 strikeouts through 205.1 innings. He also had a 2.59 ERA and a 1.028 WHIP. He narrowly missed out on the AL Cy Young award in 2025, and he even finished eighth in MVP voting too.
2. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn ImagesPaul Skenes is already looking like one of the best pitchers of all time. At just 24 years old, he already has two All-Star selections and a Cy Young award, which he won in 2025. He had an NL-leading 1.97 ERA and .948 WHIP while also posting an MLB-leading 2.36 FIP. He also had 216 strikeouts through 187.2 innings. Skenes quick transformation into an elite pitcher is unbelievable, considering he was drafted first overall in 2023.
1. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; (Editors note: Alternate crop) Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning during game five of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesSkubal earns the top spot in my rankings. He won the 2025 AL Cy Young with the Tigers, earning a 2.21 ERA, a league-leading .891 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts through 195.1 innings. He also won the 2024 AL Cy Young award, and his past two seasons can compete with any MLB pitcher in history.
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