MLB Power Rankings: Which pitching rotation is the best in baseball?

17. Seattle Mariners

While the Mariners’ rotation ranks just 17th in ERA (4.18), their rotation has been reliable this year. Yes, even with Felix Hernandez at a 5.83 ERA and walking almost four batters per outing, the rotation has been pretty good.

James Paxton has been phenomenal for Seattle. He’s diced up righties, as they’re hitting a putrid .152 against him. His WHIP sits at a sterling mark of .1004 while his ERA is just over three.

Down in the No. 4 spot of the staff, Marco Gonzales has been effective and reliable. Two of his numbers stand out; a 3.60 ERA and 0.8 HR/9 rate. In his last three starts, he’s been dealing, with zero runs allowed and struck out 12.

Wade LeBlanc made his switch to the rotation a smooth one. Through his six starts he’s allowed six earned runs while striking out 23.

A positive for the rotation as a whole is that they’ve been stingy with walks, as they own the eighth lowest walk total among MLB rotations (94 BB).

They have shown exceptional control while also flashing firepower, as the Seattle starters have punched out 281 batters (11th in MLB).

Mike Leake, for the most part, has been a disappointment through most of the season. But, he could be turning things around. Aside from a five run outing against the Texas Rangers, he’s allowed just seven earned runs over his last four starts.

With a record of 34-22, the Mariners can thank their staff for at least some of the success.