# 2026-27 Free Agent Pitcher Rankings

> Tarik Skubal tops MLB's free agent starting pitcher rankings for 2026-27 season.
- Title: 2026-27 Free Agent Pitcher Rankings · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: Tarik Skubal tops MLB's free agent starting pitcher rankings for 2026-27 season. Tarik Skubal is the unanimous No.
- Keywords: mlb, free agent, starting pitcher, tarik skubal, michael king, freddy peralta, sonny gray, kaima taira, trevor rogers, clay holmes, kevin gaussman, shota imanaga
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/free-agent-starting-pitcher-power-rankings-for-2026-2027
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mlb, free agent, starting pitcher, tarik skubal, michael king, freddy peralta, sonny gray, kaima taira, trevor rogers, clay holmes, kevin gaussman, shota imanaga
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Tarik Skubal is the unanimous No. 1 free agent starting pitcher for 2026-27 with strong performance despite injury setbacks.