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2026-27 Free Agent Pitcher Rankings
Tarik Skubal tops MLB's free agent starting pitcher rankings for 2026-27 season.
In brief
Tarik Skubal tops MLB's free agent starting pitcher rankings for 2026-27 season. Tarik Skubal is the unanimous No. 1 free agent starting pitcher for 2026-27 with strong performance despite injury setbacks. Originally reported by Mlb.
Unanimous No. 1 Choice
Tarik Skubal is the unanimous No. 1 free agent starting pitcher for 2026-27 season.
Second Place Controversy
Six pitchers received at least one second- or third-place vote from the voting panel.
Tarik Skubal's Performance
Skubal won't win his third straight Cy Young award due to injury and league change, but his ERA was well under 3.00.
Michael King's Rise
King ranked fifth last year and now has career highs in starts and innings after opting out of his contract.
Freddy Peralta's Struggles
Peralta struggled with a 4.99 ERA after joining the Mets but improved to 3.25 ERA with the Rays.
Sonny Gray's Journey
Gray has a strong 2026 season with 18-5 record and 2.72 ERA despite declining strikeout rates.
Kaima Taira's Potential
Taira, a 27-year-old Japanese pitcher, has a 1.36 ERA but faces concerns about his height and durability.
Trevor Rogers' Ups and Downs
Rogers had a miserable first two months in 2026 before an excellent last four months with a 2.90 ERA.
Clay Holmes' Transition
Holmes converted from reliever to starter with a 3.44 ERA in 51 games over two seasons.
Kevin Gausman's Challenges
Gausman struggled with five-plus earned runs in three starts but has strong strikeout and walk rates.
Shota Imanaga's Profile
Imanaga excels at limiting walks but allows 66 homers over two seasons, tied for most in MLB.
Foster Griffin's Return
Griffin returned to MLB after Japan stints, becoming an All-Star at age 30 with a diverse pitch arsenal.
The bottom line
Tarik Skubal is the unanimous No. 1 free agent starting pitcher for 2026-27 with strong performance despite injury setbacks.
