MLB Power Rankings: The best and worst starting rotations in baseball this season
By Tim Boyle
10. MLB Power Rankings: Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays did something smart this offseason. They actually signed a free-agent pitcher they’re hoping to get more from. Zach Eflin will join Shane McClanahan and Tyler Glasnow for one of the best trios in the game. In order for the Rays to really benefit from them, Glasnow will need to stay healthy and Eflin must finally tap into the potential many scouts have talked about him possessing for years.
9. MLB Power Rankings: Milwaukee Brewers
Corbin Burnes is still an absolute stud and someone the Milwaukee Brewers can rely on in 2023. An uncertain future for him and a few other pitchers is a 2023 storyline to follow. However, at the time of pitchers and catchers reporting for duty, the Brewers boast one of the better starting rotations. Brandon Woodruff and Eric Lauer behind Burnes give them an incredibly strong top three. Whoever ends up with the next two spots is moot. The Brewers starting rotation is about three and a half deep with a chance to have six good options.
8. MLB Power Rankings: Philadelphia Phillies
There is a lot of upside for the Philadelphia Phillies starting rotation this season. Co-aces Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler have more to prove. They’ll be joined by Ranger Suarez and Taijuan Walker to fill out the next two spots. Each is a bit of a wild card as is whoever they name as the fifth guy. Prospect Andrew Painter is a candidate to join the staff at some point this year. If everyone else lives up to expectations and he’s ready at any point in 2023, the Phillies have a chance to actually be led by their arms, not their bats.
7. MLB Power Rankings: Los Angeles Dodgers
It does seem like the Los Angeles Dodgers are sliding in the MLB Power Rankings as far as their starting rotation goes. Clayton Kershaw is getting older. This offseason’s addition of Noah Syndergaard just didn’t feel impactful enough. They do have some very good arms and the waiting game to play with Walker Buehler. Things will be fine for the Dodgers. Julio Urias is pitching for a contract, after all. A monster year from him on the mound is something we should all hope to see on our MLB bingo cards.
6. MLB Power Rankings: Texas Rangers
Nobody will be surprised if the Texas Rangers to finish the year with the best rotation in the game. Their complete overhaul brought in Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney, and Jake Odorizzi. This doesn’t even include Martin Perez coming off of a strong year and the potential Jon Gray can offer them. Six men deep, the Rangers have some interesting options and great arms to head to battle with this year.