Ranking the top 10 MLB starting pitchers after All-Star break

The All-Star Game has passed, and MLB enters the 17^th week of the 2026 season. Players are vying for regular-season awards, playoff races are heating up, and the trade deadline is approaching. There is a lot of exciting action in store as the season continues forward. Here are the top 10 starting pitchers in the league right now. 

MORE: Ranking the 10 worst hitters in MLB after the All-Star Game

10. Chase Burns, Cincinnati Reds

Burns has been as dominant as any starting pitcher this season. His success has led to him becoming the ace of Cincinnati’s rotation. It’s a shame he lost rookie status last season, because he would’ve run away with the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

9. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

Jun 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Skenes has faced adversity for the first time in his career. Opposing hitters have found success compared to his previous seasons. Still, he’s one of the league’s brightest stars for the foreseeable future.

8. Drew Rasmussen, Tampa Bay Rays

The veteran is having the best season of his career. He’s been dominant and gives Tampa Bay a chance to win each time he takes the mound. Entering the week, he ranks third in WHIP among MLB starting pitchers.

7. Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

Wheeler was an All-Star snub and rejected the offer to replace an injured player on the NL All-Star team. He has been as good as any starting pitcher this season. The pair of Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler gives the Phillies one of the best top-end rotations in MLB.

6. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

His first season on the mound in a few seasons, Ohtani has been dominant. The Dodgers are keeping their superstar healthy and ready for the playoffs. The NL MVP Award is Ohtani’s to lose.

5. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers

Apr 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Yamamoto is having the best season of his three seasons. He’s healthy, and this is the key to his success. He will lead the team’s starting rotation in the postseason.

4. Dylan Cease, Toronto Blue Jays

Cease continues to shine. He enters the week ranked second in strikeouts and flirted with a no-hitter a few starts ago. He can end the season as the American League strikeout leader.

3. Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies

Sanchez has become one of the game’s elite starting pitchers. He has improved in each of the past three seasons. He will be a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award.

2. Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees

Schlittler took the league by storm after making 14 starts during his 2025 rookie campaign. This season, he’s reached 20 starts and continues to produce. He is the favorite to win the AL Cy Young Award.

1. Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee Brewers

Jun 19, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Last season, Misiorowski received his MLB call-up before the All-Star Game. He showed his elite potential and carried it into this season. Entering the week, he leads MLB starting pitchers in strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP.

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