Philly Leader

Starting pitchers may not dominate the postseason as they once did, but top performers still significantly impact which teams reach the World Series and ultimately win the championship. Last October, Nathan Eovaldi and Jordan Montgomery were pivotal for the Texas Rangers, starting 11 of their 17 playoff games and leading the team to its first championship in franchise history.

As we approach this year's playoffs, MLB.com has released a postseason edition of the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings. The rankings consider career track records, 2024 performance, and recent success. Here are the results:

1. Tarik Skubal, Tigers

Skubal has consistently topped the Starting Pitcher Power Rankings throughout the season. His second-half ERA (2.37) closely matches his first-half ERA (2.41), and he has been even better in September (1.52). In his most recent start, Skubal held the Rays scoreless over seven innings, improving his record to 18-4.

2. Zack Wheeler, Phillies

Wheeler had no postseason experience before 2022 but has since become a proven performer with a 2.42 ERA over 11 games. This year, he has a 1.80 ERA since August and is peaking at the right time for another deep playoff run.

3. Chris Sale, Braves

Sale's postseason history includes closing out the 2018 World Series for Boston, but his overall track record is mixed. This year, he leads his league in wins (18) and ERA (2.38) for the first time in his career.

4. Framber Valdez, Astros

Valdez ranks fifth among active pitchers in postseason innings with a chance to move into the lead soon. His October results have varied, but he looks strong this year with a 1.96 ERA since the All-Star break.

5. Corbin Burnes, Orioles

Burnes was acquired by Baltimore last winter and has delivered with a 15-8 record and a 2.95 ERA over 31 starts. He enters the postseason with a banged-up rotation that will rely heavily on him.

6. Dylan Cease, Padres

Cease joined San Diego after Blake Snell left in free agency and has posted a 3.47 ERA with 224 strikeouts over 33 starts.

7. Gerrit Cole, Yankees

Cole missed part of this season due to an elbow injury but has been strong over his past nine starts with a 2.53 ERA.

8. Michael King, Padres

King has quietly excelled since May with a 2.42 ERA over his last 24 starts.

9. Sean Manaea, Mets

Manaea aims to overcome past postseason struggles with a strong finish this season that includes a 2.76 ERA since mid-June.

10 (tie). Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, Royals

Lugo leads MLB in innings pitched while Ragans recently delivered six scoreless innings in an important win for Kansas City.

Others receiving votes include Logan Gilbert (Mariners), Joe Musgrove (Padres), Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies), Hunter Brown (Astros), Jack Flaherty (Dodgers), Zach Eflin (Orioles), Aaron Nola (Phillies), Bryce Miller (Mariners), Freddy Peralta (Brewers), Yusei Kikuchi (Astros), Pablo López (Twins), Tanner Bibee (Guardians), Spencer Schwellenbach (Braves), George Kirby (Mariners).