These are the top 10 pitching staffs in MLB as we head into the final month of the season:
1. Texas Rangers
Apr 1, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The Rangers starting rotation has been one of the best all season long, and their bullpen has exceeded expectations as well. They have the best ERA in MLB.
3. MIlwaukee Brewers
Jul 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) talks to catcher Eric Haase (13) during a pitching change in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Brewers arguably have the best starting pitching in the National League this season. It is a deep rotataion and it’s backed up by a very strong bullpen too.
3. San Diego Padres
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League pitcher Robert Suarez (75) of the San Diego Padres pitches during the ninth inning during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Padres rotation has been good, but it is their bullpen that is the real driving force behind why they are number 3 on this list.
4. Kansas City Royals
Aug 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws during the first inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
The Royals, even with key injuries in their rotation have pitched very well this season. The pitching staff is what has carried them back into a possible Wild Card spot in the AL.
5. Boston Red Sox
Apr 2, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) throws during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The Red Sox starting rotation behind ace Garrett Crochet has been far better than anyone could have expected. They have also established a very strong bullpen, anchored by future hall of famer Aroldis Chapman.
6. Detroit Tigers
Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; American League pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the first inning during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Tigers overall numbers are definitely boosted by their ace Tarik Skubal. He is a front runner for AL Cy Young, and although their bullpen isn’t one of the best, it has been solid and stready for most of the year.
7. Philadelphia Phillies
Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Until Wheeler went down with his injury, the Phillies had one of the best starting rotations in the big leagues. It is still good, but without their ace, the numbers overall have inflated.
8. Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) pitches in the first inning between Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
The Reds have a very strong starting rotation, especially when fully healthy. They also have one of the leagues top closers this season in Emilio Pagan.
9. San Francisco Giants
Jul 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
The Giants starting rotation has been quite good this season, but their bullpen has been inconsistent recently and they have dropped in these rankings because of it.
10. New York Mets
Jul 21, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Mets have fallen outside of the top 10 in team ERA, but for many months they were in the top 5. I like what they have at the back end of the bullpen and on in terms of skill, this is still a top 10 pitching staff, even if the current numbers don’t support it.
By Louis Friedl 
Angel Atienza-Romero