Cam Schlittler of the New York Yankees is ranked third in the latest Starting Pitcher Power Rankings, according to a poll released on May 21. The rankings, compiled by a panel of MLB.com experts, highlight the top-performing pitchers so far this season.
The Power Rankings are closely watched as they reflect recent performances and trends among Major League Baseball’s leading starting pitchers. Each new poll has seen a different pitcher claim the top spot, demonstrating strong competition at the highest level.
Cristopher Sánchez of the Philadelphia Phillies leads this edition after extending his scoreless streak to 29 2/3 innings with a shutout performance. Jacob Misiorowski from the Milwaukee Brewers follows in second place with notable strikeout numbers and fastball velocity. Schlittler holds third place and leads all qualified pitchers in earned run average (ERA) at 1.35 and fielding independent pitching (FIP) at 1.83 heading into his next start against Toronto. He also ranks first in Statcast’s Pitching Run Value metric, relying heavily on fastballs thrown over 90% of the time.
Other pitchers featured include Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who dropped from first to fourth despite maintaining an ERA under one run per nine innings pitched; Paul Skenes of Pittsburgh; Chris Sale of Atlanta; Chase Burns of Cincinnati; Zack Wheeler of Philadelphia; Dylan Cease of Toronto; and Davis Martin of Chicago White Sox.
The rankings note that some players have exceeded expectations or returned strongly from injury, such as Wheeler following thoracic outlet decompression surgery. They also mention surprise performers like Martin, who has helped position his team for playoff contention early in the season.
As competition remains intense among elite starters across Major League Baseball, future editions will track whether current leaders can maintain their form or if new names will emerge.
