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MLB 2017: Top 10 starting pitchers

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals

Over the past five seasons, Max Scherzer leads all of baseball with 89 wins, is second in innings pitched, is third among starters in K/9, and second in WAR. He has led the league in at least one major pitching category in each of the past five years, including six in 2016 alone. Scherzer has thrown two no-hitters (one was a stray elbow pad away from a perfecto, while the other was a 17-strikeout gem), come close to a no-no on at least three more occasions, and turned in a 20-strikeout game.

Scherzer has completely lived up to his $210-million contract in his first two years with the Nationals. He has quieted some of the doubters over his ability to pitch deep into games by throwing close to 230 innings in each of the past two years, including five complete games. In any given start, Scherzer is a threat to throw a no-hitter, and you cannot say that about many pitchers in the league.

The only knock on Mad Max is his propensity to give up the homer. He also led the NL in home runs allowed last season with 31 and has given up 58 combined since leaving Detroit. In his 20-strikeout game, Scherzer actually surrendered two home runs. He is an extreme fly-ball pitcher, and the Nationals play in a much smaller park than the Tigers. Still, that’s splitting hairs with a pitcher who could strike out 300 in 2017 or add another no-hitter to his resume.

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