In baseball, having two top-tier starting pitchers can really set a team up for success. Think of it like having two superheroes at the front of your lineup—it’s a huge advantage. Each duo we’re going to talk about has helped put their team in a solid spot to aim for the playoffs.
And, so that you know, we’re not just talking about how these pitchers performed in the first month of the season. Baseball is a long game, and we’re also considering their past achievements.
Even if a pitcher hasn’t had the strongest start this April, if they’ve got a history of being awesome, they’re still on our list. It’s all about having a good balance of immediate results and proven consistency.
Philadelphia Phillies: Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler
The Phillies have spent big, $298 million, to keep Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Since joining in 2020, Wheeler has been almost the best pitcher out there, only second to Cole. He leads with a 20.6 WAR over five seasons, showing he’s not just good but also reliable, pitching the second most innings (666 2/3) in baseball.
Nola, even though he gives up some home runs, is nothing short of impressive, with the most innings (690) since 2020 and two top-five NL Cy Young finishes. The Phillies’ rotation is looking scary good, especially with Ranger Suárez stepping up as a potential ace and strong performances from Spencer Turnbull and Cristopher Sánchez.
Wheeler and Nola aren’t just a top duo; they’re leading what might be the best starting rotation in the game.
Baltimore Orioles: Kyle Bradish and Corbin Burnes
The Orioles really scored by getting Corbin Burnes from the Brewers. Burnes who has won the NL Cy Young Award is doing amazing. In his first six starts for the O’s, he’s 3-0 with a 2.55 ERA.
Everyone’s watching him, as he might be the best pitcher to grab in free agency next year. Kyle Bradish is coming back, too. After hurting his elbow, he’s worked hard in rehab and is ready to pitch again. Last year, after the All-Star break, he had a 2.34 ERA and was fourth in the AL Cy Young vote. With Burnes and Bradish, the Orioles have a powerful team.
And if they add more talent, maybe from their great farm system, they could go all the way to winning the World Series. Burnes and Bradish make the Orioles strong contenders as MLB postseason qualifiers.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Jordan Montgomery and Zac Gallen
Zac Gallen is amazing. He has finished in the top five for the NL Cy Young Award voting two times, including third place once. He and Merrill Kelly were vital in the Diamondbacks’ unexpected World Series run, but the D-backs didn’t stop there.
They added two big pitchers this offseason. Eduardo Rodríguez hasn’t played yet because of an injury, but right before the season, Arizona signed Jordan Montgomery from the Texas Rangers to a big one-year deal worth $25 million. Montgomery, a left-handed pitcher with great skills, had a tough time in free agency, but the D-backs made a smart move by signing him.
After just two starts, Montgomery has a 2.77 ERA. With Gallen and Montgomery leading and Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt also being important from last year, Arizona’s rotation is strong. It could become the best if Rodríguez comes back and does well.
