MLB · 4 months ago

2025 MLB Free Agency: Ranking the Top 14 Starting Pitchers

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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1. Framber Valdez, Houston Astros
Framber Valdez 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.

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14. Aaron Civale, Chicago White Sox
Aaron Civale’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 Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
13. Tyler Mahle, Texas Rangers
Tyler Mahle 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.

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12. Zach Eflin, Baltimore Orioles
Zach Eflin 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.
11. Jose Quintana, Milwaukee Brewers
Jose Quintana’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.

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10. Chris Bassitt, Toronto Blue Jays
Chris Bassitt’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.
9. Merrill Kelly, Texas Rangers
At 37, Merrill Kelly 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.
8. Lucas Giolito, Boston Red Sox
Lucas Giolito’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.
7. Ranger Suarez, Philadelphia Phillies
Ranger Suarez 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.
6. Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks
A tough 2025 with a 5.31 ERA doesn’t erase years of elite production. At 30, Zac Gallen’s command, deep pitch mix, and past ace-level seasons will keep him high on free-agent boards.
5. Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers
Brandon Woodruff 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.
4. Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays
Shane Bieber 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.
3. Michael King, San Diego Padres
Michael King’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.
2. Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres
Dylan Cease’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.
1. Framber Valdez, Houston Astros
Framber Valdez 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 Just Baseball.
14. Aaron Civale, Chicago White Sox
Aaron Civale’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 Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

2025 MLB Free Agency: Ranking the Top 14 Starting Pitchers

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