Ranking the top 10 starting MLB pitchers ahead of trade deadline

[ASFN Admin]

The MLB season is nearing the trade deadline and entering the playoff push. With under 60 games left, teams are making final pushes for playoff berths. Player production has become vital, and improved play has helped specific teams join the playoff race. Entering the week, here are the top 10 starting pitchers right now.

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10. Gavin Williams, Cleveland Guardians​

Williams is having another strong season and can finish with the most strikeouts of his career. Entering the week, he is tied for fifth in strikeouts among MLB pitchers. Gavin Williams has blossomed into the ace of Cleveland’s starting rotation.

9. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates​

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Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Skenes has seen an increase in ERA, but he’s still one of the best starting pitchers in MLB. Entering the week, he ranks top 10 in strikeouts and WHIP. A strong finish can have him leapfrog into the top five among MLB starting pitchers.

8. Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves​

The veteran continues to dominate opposing hitters. Entering the week, he is top 10 in strikeouts and WHIP. He will be a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award.

7. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers​

Yamamoto is having the best season in his three-year career. Entering the week, he ranks second in WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. The Dodgers will depend on the righty as the playoffs begin.

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6. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers​

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May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Ohtani is having a strong season as a full-time starter for the first time since 2023. Entering the week, his ERA and WHIP are the lowest of his career. He has a case to win the NL Cy Young Award.

5. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies​

Wheeler has been outstanding this season. No one would know he had surgery late into last season. Entering the week, his ERA and WHIP are the lowest of his career.

4. Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies​

Sanchez is having another elite season. He is on pace for a second consecutive season with 200 strikeouts. Entering the week, he ranks fourth in strikeouts among MLB pitchers.

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3. Dylan Cease, Toronto Blue Jays​

Cease has been phenomenal in his first season with Toronto. Entering the week, he ranks second in strikeouts among MLB pitchers. He will be a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award.

2. Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees​

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Jul 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Entering the week, the AL Cy Young Award is Cam Schlittler’s to lose. He has been sensational since the start of the season. He ranks third in WHIP and strikeouts among MLB starting pitchers.

1. Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee Brewers​

Misiorowski is having an MVP and Cy Young season. Entering the week, he leads MLB starting pitchers in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. A strong finish to the season will guarantee him the NL Cy Young Award.

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