Ranking the AL Central Starting Rotations for the 2025 MLB Season
Grant White
Host · Writer
1. Detroit Tigers
Collusion! Jack Flaherty was traded from the Detroit Tigers at last year's deadline, only to return to his former stomping grounds in the offseason. He's insulated by any such trade this year, inking a two-year pact with the Detroit Tigers just days before he was set to report for Spring Training. The Tigers have shored up their rotation for the upcoming campaign by bringing Flaherty back.
Flaherty and Tarik Skubal form one of the best one-two combinations in the MLB. Both pitchers have proven to be Cy Young-caliber arms, with the latter earning the distinction in 2024. Surrounded by a trio of up-and-coming pitchers and the potential arrival of Jackson Jobe, the Tigers will roar again in 2025.
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5. Chicago White Sox
There wasn't a lot that went well for the Chicago White Sox last year. And the few players that did punch above their weight class were more valuable in the trade market than keeping around. That will result in another long season on Chicago's southside.
After months of speculation, the White Sox finally moved on from Garrett Crochet this offseason. That leaves a collection of inferior pitchers to patrol the starting rotation. Martin Perez is declining but will be expected to shoulder a heavy load in 2025. Jonathan Cannon remains the premier arm in the rotation but will be hung out to dry behind a lackluster lineup.
Runs will be plentiful for opposing teams, and wins will be in short supply for the White Sox.
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4. Kansas City Royals
The uncomfortable truth Kansas City Royals fans don't want to hear is that their starting rotation isn't as good as they showed last season. Regression hurts this group heading into the 2025 campaign.
Seth Lugo had a banner year in 2024 but is a prime regression candidate this season. He will unlikely match his previous heights, and his metrics will inevitably drift back into the normal range. Similarly, Michael Wacha is projected to take a few steps back after three years of out-performing his FIP.
Cole Ragans should emerge as the staff ace, but his performance alone won't be enough to lead the Royals into the postseason.
3. Cleveland Guardians
There's only so much that Tanner Bibee and Ben Lively can do to offset the rest of the Cleveland Guardians' shortcomings. Consequently, it could be a long year for the Guardians' staff.
Bibee and Lively were the only two Guardians pitchers last year to finish with a positive WAR. As a result, their decision to stand pat with most of their starters looks like a questionable decision. Banking on bounce-back years from Triston McKenzie and Gavin Williams isn't a solid foundation for moving forward. Moreover, Shane Bieber is expected to miss half the season and likely won't return to his Cy Young form following Tommy John surgery.
Cleveland's starting rotation may improve on last season, but we're not betting on it.
2. Minnesota Twins
Last season was a bit of an anomaly for the Minnesota Twins. Despite finishing in the top five in strikeouts and WHIP, Twins starters finished a distant 22nd in ERA and 16th in wins. Expect meaningful progression from the talented group this year.
Led by Pablo Lopez, the Twins feature a battery of top arms who are all in the prime of their careers. Lopez's performance last season was analogous to the team's. The former All-Star performed above his FIP despite maintaining solid underlying metrics.
Minnesota isn't as bad as we saw last year. With a rejuvenated staff ready to do damage, their starting pitchers and team should reach a new level in 2025.
1. Detroit Tigers
Collusion! Jack Flaherty was traded from the Detroit Tigers at last year's deadline, only to return to his former stomping grounds in the offseason. He's insulated by any such trade this year, inking a two-year pact with the Detroit Tigers just days before he was set to report for Spring Training. The Tigers have shored up their rotation for the upcoming campaign by bringing Flaherty back.
Flaherty and Tarik Skubal form one of the best one-two combinations in the MLB. Both pitchers have proven to be Cy Young-caliber arms, with the latter earning the distinction in 2024. Surrounded by a trio of up-and-coming pitchers and the potential arrival of Jackson Jobe, the Tigers will roar again in 2025.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
5. Chicago White Sox
There wasn't a lot that went well for the Chicago White Sox last year. And the few players that did punch above their weight class were more valuable in the trade market than keeping around. That will result in another long season on Chicago's southside.
After months of speculation, the White Sox finally moved on from Garrett Crochet this offseason. That leaves a collection of inferior pitchers to patrol the starting rotation. Martin Perez is declining but will be expected to shoulder a heavy load in 2025. Jonathan Cannon remains the premier arm in the rotation but will be hung out to dry behind a lackluster lineup.
Runs will be plentiful for opposing teams, and wins will be in short supply for the White Sox.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
