SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/aaron-civale/57861">Aaron Civale</a>’s 4.91 ERA doesn’t tell the full story—he limits walks and works efficiently. As a mid-rotation innings-eater, he’ll appeal to teams seeking stability.
Thanks to <a href="https://www.justbaseball.com/mlb/top-free-agent-starting-pitchers/">Just Baseball</a> for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

14. Aaron Civale, Chicago White Sox

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/tyler-mahle/57665">Tyler Mahle</a> posted a stellar 2.34 ERA over 14 starts, showing he can still be dominant when healthy. His strike-throwing and deceptive fastball will make him a hot commodity if he proves durable.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/picks"> MLB Game Picks</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/player-props">MLB Prop Picks.</a>

13. Tyler Mahle, Texas Rangers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/zachary-eflin/57865">Zach Eflin</a> struggled in 2025 with a 5.93 ERA, but his track record and age (32) mean a rebound is possible. Teams looking for a buy-low bounce-back candidate will have interest.

12. Zach Eflin, Baltimore Orioles

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/jose-quintana/58402">Jose Quintana</a>’s 3.57 ERA shows there’s still something left in the tank. While no longer overpowering, his ability to navigate lineups and limit damage could earn him another short-term deal.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/"> SportsGrid</a>.

11. Jose Quintana, Milwaukee Brewers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/christopher-bassitt/57690">Chris Bassitt</a>’s 4.17 ERA and reliability over 24 starts make him a solid No. 3-4 type. His ability to mix pitches and adapt should keep him relevant even into his late 30s.

10. Chris Bassitt, Toronto Blue Jays

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At 37, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/kenneth-kelly/58639">Merrill Kelly</a> keeps delivering—posting a 3.38 ERA and sub-1.10 WHIP in 2025. His command and durability will appeal to contenders looking for a stabilizing veteran.

9. Merrill Kelly, Texas Rangers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/lucas-giolito/57735">Lucas Giolito</a>’s 3.77 ERA in 2025 was a bounce-back year, and if he hits his innings trigger, he’ll have even more leverage in free agency. A proven innings-eater with strikeout stuff.

8. Lucas Giolito, Boston Red Sox

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/ranger-suarez/58486">Ranger Suarez</a> quietly logged a sub-3.00 ERA over 17 starts in 2025. His ability to miss barrels and pitch deep into games makes him a high-floor mid-rotation prize in this market.

7. Ranger Suarez, Philadelphia Phillies

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A tough 2025 with a 5.31 ERA doesn’t erase years of elite production. At 30, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/zachary-gallen/58634">Zac Gallen</a>’s command, deep pitch mix, and past ace-level seasons will keep him high on free-agent boards.

6. Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/brandon-woodruff/58124">Brandon Woodruff</a> posted a 0.65 WHIP in limited 2025 innings, reminding everyone of his dominance. If fully healthy, his mid-90s heater and elite strikeout rates make him a frontline arm worth a big investment.

5. Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/shane-bieber/57987">Shane Bieber</a> has missed all of 2025 so far, but his track record speaks for itself—a Cy Young winner with elite command and pitchability. If his stuff returns, he could be the sneaky best signing of this class.

4. Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/michael-king/58601">Michael King</a>’s small sample of 2025 starts was nothing short of dominant—2.81 ERA and over 10 K/9. The question is durability, but the talent is undeniable. A healthy full season could have him entering 2026 as a rotation headliner.

3. Michael King, San Diego Padres

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/dylan-cease/58592">Dylan Cease</a>’s 11.76 K/9 shows his stuff still plays at an elite level, even if his 4.52 ERA says otherwise. With improved command, his swing-and-miss arsenal can return him to ace form in 2026, and teams will bank on that upside.

2. Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/mlb/players/framber-valdez/57588">Framber Valdez</a> is the one true wire-to-wire ace in this free agent crop. His 2.97 ERA, matching his 2.97 FIP, and elite ground-ball profile make him a workhorse that teams can trust atop their rotation. He’ll be 32 in 2026 and is positioned for a massive multi-year payday.
For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at <a href="https://www.justbaseball.com/">Just Baseball.</a>

1. Framber Valdez, Houston Astros

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Ranking the top MLB free agent starting pitchers, from ace-caliber arms to dependable mid-rotation starters who could command big paydays. Who tops our list?

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