Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
As we look ahead to the 2025 MLB season, several elite pitchers stand out as potential dominant forces on the mound. From established aces to rising stars, these hurlers possess the stuff, command, and competitive drive to lead their teams to victory. Here’s our ranking of the top 11 pitchers to watch in 2025.
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1. Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Los Angeles Dodgers’ New Ace
Fresh off signing a historic contract, Yamamoto brings his elite command and devastating splitter to MLB. His consistent sub-2.00 ERA in NPB and exceptional pitch arsenal suggest he’ll continue dominating hitters. His compact delivery and remarkable control make him a strong Cy Young candidate.
2. Spencer Strider – Atlanta Braves’ Strikeout King
The strikeout machine continues to overwhelm hitters with his high-90s fastball and wipeout slider. His historic K/9 rates and improved stamina make him one of baseball’s most electric arms. Strider’s analytical approach and commitment to refinement suggest even more growth ahead.
3. Zack Wheeler – Philadelphia Phillies’ Ace
Wheeler’s combination of elite velocity, devastating breaking balls, and exceptional command keeps him among baseball’s best. His ability to maintain high-90s heat deep into games while featuring one of the game’s best curveballs makes him a perennial Cy Young contender. His durability and consistency are matched by few in the game.
4. Corbin Burnes – Arizona’s Ace
Burnes continues to feature one of baseball’s best cutters. His ability to generate weak contact while maintaining elite strikeout numbers makes him formidable. His pitch design expertise and competitive drive keep him among the elite.
5. Tyler Glasnow – Los Angeles Dodgers’ Power Arm
Now established in LA, Glasnow’s combination of elite velocity and breaking balls makes him nearly unhittable when healthy. His improved mechanics and conditioning suggest better durability. The towering right-hander’s ceiling remains among the highest in baseball.
6. Logan Webb – San Francisco Giants’ Ground Ball Master
Webb’s sinker-changeup combination and elite ground ball rates make him exceptionally reliable. His understanding of tunneling and pitch sequencing continues to improve. The Giants’ ace remains one of baseball’s most consistent performers.
7. Pablo López – Minnesota Twins’ Changeup Artist
López’s changeup remains one of baseball’s most effective pitches, while his fastball command continues to sharpen. His ability to mix speeds and locations while maintaining exceptional control makes him increasingly dominant. The Twins’ ace shows all signs of reaching new heights.
8. Luis Castillo – Seattle Mariners’ Velocity King
Castillo’s changeup remains one of baseball’s best pitches, while his fastball velocity stays elite. His ability to work deep into games while maintaining stuff makes him especially valuable. The Mariners’ ace continues to be a model of consistency.
9. Zac Gallen – Arizona Diamondbacks’ Cerebral Ace
Gallen’s pitch mix and command keep getting better, making him increasingly difficult to hit. His analytical approach and ability to make in-game adjustments set him apart. The D-backs’ ace remains one of the smartest pitchers in baseball.
10. Bobby Miller – Los Angeles Dodgers’ Rising Star
Miller’s triple-digit heat and devastating slider suggest ace potential. His improved command and developing changeup make him even more dangerous. The young Dodger shows all signs of becoming baseball’s next great power pitcher.
11. George Kirby – Seattle Mariners’ Control Artist
Kirby’s pinpoint control and expanding repertoire make him increasingly dominant. His ability to throw any pitch in any count keeps hitters guessing. The young Mariner’s ceiling continues to rise with experience.