The latest Starting Pitcher Power Rankings, released on April 23, place New York Yankees pitchers Cam Schlittler and Max Fried among the top ten starters in Major League Baseball. The rankings were determined by a panel of MLB.com experts and reflect performances through Tuesday’s games.
The rankings highlight strong early-season performances from several pitchers whose surnames begin with ‘S,’ including Tarik Skubal of the Tigers at number one. Skubal has posted a 2.08 earned run average (ERA) through five starts as he seeks a third consecutive Cy Young Award. Cristopher Sánchez of the Phillies is second, combining an impressive ground ball rate with increased strikeouts to achieve a 1.59 ERA this season.
José Soriano of the Angels is ranked third after allowing just one run over his first six starts, achieving an ERA of 0.24—the lowest through six starts since earned runs became official statistics in both leagues in 1913. Paul Skenes of the Pirates holds fourth place, rebounding from a difficult Opening Day to post strong numbers over his next four outings.
Cam Schlittler ranks fifth for the Yankees, stepping up amid injuries to Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón by recording a 1.95 ERA and leading Major League Baseball in FanGraphs pitching wins above replacement (WAR). He has struck out 36 batters while walking only three across his first five starts this season.
Max Fried also features for the Yankees at number ten following eight scoreless innings against Boston at Fenway Park that lowered his ERA to 2.40 over an MLB-leading 41â…“ innings pitched this year.
