Ranking the 5 Best Starting Pitching Seasons on Bad MLB Teams
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
1. Shota Imanaga, Chicago Cubs
Shota Imanaga has been a revelation for the Chicago Cubs in his first season in Major League Baseball. The Japanese pitcher boasts a 3.03 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.07, leading the National League. Imanaga’s ability to induce chases outside the zone, with a chase rate in the top 3% of baseball, makes him particularly difficult for hitters to figure out. His “ghost fork” splitter has been devastating, limiting batters to just a .216 average. Imanaga’s performance has been a highlight in a tough season for the Cubs.
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5. Tyler Anderson, Los Angeles Angels
Tyler Anderson has quietly put together a solid season for the Los Angeles Angels. While the team has struggled, Anderson’s 3.60 ERA is a testament to his consistency, especially when relying on his elite changeup. With an offspeed run value ranked first in baseball, Anderson has been able to limit hard contact, boasting a hard-hit percentage in the 94th percentile. Though he’s had a rough stretch post-trade deadline, Anderson’s overall numbers remain strong, and he continues to be a reliable arm in the Angels’ rotation.
4. Jameson Taillon, Chicago Cubs
Jameson Taillon is quietly having the best season of his career, even though his efforts have been overshadowed by the Cubs’ offensive woes. With a 3.54 ERA across 152.1 innings, Taillon’s ability to limit walks has been key to his success, placing him in the 95th percentile for walk percentage. His sweeper and sinker have been particularly effective, holding opponents to low batting averages. Taillon’s pitching run value ranks in the 86th percentile, making this a season to remember for the veteran right-hander.
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3. Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants
Logan Webb has been a standout performer for the San Francisco Giants despite the team’s struggles. A first-time All-Star, Webb has once again proven his durability, pitching over 190 innings for the third straight season. He leads the National League in innings pitched and batters faced, showcasing his stamina. Webb’s 3.53 ERA is excellent, but his 3.01 FIP suggests he’s been even better. His groundball percentage ranks in the 95th percentile, showing his ability to keep hitters from elevating the ball. Webb is positioning himself as one of baseball's most reliable pitchers.
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2. Jose Berrios, Toronto Blue Jays
After a tough 2022 season, Jose Berrios has been a key bright spot for the disappointing Toronto Blue Jays in 2024. The right-hander has revamped his approach, reducing his four-seam fastball usage and relying more on his sinker and slurve. This has resulted in a 3.44 ERA, which could be a career-best. Berrios has maintained excellent control and mixed his pitches effectively, which has led to his pitching run value ranking in the 83rd percentile. His bounce-back season has been crucial, even as the Jays underperform.
1. Shota Imanaga, Chicago Cubs
Shota Imanaga has been a revelation for the Chicago Cubs in his first season in Major League Baseball. The Japanese pitcher boasts a 3.03 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.07, leading the National League. Imanaga’s ability to induce chases outside the zone, with a chase rate in the top 3% of baseball, makes him particularly difficult for hitters to figure out. His “ghost fork” splitter has been devastating, limiting batters to just a .216 average. Imanaga’s performance has been a highlight in a tough season for the Cubs.
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
5. Tyler Anderson, Los Angeles Angels
Tyler Anderson has quietly put together a solid season for the Los Angeles Angels. While the team has struggled, Anderson’s 3.60 ERA is a testament to his consistency, especially when relying on his elite changeup. With an offspeed run value ranked first in baseball, Anderson has been able to limit hard contact, boasting a hard-hit percentage in the 94th percentile. Though he’s had a rough stretch post-trade deadline, Anderson’s overall numbers remain strong, and he continues to be a reliable arm in the Angels’ rotation.
