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Which American League team has the best starting rotation?

By Matt Graves

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 10: Tyler Glasnow #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during Game 5 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Houston advances with a 6-1 win. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 10: Tyler Glasnow #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during Game 5 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Houston advances with a 6-1 win. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images /

10. Detroit Tigers

Projected rotation:

  1. Matt Boyd
  2. Daniel Norris
  3. Spencer Turnbull
  4. Jordan Zimmerman
  5. Ivan Nova

The Detroit Tigers has some serious pitching talent in its farm system. Casey Mize, the 2018 first overall pick, should make a cameo appearance with Detroit in 2020. Plus, there’s 2016 first-round pick Matt Manning, who put up a strong 2.56 ERA in 24 starters in Double-A. Manning could also make his major league debut this year.

Aside from that, the Tigers don’t have much strength in their rotation. Matt Boyd is no ace, Jordan Zimmerman, Daniel Norris and Ivan Nova are nothing more than average back-of-the-rotation starters.

Thanks to the Tigers promising pitching prospects, they sit in the middle of the pack of best American League rotations. Detroit could jump a few spots within the next few seasons.

9. Los Angeles Angels

Projected rotation:

  1. Andrew Heaney
  2. Shohei Ohtani
  3. Julio Teheran
  4. Dylan Bundy
  5. Griffin Canning

If Shohei Ohtani can shine as he did in 2018, the Los Angeles Angels are in business. Both Andrew Heaney and Dylan Bundy have good strikeout stuff but with some inconsistencies too. Former Atlanta Brave Julio Teheran gave his old team a solid 5-6 innings for 25-plus starts in each of the last seven seasons.

However, if Ohtani falters, the rotation will become a different story. Bundy’s 2019 4.79 ERA doesn’t scream ace-level production whatsoever. If he or Teheran (2019 3.81 ERA) become the main guy for the Angels rotation, most of the starts will likely go to either Heaney or Teheran.

8. Chicago White Sox

Projected rotation:

  1. Lucas Giolito
  2. Dallas Keuchel
  3. Dylan Cease
  4. Gio Gonzalez
  5. Reynaldo López

The Chicago White Sox waited, but Lucas Giolito finally showed his stride last season. Giolito had a dismal first three years in the majors but made a significant leap forward as a starter. His 14-9 and 3.46 ERA placed sixth in the AL Cy Young race.

Interestingly enough, Chicago signed a former CY Young winner this winter, signing Dallas Keuchel to a one-year contract. The former Astro has had a 3.75 ERA or better in five of the last six seasons. The White Sox could have quite the one-two punch on the mound.

Gio Gonzalez and Reynaldo López are less of a sure thing as both have regressed over the past two seasons. Dylan Cease is only a placeholder for Michael Kopech, who opted out of the 2020 season.

7. Oakland A’s

Projected rotation:

  1. Mike Fiers
  2. Sean Manaea
  3. Frankie Montas
  4. Jesús Luzardo
  5. A.J. Puk

The Oakland A’s shouldn’t be underestimated with their rotation. Veteran Mike Fiers anchors their rotation. Frankie Montas had a breakout year in 2019 with 16 starts and posting a 2.63 ERA (he would be later suspended for 80-games.) Sean Manaea made his 2019 debut in late September due to shoulder surgery. He looked good, going 4-0 with a 1.21 ERA in five starts.

Then, the back of the rotation features Jesus Lúzardo and A.J. Puk. Both pitchers have massive ceilings, but they’ve pitched a combined 33 innings. Though, both Luzardo and Puk should be promising additions to the A’s rotation.

6. Minnesota Twins

Projected rotation:

  1. José Berríos
  2. Jake Odorizzi
  3. Kenta Maeda
  4. Rich Hill
  5. Homer Bailey/Michael Pineda

The Minnesota Twins have some stiff competition against the Cleveland Indians and a much-improved Chicago White Sox. They have enough to keep up with their division rivals in pursuit of another AL Central title.

Kyle Gibson is now in Texas, but the Twins made up the loss by trading for Los Angeles Dodger Kenta Maeda. The right-hander’s numbers have been pretty consistent the past few seasons. Anchoring the rotation is José Berrío’s and Jake Odorizzi. Odorizzi enjoyed a breakout season with a 15-7 record, 3.51 ERA and 178 strikeouts.

The Twins also brought in Rich Hill from free agency who’s put up a 3.66 ERA or better since 2015. Minnesota will keep Michael Pineda and Homer Bailey in the mix. Both will likely get some starts in the shortened season. With a rotation led by Berrío’s electric arm, the Twins could get the job done in a big way.

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