Ranking the top 10 starting pitchers in MLB after the trade deadline

The start of this week in MLB had a lot at stake. GMs and front offices have been busy working on deals they hope will pave the way to a deep postseason run. Monday was the trade deadline, and several teams saw player movement. For most teams, acquisitions were made to chase a playoff berth, while others brought in prospects for the future.

Following the trade deadline, teams will be playing for crucial wins each day. Here are the top 10 starting pitchers after the MLB trade deadline.

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Apr 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) walks off the field after pitching against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Rasmussen is having the best of his career. Entering the week, he has the fourth-best WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He has been Tampa Bay’s best starting pitcher.

Burns is having a sensational season in year two. Entering the week, he ranks twelfth in WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He is second in wins and has lost one game.

Williams has been a workhorse this season. Entering the week, he ranks second in strikeouts among MLB pitchers. He has become the ace of the Guardians’ rotation.

Yamamoto has been elite this season. Entering the week, he ranks second in WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He can finish the season with the most innings pitched in his three MLB seasons.

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Aug 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Wheeler has been fantastic this season. An All-Star snub, the Philadelphia right-hander continues to prove he should’ve been on the NL All-Star roster. He will be relied upon in the postseason.

Sanchez has blossomed into a true ace. Entering the week, he ranks fourth in strikeouts among MLB pitchers. By the end of the season, he can reach 200 strikeouts for a second consecutive season.

Cease has been electric in his first season in Toronto. Entering the week, he ranks third in strikeouts among MLB pitchers. By the end of the season, he can reach 200 strikeouts for a sixth consecutive season.

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Sep 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The veteran is making a strong case for a second NL Cy Young Award in three seasons. Entering the week, he ranks top ten in WHIP and strikeouts among MLB starting pitchers. He is the veteran ace in Atlanta’s starting rotation.
Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees

Cam Schlittler is running away with the AL Cy Young Award. Entering the week, he ranks third in WHIP, fifth in strikeouts, and second in ERA among MLB starting pitchers. He is the ace in New York’s starting rotation.

Misiorowski is the favorite to win the NL Cy Young Award. Entering the week, he leads MLB starting pitchers in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. In two seasons, he has become the best starting pitcher in baseball.