MLB Power Rankings: The best and worst starting rotations in baseball this season
By Tim Boyle
15. MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins
Nobody may want realignment in MLB more than the Miami Marlins. It’s going to be tough competing in the National League East with three big spenders. Their starting rotation is actually a strength but not quite as proven as the three serious contenders in the division. Sandy Alcantara will look to defend his Cy Young while younger arms like Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett, and Edward Cabrera will hope to repeat what they did last year while starting more games and possibly taking the next step.
14. MLB Power Rankings: St. Louis Cardinals
It does feel like the St. Louis Cardinals are missing an arm in the rotation. Adam Wainwright is another year older as is Miles Mikolas. Jack Flaherty’s injuries should be a concern. Who knows what they’ll get from Steven Matz? The Cardinals could be on the hunt for a trade addition for their rotation early on this year or cruise to another National League Central title. The lack of additions to the roster is a bit concerning. For their sake, let’s hope Jordan Montgomery is just as good in a full season as he was for two months.
13. MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Angels
Unless you followed the Los Angeles Angels closely last year, you may have missed out on how well their starting pitchers performed. Shohei Ohtani had the best season of any starter, but Patrick Sandoval and Reid Detmers were good, too. Detmers was more than the guy who tossed a no-hitter. The club decided to bring in Tyler Anderson this offseason as well. Can they finally end the postseason drought? The pitching may be the key.
12. MLB Power Rankings: San Diego Padres
Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove will be staying put for a couple of years. The San Diego Padres are looking to get involved in the empire business. However, their starting rotation does have a couple of questions beyond the top two. Which version of Blake Snell shows up? Can the team rely on Nick Martinez or Adrian Morejon? Seth Lugo comes over after years of pitching mostly in relief. Signing Michael Wacha means they bought at least a little bit into what he did last season. The Padres are a very good team. There is some doubt with the starting staff. They could turn out very good or not so much.
11. MLB Power Rankings: Seattle Mariners
Returning to Cy Young form is something the Seattle Mariners are hopeful they can see Robbie Ray do in 2023. Together with Luis Castillo, the team has a pair of potential aces on the roster. It actually wouldn’t be a complete shock if it’s Logan Gilbert who becomes the main guy in this rotation either. He’s coming off of a very good year. So is George Kirby. Stars on the rise out in Seattle and it’s not outfielders like Julio Rodriguez. The starting rotation should be pretty good again in 2023.