MLB Power Rankings: Which pitching rotation is the best in baseball?
By Phil Akre
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Surprise! Just the team everyone expected at the No. 4 spot in these rankings, right?
Well, yes, I understand you might be surprised. Take a look at some of the rotations numbers.
- 3.31 ERA (5th best in MLB)
- 302 K (8th best in MLB)
As a whole, the rotations overall stats don’t blow anyone out of the water. However, it’s the individual success that gives them a high ranking.
The rotation is led by Aaron Nola, the teams young stud. He’s pitched to a 2.18 ERA with a remarkable 0.932 WHIP. He’s walked just 18 through 78.1 innings, too. While wins and losses don’t necessarily mean the world, he’s 7-2. For your No.1, that’s pretty ideal.
The guy behind him, Jake Arrieta, has been just as good. He sports a 2.16 ERA with a league best 0.3 HR/9 rate. That’s simply unreal. The man has allowed two home runs in 58.1 innings.
He’s struck out just 40 through 58.1, but punch outs don’t matter when you’re putting up numbers like him.
25-year-old Nick Pivetta has provided excellent results from the No. 3 spot. The Canadian-native has struck out 67 through 58 innings, while compiling a 3.26 ERA and 1.9 WAR.
The talented, yet inconsistent, Vince Velasquez has yet to find his true potential, as he has been a disappointment this year. But, the 25-year-old still has time to figure it out.