Deep Dive into Rotations for the 2025 Postseason
Less than a week before the start of the 2025 MLB playoffs, contending teams are defining their starting rotations in the hope of going far in October. In this context, we conducted an exhaustive analysis of the starting pitching options for the qualified teams, considering their use in a seven-game series. The ranking is based on how often a team is likely to use its pitchers in a playoff series. The number 1 and 2 starters have the greatest impact, as the playoffs often come down to relying on the best pitchers.14 teams were evaluated, including the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, who are seeking a place in the postseason. Therefore, two of the mentioned teams will not qualify.
Tier 1: The Dominant Teams
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Candidates: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Emmet Sheehan Yamamoto, after a complicated start, has proven to be a key piece, with an ERA consistently below 3.00, driven by high strikeout rates and control. He is a candidate to be an ace and to receive votes for the Cy Young, being an important reason why the Dodgers lead this list. Glasnow and Snell would be next in the rotation, with Kershaw as a fourth option and Ohtani and Sheehan available in various roles.2. Philadelphia Phillies
Candidates: Christopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker The Phillies have a solid top four. Despite Zack Wheeler’s injury, Sanchez, Suarez, and Luzardo have been consistent. Nola is a reliable option due to his history and recent performance.3. Seattle Mariners
Candidates: Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller The Mariners could be higher on this list. Gilbert and Woo continue to improve, standing out in the group of pitchers evaluated.Tier 2: Rotations with Potential
4. Detroit Tigers
Candidates: Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Troy Melton, Keider Montero Detroit has a rotation led by Skubal. Flaherty, although he hasn’t performed well in the playoffs, and the options after the first three, like Melton, offer interesting alternatives.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, with Misiorowski as a less experienced option. Woodruff has also been excellent. Henderson and Patrick are long relief options.Tier 3: Teams with Aspirations
6. Cincinnati Reds
Candidates: Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Chase Burns, Zack Littell, Nick Martinez The Reds, with Greene and Lodolo, have proven to be a solid rotation. The choice of the fourth starter, between Singer, Littell and Burns, could be key. Burns, if he regains his form, could be a surprise factor.7. Houston Astros
Candidates: Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, AJ Blubaugh, Jason Alexander The Astros could be on the second level, with Brown and Valdez as proven starters. The strategy could be to focus on the bullpen. The bullpen’s solidity could be key, but it might not be enough for the entire postseason.8. San Diego Padres
Candidates: Dylan Cease, Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Yu Darvish, Randy Vasquez, Kyle Hart, Nestor Cortes San Diego has veteran starters, but they have had health and performance issues. Pivetta has been consistent. If King, Cease, and Darvish improve, the ranking could change.9. Boston Red Sox
Candidates: Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Connelly Early, Lucas Giolito, Dustin May, Payton Tolle, Kyle Harrison Crochet is the key opener. Bello has exceeded expectations, but needs to improve his punch ability. The best strategy could be to start with the first three and use the others in the bullpen.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. Soroka could be the best option for the fourth spot.11. New York Yankees
Candidates: Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil, Will Warren The Yankees are underperforming, with two high-profile left-handed starters and promising young right-handers. Without Gerrit Cole, the depth is affected. Fried and Rodon must perform for the Yankees to succeed. The bullpen’s strength could be key.Tier 4: Teams with Challenges
12. Toronto Blue Jays
Candidates: Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios This level focuses on the absence of a dominant ace. The Jays have solid starters, including Scherzer. Yesavage could be a valuable reliever. Bieber, if he avoids contact, could improve the rotation.13. New York Mets
Candidates: Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, Sean Manaea The Mets are in last place, without a proven starter. McLean has been excellent, but with little experience. Tong and Sproat could be relief options. Peterson and Manaea could be the main starters.14. Cleveland Guardians
Candidates: Tanner Bibee, Parker Messick, Gavin Williams, Logan Allen, Joey Cantillo, Slade Cecconi The Guardians’ rotation is similar to the Mets’. Bibee is the best option, but he’s not a dominant ace. Williams has potential, but with greater risk. Cantillo could be the best option for the fourth spot.
