The 2026 MLB season is through five weeks. Following suit with previous seasons, this is the common point in the schedule where players break out of early-season slumps. Of course, certain players are continuing their outstanding production. This is what makes baseball the greatest sport in the world. Entering week six, here are the top 10 starting pitcher rankings.
MORE: MLB shortstop power rankings entering week 6
1. Jose Soriano, Los Angeles Angels
Soriano is off to the best start in his career and of any starting pitcher this season. He’s been nearly untouchable in each of his starts. Entering the week, Jose Soriano leads MLB starting pitchers in ERA.
2. Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees
The second-year starter is blossoming into an ace. He has over one strikeout per inning pitched, and he isn’t allowing free passes. Entering the week, Cam Schlittler is on the shortlist for the American League Cy Young Award.
3. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Detroit is sitting at the top of the AL Central, and Tarik Skubal is leading the pitching staff. The back-to-back Cy Young winner isn’t slowing down. Skubal will make it difficult for anyone to prevent him from a third consecutive Cy Young.
4. Shota Imanaga, Chicago Cubs
Shota Imanaga has been remarkable for the first-place Chicago Cubs. Entering the week, the lefty has one of the best WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. His current K/9 is the highest of his career.
5. Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Skenes continues to amaze. He’s having the best start to a career of any starting pitcher. Last year’s NL Cy Young Award winner is stating his case to win the award for a second consecutive season.
6. Nolan McLean, New York Mets
The Mets have struggled, but rookie Nolan McLean has been a bright spot. He’s dominated opposing hitters and is giving the team a chance to win in each of his starts. Entering the week, Nolan McLean is in the top ten in K/9.
7. Parker Messick, Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland has been ahead of the curve in developing pitching, and they have a gem in rookie Parker Messick. Entering the week, Messick is in the top ten in ERA and WHIP. He is an early favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year.
8. Tyler Glasnow, Los Angeles Dodgers
Glasnow is elite and has always been elite. Health has derailed him from etching his name among the league’s top starting pitchers. Entering the week, the Los Angeles starter is among the league leaders in WHIP.
9. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
The unicorn is back on the mound full-time for the first time since 2023. He has dominated opposing hitters in each of his starts. By the end of the season, Shohei Ohtani will be in contention for the NL Cy Young Award.
10. Dylan Cease, Toronto Blue Jays
Cease is excelling in his first season with Toronto. Entering the week, he is ranked among the league leaders in strikeouts and K/9. Dyland Cease is on his way to 200 strikeouts for a sixth consecutive season.
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