Two Philadelphia Phillies pitchers, Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler, have both secured spots in the top five of MLB.com’s latest Starting Pitcher Power Rankings as the league approaches the Trade Deadline. The rankings are based on a formula that weighs performance over the past year, with added emphasis on recent outings.
Sánchez is ranked fourth after a stretch of strong performances. In his most recent start against the White Sox, he allowed more than two runs for the first time since May 24 but still managed to pitch 6 2/3 innings. This followed a complete game with 12 strikeouts against the Red Sox. Sánchez has a career ERA of 3.20 across 74 starts and has become a key part of the Phillies’ rotation at age 26.
Wheeler is placed fifth in the rankings. Despite allowing four earned runs in two of his last three starts, he maintains a season ERA of 2.56 and leads the National League in strikeouts (172) and WHIP (0.89). Wheeler has been particularly effective at Citizens Bank Park, posting a 2.00 ERA over 11 starts this season. He remains in contention for his first Cy Young Award.
The list is dominated by pitchers from playoff-contending teams, with eight out of ten playing for clubs currently holding postseason positions.
Other notable names include Tarik Skubal (Tigers), Paul Skenes (Pirates), Garrett Crochet (Red Sox), Nick Pivetta (Padres), Jacob deGrom (Rangers), Framber Valdez (Astros), Matthew Boyd (Cubs), and Bryan Woo (Mariners).
Honorable mentions feature additional Phillies pitcher Ranger Suárez among others from teams like the Rangers, Reds, Astros, Dodgers, Twins, Marlins, Orioles, Mets, and Mariners.
The full rankings highlight how starting pitching remains highly valued as teams look to strengthen their rosters ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline at 6 p.m. ET.
