Analysis of Pitching Rotations for the 2025 MLB Playoffs
Less than a week before the start of the 2025 MLB playoffs, contending teams are fine-tuning their starting rotations in the hope of going far in October. We analyze the starting pitching options of the teams currently qualified, considering how they will be used in the postseason. These rankings are based on how often a team will likely use its pitchers in a seven-game series. This means that the number 1 and 2 starters have a much greater impact, as the playoffs are often based on your best pitchers and then improvising with the rest. Considering the possibility that the Cleveland Guardians and the Cincinnati Reds fight for a playoff spot, two of the teams on the list might not qualify.Level 1
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Candidates: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Emmet Sheehan Yamamoto, despite a shaky start, has shown a remarkable improvement, with an ERA below 3.00 driven by high strikeout, walk, and ground ball rates. He is a key piece for the Dodgers to top this list. Glasnow and Snell are shaping up as the next in the rotation, with Kershaw as the fourth option and Ohtani and Sheehan available for variable roles. Roki Sasaki, although unlikely as an opener, could be a multi-inning relief option.2. Philadelphia Phillies
Candidates: Christopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker The Phillies have a clear top 4, with Sanchez, Suarez, and Luzardo showing great performance. Nola is a safe option due to his trajectory and better end of season.3. Seattle Mariners
Candidates: Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller The Mariners could be higher if Kirby and Miller hadn’t regressed. Gilbert and Woo continue to improve, with Gilbert standing out for his increase in strikeout rate.Level 2
4. Detroit Tigers
Candidates: Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Troy Melton, Keider Montero Detroit relies heavily on Skubal. Flaherty hasn’t performed well in the playoffs. Melton offers a better option than veteran Charlie Morton.5. Milwaukee Brewers
Candidates: Freddy Peralta, Jacob Misiorowski, Brandon Woodruff, Quinn Priester, Chad Patrick, Logan Henderson, Jose Quintana Peralta is the most likely option for the first game. Woodruff has also performed well. Henderson and Patrick are good long relief options.Level 3
6. Cincinnati Reds
Candidates: Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Chase Burns, Zack Littell, Nick Martinez The Reds have surprised with their rotation. Greene, Abbott, and Lodolo are solid options. Burns, with his potential as an impact pitcher, could be key.7. Houston Astros
Candidates: Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, AJ Blubaugh, Jason Alexander The Astros could advance to the second level, but the strategy of relying on the bullpen might not be sustainable throughout the postseason.8. San Diego Padres
Candidates: Dylan Cease, Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Yu Darvish, Randy Vasquez, Kyle Hart, Nestor Cortes San Diego has solid veterans, but the lack of consistent health and performance has affected the team. If King, Cease, and Darvish perform well, they could change the situation.9. Boston Red Sox
Candidates: Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Connelly Early, Lucas Giolito, Dustin May, Payton Tolle, Kyle Harrison Crochet is the key pitcher. Bello has exceeded expectations, but needs more strikeouts to be consistent. The bullpen could be key.10. Chicago Cubs
Candidates: Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Michael Soroka, Aaron Civale, Colin Rea The Cubs have several options, but lack a clear ace. Horton has improved in the second half, while Imanaga has been solid.11. New York Yankees
Candidates: Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Will Warren The Yankees are affected by the absence of Gerrit Cole. Fried and Rodon must perform for the team to succeed. The bullpen is a strength.Level 4
12. Toronto Blue Jays
Candidates: Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios This category focuses on the lack of a clear ace. Gausman and Bieber are the prominent names. Yesavage could be a multi-inning relief option.13. New York Mets
Candidates: Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, Sean Manaea The Mets don’t have a proven starter. McLean has performed well, but is inexperienced. Peterson and Manaea are the most reliable options.14. Cleveland Guardians
Candidates: Tanner Bibee, Parker Messick, Gavin Williams, Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, Slade Cecconi The Guardians’ rotation is comparable to the Mets’. Bibee is the best option, but he’s not an ace. Messick, solid, could be a third or fourth-tier starter.
