In the dynamic world of Major League Baseball (MLB), the quest to determine the best pitcher is an ongoing debate, especially in light of injuries that can sideline top performers. With Gerrit Cole, one of the premier pitchers of his generation, currently on the mend, the field is wide open for discussion. Recently, CBS Sports MLB experts engaged in a spirited roundtable discussion, exploring various metrics and factors to pinpoint the top active pitcher in the league. This comprehensive analysis delves into their insights, examining the significance of statistics, postseason performance, and the ever-crucial element of innings pitched.
Before delving into the experts' viewpoints, it's essential to understand the contenders vying for the title of the best active MLB pitcher. Amidst a sea of talented hurlers, several names stand out:
Zack Wheeler:
A dominant force on the mound, Wheeler boasts impressive statistics, including leading MLB in pitching Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to FanGraphs. His consistency over the last three seasons, coupled with postseason prowess, elevates his candidacy.
Logan Webb:
Emerging as a formidable presence in 2021, Webb's evolution into an ace with a penchant for logging significant innings places him firmly in the conversation. His ability to shoulder a heavy workload adds a layer of value to his performance.
Spencer Strider:
Despite being relatively young at 25 years old, Strider has already made waves with his electric stuff and propensity for strikeouts. His impressive strikeout rate and potential for future dominance make him a compelling choice.
Others:
While Wheeler, Webb, and Strider receive significant attention, additional pitchers like Kevin Gausman and Corbin Burnes merit consideration for their stellar performances and impact on the mound.
Expert Insights:
In the absence of a clear-cut favorite, the CBS Sports MLB experts weigh in with their perspectives, shedding light on the complexities of determining the best pitcher in baseball.
R.J. Anderson:
Acknowledging the abundance of viable candidates, Anderson leans towards Zack Wheeler as his top choice. Citing Wheeler's leadership in pitching WAR and impressive postseason outings, Anderson emphasizes the right-hander's consistency and importance to the Phillies.
Mike Axisa:
Sharing a similar sentiment, Axisa echoes Anderson's endorsement of Zack Wheeler. Highlighting Wheeler's multifaceted contributions, including strikeouts, grounders, and durability, Axisa emphasizes the impact and volume of his performances, particularly in high-stakes postseason games.
Matt Snyder:
In a departure from the consensus, Snyder opts for Logan Webb as his preferred choice. Emphasizing the significance of innings pitched, Snyder lauds Webb's emergence as a frontline starter capable of shouldering a heavy workload, thereby solidifying his status as a premier pitcher in the league.
Dayn Perry:
Offering a distinct perspective, Perry makes a compelling case for Spencer Strider as the best active MLB pitcher. Drawing attention to Strider's remarkable strikeout rate and potential for continued growth, Perry highlights the young hurler's dominance on the mound and anticipates even greater success in the future.
The debate surrounding the best active MLB pitcher in the absence of Gerrit Cole showcases the diverse viewpoints and considerations at play in evaluating pitching excellence. While Zack Wheeler, Logan Webb, and Spencer Strider emerge as frontrunners, each expert brings a unique perspective to the discussion, emphasizing different aspects such as consistency, innings pitched, and future potential. Ultimately, the quest to crown the best pitcher in baseball remains subjective, shaped by individual preferences and interpretations of statistical data. As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will continue to monitor these pitchers' performances, eagerly awaiting the emergence of the next pitching phenom destined to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
FAQs:
Who is the 1 pitcher of all time?
Cy Young holds the MLB win record with 511; Walter Johnson is second with 417. Young and Johnson are the only players to earn 400 or more wins. Among pitchers whose entire careers were in the post-1920 live-ball era, Warren Spahn has the most wins with 363.
Who is the best hitting pitcher ever?
Doing that, Ruth, indeed, does come out on top by quite a distance, with an OPS+ of 206; number two is Bob Caruthers, who pitched nine seasons in the 19th century, 1884–1893, and finished his major league career with 705 games, 2906 plate appearances, a slash line of . 282/. 391/. 400, and an OPS+ of 134.
How fast did Nolan Ryan throw?
He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest MLB pitchers of all time. Ryan was a right-handed pitcher who consistently threw pitches that were clocked above 100 miles per hour (161 km/h).
Has a pitcher ever went undefeated?
Three leaders' streaks represented all of their decisions in undefeated seasons. They are Joe Pate of the A's (9-0 in 1926), Tom Zachary of the Yankees (12-0 in 1929), and co-leader Ken Holtzman, Chicago Cubs (9-0 in 1967).
Who is the pitcher with one eye?
Fanning was 15 when he lost sight in his left eye in the freak farming accident that punctured his eye. But more than five years later, he's an increasingly prominent piece of the Tennessee baseball pitching staff, an unlikely MLB draft prospect living out baseball dreams that were plunged into peril on Jan.
Which pitcher has 300 wins?
Since 1990, only four pitchers have joined the 300-win club: Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Randy Johnson.
How many pitchers have 400 wins?
Young and Johnson are the only players to earn 400 or more wins.
