Ranking the AL East Starting Rotations for the 2025 MLB Season
Grant White
Host · Writer
1. New York Yankees
As is typically the case in the MLB, the rich got richer this offseason. The New York Yankees reached into their pockets, finding room to sign Max Fried to a lucrative eight-year pact.
Fried joins an established rotation that features a mix of youth and experience. Gerrit Cole remains the stalwart atop the rotation, with Carlos Rodon riding shotgun. That trio is complemented by Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, who have proven to be more than competent starters.
Altogether, the Yankees form one of the most formidable rotations in the MLB again this season. With Fried in tow, we should see this team build off the 65 wins and 866 strikeouts they had in 2024.
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5. Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox had one of the best ERAs among their starting rotation last season, but wins were still hard to come by. Combined with some of their other metrics, we're forecasting another challenging year for the Red Sox.
Boston's starting rotation ERA of 3.81 was the second-best among AL East teams last year. Still, they had an underwhelming 771 strikeouts and just a 47-51 record by the season's end. Those concerns are amplified by the limited length they got out of their starting rotation.
Offseason acquisition Garrett Crochet is an immediate upgrade and slots in as the Red Sox's ace. Still, we'll see how his lackluster barrel and hard-hit rates play at Fenway Park.
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4. Tampa Bay Rays
As they are always one of the teams that get the most out of their starting pitching, the Tampa Bay Rays could easily outperform their preseason ranking. However, injuries consistently de-rail their plans, and it's unclear how their returning players will perform at the campaign's outset.
Shane McClanahan was a Cy Young candidate in 2022, but persistent elbow issues ended his 2023 season early. He missed all last season but is reportedly back to full strength. Earlier this week, he reported with the rest of the Rays' pitchers and catchers. Likewise, Shane Baz has yet to show he can tolerate a full workload in the bigs.
Taj Bradley and Ryan Pepiot will be asked to shoulder the load at the top of the rotation. If they continue developing, the Rays could excel in 2025.
3. Baltimore Orioles
Corbin Burnes's departure leaves a massive hole atop the Baltimore Orioles' rotation. But with Zach Eflin in the fold and Charlie Morton joining the O's this offseason, starting pitching will again be a strength for Baltimore.
Morton is the elder statesman of the Orioles and will be an invaluable mentor for some of the younger arms in the rotation. Cade Povich will be asked to do more in 2025, building off his 16 starts last season. Similarly, thanks to Baltimore's pitching depth and up-and-coming offense, Grayson Rodriguez can continue his upward trajectory with less pressure to perform.
The Orioles are teetering in the third spot, but we expect them to replicate last year's success and continue to compete for a division title.
2. Toronto Blue Jays
Nothing ever seems to go the Toronto Blue Jays' way. Nevertheless, their top three starters from last season were among the best in the MLB. With the addition of Max Scherzer, the Jays' rotation is a strength heading into 2025.
Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, and Kevin Gausman combined for 40 wins, 483 strikeouts, and 544.1 innings pitched last season. Complemented by youngsters Yariel Rodriguez and Bowden Francis, this team has the depth and flexibility to excel.
Scherzer isn't the ace he once was, but thankfully, he doesn't need to be in Toronto. With the option of rolling with six starting pitchers, the Blue Jays can stretch out their staff and dominate this year.
1. New York Yankees
As is typically the case in the MLB, the rich got richer this offseason. The New York Yankees reached into their pockets, finding room to sign Max Fried to a lucrative eight-year pact.
Fried joins an established rotation that features a mix of youth and experience. Gerrit Cole remains the stalwart atop the rotation, with Carlos Rodon riding shotgun. That trio is complemented by Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, who have proven to be more than competent starters.
Altogether, the Yankees form one of the most formidable rotations in the MLB again this season. With Fried in tow, we should see this team build off the 65 wins and 866 strikeouts they had in 2024.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
5. Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox had one of the best ERAs among their starting rotation last season, but wins were still hard to come by. Combined with some of their other metrics, we're forecasting another challenging year for the Red Sox.
Boston's starting rotation ERA of 3.81 was the second-best among AL East teams last year. Still, they had an underwhelming 771 strikeouts and just a 47-51 record by the season's end. Those concerns are amplified by the limited length they got out of their starting rotation.
Offseason acquisition Garrett Crochet is an immediate upgrade and slots in as the Red Sox's ace. Still, we'll see how his lackluster barrel and hard-hit rates play at Fenway Park.
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
