MLB Free Agent Rankings: The 10 Best Starting Pitchers Available
Teams looking for rotation help this winter have a deep group to choose from. The class features durable veterans and pitchers who’ve shown flashes of top-tier upside, and most come with long, big-league track records. Dylan Cease’s $210 million deal with Toronto has already set the tone for the market, and the rest of the field now waits to see who follows. These 10 starters stand out for recent performance, reliability, and what they could add to a staff next season.
Framber Valdez
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The long stretch of reliability pushes Framber Valdez to the front of the pack, with all four of his last seasons featuring at least 28 starts and a sub-3.70 ERA. His 192 innings in 2025 came with a 3.66 ERA, 187 strikeouts, and 20 quality starts. His ground-ball rate stays elite, and his heavy workload ranks near the top of the league over the past four years. Teams also see value in the fact that he has tossed eight complete games since 2022.
Zac Gallen
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A rough 2025 didn’t erase Zac Gallen’s prior run when he produced 12.2 fWAR from 2022 to 2024. Last season’s 4.83 ERA over 192 innings hurt his shine, but his velocity nonetheless held firm, and his command even improved. His second half looked better with a 3.97 ERA, which keeps clubs interested in his bounce-back chances.
Ranger Suarez
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Ranger Suarez keeps runs off the board, as shown by his 3.28 ERA across the last five seasons and a 3.20 ERA in 2025. Teams value that he posted 151 strikeouts and a 1.220 WHIP while staying healthy for 26 starts. His postseason track record remains a big selling point, as his career playoff ERA stands at 1.48 over 42.2 innings.
Lucas Giolito
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A healthy Lucas Giolito reminds everyone what he looks like at full strength. His 3.41 ERA across 145 innings marked his best season since 2019. He survived 26 starts after returning from UCL surgery and delivered outings of six innings or more fifteen times. His strikeout rate dipped from his peak, but teams still trust the workload.
Merrill Kelly
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Merrill Kelly keeps aging gracefully, and his 2025 line of a 3.52 ERA, 184 innings, and a 1.114 WHIP backed that up. He lost some momentum after a trade to Texas, but his long run of seasons between 177.2 and 200.1 innings keeps teams interested. His strikeout totals bounce around, so clubs with strong infield defenses will view him as an easy fit.
Chris Bassitt
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Chris Bassitt has had four straight seasons with at least 30 starts. His 3.96 ERA and 170.1 innings in 2025 weren’t flashy, but teams appreciate that he rarely needs early bullpen help. His WHIP improved from the previous year, and he again cleared 160 strikeouts while giving Toronto consistent outings.
Justin Verlander
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Justin Verlander logged 29 starts at age 42, which still surprises people. His 3.85 ERA and 152 innings prove he has more left than just name value. His strikeout totals stayed respectable at 137, and his midseason addition of a sweeper produced real results with a strong whiff rate and weak contact numbers.
Michael King
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By playing his second year as a starter, Michael King was given another strong audition, even though injuries limited him to 15 starts. He still managed a 3.44 ERA, 76 strikeouts, and a 1.200 WHIP in 73.1 innings. His 2024 season showcased his ceiling, as he logged a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts. His recent numbers demonstrate swing-and-miss ability backed by excellent secondary pitches.
Tatsuya Imai
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A breakout 2025 in Japan launched Tatsuya Imai into this conversation, and his 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts over 163.2 innings offer obvious upside. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, and four seasons of 150-plus innings show durability. Teams also appreciate that his control improved in each of his late twenties seasons.
Nick Martinez
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Nick Martinez followed Cincinnati’s needs by bouncing between the rotation and bullpen, but he still made 26 starts in 2025. His ERA climbed to 4.45, yet his workload hit a career high at 165.2 innings. His previous two seasons showed he can manage a lower run rate when used consistently, and clubs value that he handled 82 appearances over two years.