The debate will never end, but it must be done, ranking the best pitchers in MLB today. The list of greats will always be criticized and debated by professionals and fans everywhere. Depending on allegiances with certain teams or a connection with a certain player, there will always be the annual debate of who’s the best pitchers are. Today, we will rank the top five best pitchers in MLB.
#5 – Dinelson Lamet
Dinelson Lamet of the San Diego Padres squeaks in the top five after a season that included three wins and 69 innings pitched. Lamet leads the Padres pitching rotation and only surrendered 39 hits in 2020, the lowest hit total among the top five pitchers. The San Diego starter racked up 93 strikeouts while only allowing five home runs for the season and wrapped up the year with a 2.09 ERA. The right-hander from the Dominican Republic will look to better those totals heading into 2021.
#4 Yu Darvish
Yu Darvish of the Chicago Cubs ranks fourth best for the 2020 season, likely not a surprise to many as Darvish has been one of the best pitchers in MLB since entering the league. The Cubs right-hander racked up eight wins in 2020 while completing 76 innings. The 35-Year-old posted 93 strikeouts and a 2.01 ERA, serving up five home runs and 17 earned runs during those 76 innings pitched. Darvish has consistently ranked among the best pitchers in MLB, the question is when will it come to an end as the years add up.
#3 Dallas Keuchel
The newest starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, Dallas Keuchel finds himself in the third spot after an impressive season with his new team. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native had 63 innings pitched allowing 52 hits and only two home runs. Keuchel was lights out in Houston and brought the same demeanor to Chicago. Not as effective with the strikeouts after accumulating 42 on the year, but he was able to keep the ball in front of his defense and most notably in the ballparks giving up two home runs in 2020. The left-hander enters his 2nd season of his 3-year contract with Chicago.
#2 Trevor Bauer
Trevor Bauer makes the top two with an impressive season with the Cincinnati Reds. A 5-4 record may suggest otherwise, but his numbers are impressive despite the wins and losses. Bauer cracked the century mark for strikeouts with 100 in 2020, one of four pitchers to do so in the MLB. Trevor completed 73 innings and had two complete-game shutouts, while only allowing 41 hits, nine of those hits left the stadium. Giving up 15 runs on the year secured Bauer a 1.99 ERA.
#1 Shane Bieber
The Cleveland Indians starter Shane Bieber sits on top of as one of the best pitchers in the MLB of 2020. The most innings completed with 77 and the lowest earned run average, completing the year with a 1.63 ERA. Bieber was confused with the pop star, Justin Bieber during a live broadcast, despite this, he did not let that phase him as he posted 122 strikeouts on the year allowing 14 earned runs giving up 15 hits and seven home runs. Shane Bieber earned an 8-1 record and secured the top spot in the top five.
Honorable Mentions
Oakland Athletics Chris Bassist, New York Mets Jacob deGrom, Toronto Blue Jays Hyun – Jin Ryu
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