Justin Verlander was the best MLB pitcher in 2022. In leading the Houston Astros to a second World Series title in six seasons, Verlander won his third Cy Young Award and second AL ERA crown.
Who will be the best MLB pitcher in 2023? Here are updated rankings (as of May 24):
MLB Pitcher Rankings for 2023
1. Sonny Gray – Twins
It’s been an excellent start to the year for Sonny Gray. The Minnesota Twins starting pitcher isn’t considered a bonafide ace, but he’s performed like it early, posting the best numbers of any starter in the league. Gray has continued to be a big part of the AL Central-leading Twins rotation, tallying a 4-0 record with a near-flawless 1.64 ERA and 60 strikeouts.
2. Gerrit Cole – Yankees
Gerrit Cole is often an afterthought in these conversations but brings excellent stuff every fifth day to the New York Yankees. He’s continued to be consistent for the Bronx Bombers, posting a 5-0 record, a 2.01 ERA, and 68 punchouts. Cole still brings a lot of swing-and-miss stuff to the Yankees’ rotation and continues to find himself as one of MLB’s best starters.
3. Alex Cobb – Giants
If you’re looking for a surprising entry, look no further than Alex Cobb. He’s put together an incredible nearly two-month stretch for the San Francisco Giants. The 35-year-old right-hander has manufactured one of the two best runs of his career, compiling a 3-1 record over nine starts with a 1.94 ERA and 44 punchouts. The consistency has been there, inserting him into the conversation.
4. Shane McClanahan – Rays
Tampa Bay Ray’s left-hander Shane McClanahan isn’t just in the conversation for the best lefty but also the best starting pitcher in the game. McClanahan has been dominant over ten starts, sitting undefeated at 7-0 with a 2.05 ERA and 68 strikeouts. The Rays’ lefty has been electric whenever healthy, and if he continues doing that, the sky’s the limit.
5. Eduardo Rodriguez – Tigers
The Detroit Tigers signed Eduardo Rodriguez to be part of the top half of their rotation. He’s performed better than that in 2023, registering a 4-3 record with a 2.06 ERA and 52 punchouts. The Tigers lefty deserves to be in the mix, but can he keep up the pace with the league’s best? Time will tell.
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