Dodgers Ranked the Second Best Starting Rotation in MLB
It’s always fun to watch media get hyped about the MLB season and put out their rankings way too early. And putting out a list of the best starting rotations in baseball in December with minimal movement occurring is certainly too early. But regardless, we like to see where MLB pundits believe the Dodgers fall.
In terms of starting rotations, the Dodgers came in ranked as the second-best in all of baseball with the latest update. They had the best rotation ERA in baseball during the 2020 season, and that was without David Price in the middle as they had expected.
Having Price in the Dodgers rotation in 2021 will only make them a much deeper threat. Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Price profile as the obvious top three in the starting rotation. After that, Los Angeles has the option to mix some young arms in and out of the rotation.
Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Julio Urias are three of the main guys who will likely see time in the rotation at some point. But don’t forget that the Dodgers have their top prospect in Josiah Gray ready to hit the big leagues at any time, as well as number 9 prospect Mitchell White.
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Should the Dodgers be the top rotation in baseball? Maybe not, but they certainly boast one of the deepest rotations in all of baseball.
Padres Ranked #1
As can be expected after big moves were just made, the San Diego Padres came in as the top starting rotation in baseball. Fresh off of trades that got them Blake Snell and Yu Darvish, it’s not much of a surprise to see MLB media get excited about their staff. I think it’s still advantage Dodgers, but I might be a little biased.
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I don’t think you’re biased at all. Were Clevinger and Lamet healthy, SD could make an argument but Clevinger’s out and Lamet’s questionable.
After Darvish and Snell, the rotation will include Lamet (who has never stayed healthy over a season and is rehabbing a shoulder now), Paddock (who regressed badly last year), and Lucchesti or Morejon. Mackenzie Gore has pitched a total of 5 games at AA level in his career.
Their rotation has tremendous potential – for 2022. They have a lot of question marks this year so I’ll go with the champs and their proven track record.
Exactly.. The baseball media loves new and shiny things..
The Padres have the best rotation in baseball. And the key to the postseason is always the top 3. The Padres have Darvish, Snell, and Lamet. The Dodgers have Kershaw, Buehler, and bullpen games, at least that’s how DR did it last year. May and Gonsolin will have to up their postseason game dramatically. Urias looked good, but mostly in relief. And of course Price didn’t exist, possibly still doesn’t, and is iffy at best if he does play. I’m a Dodger fan, but I’m not in denial.
You’re not in denial but you’re falling victim to news hype while best casing the Padres and worse casing the Dodgers. Lamet is outstanding but he’s injured and has a history of injuries. He has never made it through a full season and, in the short ’20 season, his stats were twice as good as any he had previously produced. Urias closed games in the playoffs like Charlie Morton did ’17 but he’s a starter with career ERA+ and FIP stats that are better than Lamet’s and he has pitched without injury issue the last 2 years.
Darvish had his best statistical year by far in the short ’20 season while Kershaw’s numbers were consistent with his typical performance and Kershaw blows Darvish away statistically in ’17, ’18, and ’19.
Walker Buehler has better career stats (same ERA+, better FIP) than Snell even factoring Snell’s remarkable ’18 which was as much an outlier for him as Bryce Harper’s hitting numbers in ’15.
No – by the numbers, the Dodgers still have the better staff. The Padres need to show it consistently on the field before handing them any titles. Right now it’s a lot of news buzz by pundits desperate for stories and pulling for the underdog. Now if you want to talk about SDs staff after Clevinger returns and Gore matures, you could be on to something.
Well said. Bum4ever! And Happy New Year! But also. Dodgers need to shore the BP and secure a couple RHB. I noticed that the Padres rotation.
options besides Snell has 4 other available LHP to throw at Dodgers, so its imperative to step it up against LHP.
To the dummies that say Urias pitched good they’re totally wrong. Julio pitched great had it been Kershaw I’m sure they would have given him the MVP.If Urias hadn’t pitched Simple Braves win series and would have gone to the WS.For last 2 years fans keep saying Buhler is the ace well he’s still inconsistent to be the ace he takes 2 months to warm up Can’t close out series with 3 days rest Julio did it with 2 days rest.Proof is right there Julio is the man now! Whether you like it or not. But Roberts has to be fair let Barnes catch all 3 not just Kershaw and Buhler .
You are an idiot. A rotation that hasn’t even pitched an inning as a rotation and you are calling it the best in baseball. When the Dodger staff has been this way for a while you go with that rotation. Like I said in a different area. The padres benefitted from a shortened season. The Padres start off strong but when the second half of the season starts they end up towards the basement. This has been going on for while. Wait until they actual pitch as a rotation before you claim them to be the best. Until then shut your trap.
Dodgers are #1 and will be for the next 4 or 5 years. Goslin and May are due to be top starters beginning in 2021. Price is a luxury that would put Urias in the BP if he is willing, otherwise Price gets traded after a few good starts for a top closer. Only Kershaw is aging and he stays on top of conditioning so well he could last another 10 years as a Dodger!