Top 5 Starting Pitchers Going Into The 2023 Season
Let’s take a look at my ranking of the Top 5 starting pitchers going into the 2023 season.
1. Justin Verlander
Source: AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Last season, Justin Verlander came back after having Tommy John surgery and even at his age, he performed one of his best years ever. Not to mention, he was the American League Cy Young Winner. He pitched to a 1.75 ERA with 185 strikeouts. Verlander is looking to finish off the amazing career he has had with the New York Mets and will flourish in New York.
2. Sandy Alcantara
Source: Associated Press
Even being a part of a fourth place team last season, Sandy Alcantara put up great numbers. He pitched to a 2.28 ERA with 207 strikeouts and won the National League Cy Young award. Alcantara is only going to go up from here building on his past season and will motivate the young core players on the Marlins to become a playoff team.
3. Jacob deGrom
Source: MLB.com
Jacob deGrom came back from injury in 2022 and pitched outstanding in the regular season. In 11 games, he pitched to a 3.08 ERA with 102 strikeouts. Now that deGrom is in Texas, he has less eyes and less pressure on him which will allow him to flourish. If he stays healthy, he will be one of the best.
4. Corbin Burnes
Source: Aaron Gash/AP
Corbin Burnes had a great year last year, pitching to a 2.94 ERA with 243 strikeouts. He is one of the best strikeout pitchers in the league and is the main component that puts the Brewers in a playoff run. Burnes will be aiming to get the Brewers in the playoffs again since they got knocked out in the divisional round in 2021, which will fire him up.
5. Carlos Rodon
Source: John Hefti/USA TODAY Sports
Carlos Rodon is looking to build off another phenomenal season, posting a 2.88 ERA with 237 strikeouts in 2022. He has the most strikeouts in the last two years combined out of any other player in the league. Rodon has a bulldog mentality that will fit well and flourish on the world’s biggest stage playing in New York.
