We’re in the final week of the regular season, and we have just enough time to squeeze in one last Starting Pitcher Power Rankings as the playoff races come down to the wire.
Unlike the previous rankings up until now, this one will be a “playoff contender” edition. These rankings are the top starting pitchers on teams that are either already playoff-bound or still serious postseason contenders.
As always, the rankings are based on a formula constructed by MLB.com’s data team, which weighs recent performance the most heavily, and also season-long performance and performance over the past 365 days.
Here are the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings for 2025 postseason contenders. (Rankings are based on results through Wednesday’s games.)
Skubal took an ill-timed loss to the rival Guardians on Tuesday as the Tigers fight Cleveland for the American League Central crown, but there’s no denying his body of work this season. Skubal could have one more regular-season start for all the marbles — he’d line up to pitch Detroit’s finale if there’s a playoff spot on the line. And if the Tigers get in, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better ace on the mound in the postseason.
Last year, Yamamoto was at his best in the World Series. And once again, he’s hitting his stride just in time for October. Yamamoto has allowed exactly one hit in each of his three starts this month, with a 0.86 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 21 innings in September. He’ll get the ball one more time before the playoffs on Thursday with the Dodgers looking to lock up the National League West in the final week.
Fried is dominating again for the Yankees. He’s gotten past his midseason blues to go 6-0 with a 1.55 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings over his past seven outings, including another dominant outing against the White Sox on Wednesday night,. The ace southpaw tied his career high with 13 strikeouts in his start against the Orioles last Thursday.
Woo has been dealing with minor pectoral tightness, but assuming he recovers by the start of the playoffs, he’s lined up to be Seattle’s Game 1 starter. It’s Woo who’s broken out to be the Mariners’ best starting pitcher in 2025, not Logan Gilbert or George Kirby or Luis Castillo. He’s been one of the best pitchers in the league, period: Woo is 15-7 with a 2.94 ERA and 198 strikeouts in 186 2/3 innings.
Sánchez has stepped in for the injured Zack Wheeler as the Phillies’ ace with aplomb. The left-hander is 13-5 with a 2.57 ERA and 204 strikeouts in 196 1/3 innings this season, ranking second in the NL in ERA, second in innings pitched and fifth in strikeouts. He’s one of the biggest reasons the Phillies are NL East champs.
Crochet is in line to win the MLB strikeout title, with 255 K’s following his dominant start against the Blue Jays on Wednesday night, 14 ahead of Skubal. He also has a 2.59 ERA and leads the AL with 205 1/3 innings pitched. Crochet was Boston’s marquee acquisition this offseason, and with him as their ace, the Red Sox are holding onto a Wild Card spot.
If the Blue Jays can hold off the Yankees and win the AL East, Gausman would be the best bet to start Game 1 of the Division Series. He’s looked a lot more like his old self lately, including a two-hit shutout of the Astros on Sept. 11 for his best start of the season. Gausman now has a 3.47 ERA and 184 strikeouts in 189 1/3 innings this year.
The Brewers are NL Central champs, they have the best record in the Majors, and Peralta is their best starter. The veteran right-hander is 17-6 with a 2.68 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 174 2/3 innings. It’s Peralta’s third consecutive 200-strikeout season. He’s one of six NL pitchers with 200-plus K’s, and his ERA is fourth in the NL behind only Paul Skenes, Sánchez and Yamamoto.
As the Astros battle for a Wild Card spot, Brown took the mound for his final regular-season start on Wednesday and struggled, allowing four runs over five frames against the Athletics. That still left his season ERA at a stellar 2.43 with 206 strikeouts in 185 1/3 innings, ranking second in the AL in ERA and third in K’s.
The Mets’ postseason hopes hang in the balance this week, and McLean will make the biggest start of his young career in Thursday’s series finale against the Cubs. The 24-year-old rookie has been sensational since his callup, with a 1.27 ERA in seven starts and 46 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings.
Honorable mentions: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers), Nick Pivetta (Padres), Hunter Greene (Reds), Carlos Rodón (Yankees), Cade Horton (Cubs), Quinn Priester (Brewers), Gavin Williams (Guardians)
