This offseason's best free-agent starters, ranked
MLB.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Tarik Skubal is the unanimous top free-agent starting pitcher for 2026-27 despite missing six weeks due to elbow surgery; his performance remained strong with an ERA under 3.00 and a 2.51 FIP.
- Michael King improved his stock with career highs in starts and innings and a strong postseason, but his underlying metrics show some concerns, including a below-average strikeout rate.
- Freddy Peralta had mixed results between two teams in 2026 but showed durability and productivity overall, suggesting his early struggles may have been temporary.
- Veterans Sonny Gray and Clay Holmes demonstrated effective performances in 2026, with Gray posting an 18-5 record and 2.72 ERA despite age concerns, and Holmes successfully transitioning from reliever to starter despite injury.
- Young pitchers Kaima Taira and Trevor Rogers offer intriguing potential, with Taira coming off a dominant season in Japan and Rogers showing flashes of brilliance despite inconsistency and injuries.
