As the 2025 MLB season approaches, the critical question of which pitchers stand out and which are merely average has resurfaced. This year's analysis shines a light on the evolving role of starting pitchers, particularly in light of the recent injury to Gerrit Cole, the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, who faces Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire season.

Cole's situation is a stark reminder of the fragility of even the best pitchers in the game. Last year had already seen other prominent players like Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider sidelined by serious injuries, prompting Major League Baseball to investigate the alarming trend of increasing injury rates among pitchers. The study concluded that early-career ultra-competitive practices and high-velocity training are significant contributors to the problem: the very traits that make pitchers exceptional can also lead to their downfall.

This has inevitably complicated the traditional definition of an "ace." Historically, aces were defined by their ability to dominate hitters, stay healthy, and inspire confidence. However, as injury concerns become more pervasive, the criteria for being an ace have shifted.

To establish a clearer ranking system, a panel of 20 baseball experts with deep insights into scouting, player development, and analytics conducted a survey. They graded 80 pitchers based on their current capabilities, assessing performances from the 2024 season. The grading scale ranged from No. 1 (the elite) to No. 5 (the reliable but less dominant). This year's findings produced five distinct tiers:

Tier Rankings:

- **Tier 1 (100)** — "The Inner Circle": Unanimous No. 1s regarded as the best in the game. - **Tier 2 (99.5 to 90)** — "Aces": Dependable for all regular season and postseason challenges. - **Tier 3 (89.5 to 80)** — "The Doorstep Knockers": Potentials for aces in the future. - **Tier 4 (79.5 to 60)** — "No. 2s and No. 3s": Talented pitchers who may not rise to ace status, but are solid contributors. - **Tier 5 (59.5 and below)** — "No. 4s and No. 5s": Solid major league pitchers, but a notch below the elite.

Among the current landscape, Cole's absence shifts focus to other pitchers such as Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, both grappling with their transitions and injuries. Despite recent struggles, both were offered substantial contracts, highlighting the persistent belief in their potential abilities.

Another intriguing aspect is pitchers who made headlines for their postseason performances. Consider Walker Buehler, who, despite a shaky regular season ERA of 5.38, was instrumental in securing a World Series title for the Dodgers. Evaluators remain split on his durability for a full season moving forward.

Additionally, new stars are emerging, like Pablo López, who dazzled during his return to the rotation but needs to demonstrate consistency over an entire season. Young talents like the Yankees' Clarke Schmidt and Baltimore's Grayson Rodriguez face their early-career hurdles yet appear poised to take the next steps if they can stay healthy.

Looking ahead, all eyes will also be on newcomers from overseas, such as Shohei Ohtani and fellow Japanese talents Yamamoto and Sasaki. These players embody both hope and uncertainty, as their adaptions to major league play will be closely scrutinized.

As MLB executives, scouts, and fans weigh in on these rankings, one thing is clear: the landscape of pitching in Major League Baseball is constantly evolving, and the quest for reliable aces has never been more crucial for franchises aiming for championship glory.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor the performances of these pitchers and the impact of injuries on team dynamics as the season unfolds!