2024 MLB season: Top 20 pitchers

With the MLB getting closer, below we will list our power rankings for the top 20 pitchers ahead of this season.

20. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers

While having yet to throw a pitch in the MLB, Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets a spot in the top 20 sheerly based on the hype surrounding his success and the massive contract he received from the Dodgers.

19. Kodai Senga, New York Mets

Kodai Senga ended up having a fantastic 2023 season, posting an ERA of 2.98. As long as he can increase the amount of innings he pitches, he will be a top pitcher this season.

18. Justin Verlander, Houston Astros

A list of the top pitchers in the MLB is not complete without mentioning Justin Verlander. He continues to post incredible numbers and is 41 years old.

17. Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola had a bit of a down season last year, posting an ERA of more than 4.40. That said, he tends to bounce back strongly the year to follow. 

16. Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers

A rookie in 2023, Bobby Miller is expected to take another step forward and improve on stats that were good enough to consider him for Rookie of the Year in the National League.

15. Framber Valdez, Houston Astros

Another 200 strikeout season for Framber Valdez and playing for one of the best teams in the league keeps him on our list of the top pitchers.

14. Eury Perez, Miami Marlins

Eury Perz only made 19 starts in the 2023 season, but should greatly improve on that in the upcoming season. 

13. Max Fried, Atlanta Braves

Injuries hampered Max Fried’s 2023 season, but in his 14 starts, he posted an ERA of 2.55. If Fried can stay healthy this upcoming season, he is set to have another great year.

12. Corbin Burnes, Baltimore Orioles

The move to Baltimore is likely going to be helpful for Corbin Burnes. The Orioles are simply a better team compared to the Brewers and Burnes’ stats should reflect that this season.

11. Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen was a huge part of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ run to the World Series. With most of that team back, Gallen is set for another quality season. 

10. Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners

Luis Castillo was one of the best pitchers in terms of strikeouts last season. He could potentially improve on that as well this season, making him a top 10 choice.

9. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

Playing for a top team in Philadelphia certainly gives Zack Wheeler a boost, but he consistently posts great numbers and keeps his team in games.

8. Sonny Gray, St. Louis Cardinals

Sonny Gray posted an ERA below 3.00 in 2023 on a below average Cardinals team. We should expect similar success this season as well.

7. Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants

Logan Webb has one of his best career seasons in 2023. The main thing he will need to improve this season is his win/loss record.

6. George Kirby, Seattle Mariners

George Kirby walked just 19 batters in 2023, while posting nearly 200 strikeouts. He is still early in his career and we should continue to expect dominance.

5. Blake Snell, San Diego Padres

Blake Snell won the National League CY Young Award in 2023, while posting an ERA of just 2.25. While he may not post the same staggering numbers, he is still considered a top five pitcher.

4. Pablo Lopez, Miami Marlins

Pablo Lopez finished fourth in strikeouts in 2023, and is expected to improve on that number this season while also lowering his ERA.

3. Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays

Kevin Gausman finished second in strikeouts in 2023, while also posting a solid ERA of 3.16. With the Blue Jays looking to make a run in 2024, Gausman is expected to improve on these numbers.

2. Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves

Spencer Strider finished 2023 with the most strikeouts in the league. If he can cut down on some of the big innings, he has the potential to be number one of this list before the end of the 2024 season. 

1.  Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees

Year after year, Gerrit Cole posts outstanding numbers. His 2023 stats reflect the fact that he easily won the American League CY Young Award and with the Yankees expected to be improved this season, Cole is also expected to have another outstanding season.