MLB Playoff Pitching Rotation Rankings: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Contenders
As we approach the thrilling commencement of the 2025 MLB playoffs next week, teams are fine-tuning their rosters, particularly their starting pitching rotations. This aspect is crucial, as strong pitching often underpins success in October. Here, we present a ranking of the current playoff teams’ starting pitching options, considering how frequently each pitcher is likely to be used in a typical seven-game playoff series.
Understanding the Criteria
The significance of ranking pitchers during the playoffs cannot be overstated. Top-tier starters—those listed as No. 1 and No. 2—carry a heavier weight because they are the ones who are most likely to be leaned upon to deliver crucial games. As the tension mounts and every matchup matters, having a dominant rotation can be a tournament decider.
This ranking considers various teams poised for playoff action, particularly in light of late surges from the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, who are competing for wild card spots.
Tier 1: Elite Starting Options
Los Angeles Dodgers
Candidates:
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Tyler Glasnow
- Blake Snell
- Shohei Ohtani
- Clayton Kershaw
- Emmet Sheehan
Yamamoto has rapidly transformed from early skepticism—evidenced by a rough start—to a prime Cy Young candidate. His improvement is underscored by a remarkable ERA under 3.00, placing him in seventh for pitcher WAR this season. The rest of the Dodgers’ rotation is no slouch either, with Glasnow and Snell expected to solidify the top spots, while Kershaw offers veteran savvy, and Ohtani brings unique two-way abilities that could be pivotal depending on matchups.
Philadelphia Phillies
Candidates:
- Christopher Sanchez
- Ranger Suarez
- Jesus Luzardo
- Aaron Nola
- Taijuan Walker
In stark contrast to the Dodgers, the Phillies’ rotation setup is more streamlined as they lock in on their top four. Sanchez, Suarez, and Luzardo shine brightly and could easily lead a rotation for many teams in this playoff landscape. Aaron Nola’s experience and late-season resurgence make him a trusted playoff starter, despite some consistency concerns earlier in the season. The Phillies and Dodgers are favorites to advance, thanks in no small part to their elite pitching rotations.
Seattle Mariners
Candidates:
- Logan Gilbert
- Bryan Woo
- George Kirby
- Luis Castillo
- Bryce Miller
While Kirby and Miller have faced some regression this season, Gilbert and Woo show promise and adaptability, making the Mariners’ rotation one of the more intriguing ones. Gilbert’s recent performance has seen him increase his strikeout rate, despite a slight dip in fastball velocity. The Mariners are poised for playoff contention, leaning on their evolving rotation led by Castillo, who continues to prove his worth.
Tier 2: Solid Performers
Detroit Tigers
Candidates:
- Tarik Skubal
- Jack Flaherty
- Casey Mize
- Charlie Morton
- Troy Melton
The Tigers’ rotation is top-heavy, with Skubal providing a reliable ace. However, Flaherty’s postseason performance history raises concerns, as he has struggled in high-stakes games. The Tigers also hold intriguing options beyond their first three starters, with Morton and rookie Melton providing depth. This mix makes them competitive, but they rely heavily on Skubal’s ability to anchor the staff effectively.
Milwaukee Brewers
Candidates:
- Freddy Peralta
- Jacob Misiorowski
- Brandon Woodruff
- Quinn Priester
The Brewers present a well-rounded rotation, with multiple arms capable of stepping up. Peralta is likely the go-to for Game 1, but the other candidates have shown the ability to deliver during crucial moments, ensuring the Brewers remain a formidable opponent to any playoff team.
Tier 3: Decent but Questionable Pitching
Cincinnati Reds
Candidates:
- Hunter Greene
- Andrew Abbott
- Nick Lodolo
- Brady Singer
- Chase Burns
The Reds have consistently flown under the radar, but Greene’s potential as an ace and Abbott’s reliable performance make this rotation capable. While they might not match up against the powerhouses of the NL, their solid arms can surprise. Notably, Burns’ return to form could be a game-changer in a bullpen role or a high-leverage starter.
Houston Astros
Candidates:
- Hunter Brown
- Framber Valdez
- Cristian Javier
The Astros boast a strong top duo in Brown and Valdez, both of whom have playoff experience. Despite these strengths, Javier’s inconsistency holds them back, as they must embrace a strong bullpen strategy alongside their rotation. This tier indicates promise but also hints at vulnerability when matched against stronger lineups.
Tier 4: Potential but Uncertainty
Toronto Blue Jays
Candidates:
- Kevin Gausman
- Shane Bieber
- Chris Bassitt
- Max Scherzer
The Blue Jays feature a mix of seasoned arms and some uncertainties, particularly around Bieber’s recovery and Scherzer’s health. While solid, this rotation lacks a clear ace to carry them through a deep postseason run and may end up relying heavily on the bullpen in critical moments.
New York Mets
Candidates:
- Nolan McLean
- David Peterson
- Clay Holmes
The Mets sit at the bottom of these rankings due to an absence of proven frontline starters. McLean’s recent success offers a flicker of hope, but overall, they lack the depth and proven performance expected of a playoff contender. This uncertainty may hinder their chances as the playoffs progress.
Chicago Cubs
Candidates:
- Matthew Boyd
- Shota Imanaga
- Cade Horton
The Cubs find themselves in a similar spot, with a roster of viable options but no standout ace. While Horton has shown flashes of brilliance, the overall consistency leaves something to be desired. Their rotation, while capable of surprising, may be seen as one of the weaker groups come playoff time.
As we gear up for the excitement of the postseason, the importance of a strong pitching rotation cannot be overstated. Teams with well-structured, dependable rotations will likely find themselves more equipped to handle the pressures of October baseball, making these rankings a pivotal factor to watch as the playoffs unfold.