2025 MLB Ace Rankings:The Best MLB Starting Pitchers in 2025

Baseball fans, listen up—2025 is turning out to be an awesome year for pitching. We’re seeing some young stars rise fast, some old favorites make big comebacks, and a whole lot of strikeouts along the way.

If you love watching pitchers who can take control of a game, this list is for you. Let’s get to know the five best starting pitchers (also called aces) in Major League Baseball right now.

What is an Ace

In baseball, an ace is the best pitcher on a team. They usually start on Opening Day and pitch in the biggest games. But being an ace isn’t just about throwing super fast—nowadays, it’s also about being smart, staying healthy, and helping your team win every time you pitch.

The Top 5 Pitchers of 2025

1. Tarik Skubal – Detroit Tigers

Skubal is the top guy this year. He throws really fast, but he also knows exactly where to place the ball. He won a big award last year (the Cy Young), and he’s been just as good in 2025. The Tigers are lucky to have him!

2. Paul Skenes – Pittsburgh Pirates

Paul Skenes is only 22 years old, but wow—he’s already a star. He started the first game of the season for the Pirates, which is a big deal. He throws hard, and he’s super focused on the mound. He could be the next big thing in baseball.

3. Zack Wheeler – Philadelphia Phillies

Wheeler isn’t flashy, but he’s always good. He’s like the kid in school who always finishes his homework early—he just gets the job done. Every season, he gives his team a solid chance to win, and in 2025, he’s doing that again.

4. Chris Sale – Atlanta Braves

Remember Chris Sale? He used to be one of the best, then he got hurt a lot. But now? He’s back—and better than ever. He won a big award last year too, and he’s helping the Braves try to win the World Series.

5. Garrett Crochet – Boston Red Sox

Crochet started as a relief pitcher, but now he’s in the starting rotation—and crushing it! He’s one of the coolest surprises this year. The Red Sox gave him a shot, and he’s showing everyone just how good he really is.

Other Pitchers to Keep an Eye On

Some pitchers just missed the top 5 but are still doing great:

Corbin Burnes – Always solid.
Shohei Ohtani – Not pitching this year but still a superstar.
Logan Webb and Kevin Gausman – Two more reliable arms who help their teams a lot.

There are also some young pitchers who might jump into the top group later this year.

What’s New in Pitching This Year?

Younger Pitchers Are Taking Over

Teams are giving younger guys a chance faster than ever. Paul Skenes is proof—it doesn’t matter if you're young if you’ve got the talent.

Veterans Are Still Hanging In

Pitchers like Chris Sale are showing that experience still matters. They’ve seen it all and know how to win.

More Pitch Types

Pitchers today aren’t just throwing fastballs. They’re using sliders, changeups, splitters—you name it. It keeps hitters guessing.

What the Experts Say

Scouts (people who find and study players) and team managers are excited about this new generation of pitchers. One scout told MLB that “These kids are throwing 100 miles per hour and know how to control it. That’s rare.” Everyone agrees—pitching is getting better and smarter every year.

FAQs – Quick Questions About 2025’s Pitchers

Q: Who strikes out the most hitters this year?

A: Tarik Skubal is leading the league so far!

Q: Is Shohei Ohtani pitching this year?

A: Nope—he’s taking time to recover from surgery, but he’s still hitting like a champ.

Q: Who is the biggest surprise?

A: Garrett Crochet! He went from bullpen to ace and is crushing it.

Q: How do teams decide who’s the best?

A: They look at stats like how many players a pitcher strikes out, how few batters they walk, and how well they keep runners off base.

Where Can You Watch These Aces Pitch?

Want to see these stars in action? You can catch MLB Streams on Sportsurge for free and enjoy games in HD. It's a go-to spot for fans who don’t want to miss a pitch.