2025 MLB Opening Day Starting Rotation Projections
![2025 MLB Opening Day Starting Rotation Projections](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/large_4204_2025_mlb_opening_day_starting_rotation_projections_1_dbd0b95992.jpg)
The landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) free agency has seen significant changes as teams prepare for the 2025 season. Notable moves include Roki Sasaki's decision to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jack Flaherty's two-year, $35 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, and Max Scherzer's move to the Toronto Blue Jays. With the list of available starters diminishing and spring training approaching, various teams are still seeking to bolster their rotations. Remaining options include Nick Pivetta, Kyle Gibson, José Quintana, Lance Lynn, Andrew Heaney, and Spencer Turnbull.
As teams finalize their strategies, projections for each MLB team's Opening Day starting rotation have been formulated. The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to feature Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt with no injuries reported. However, Jordan Montgomery's situation remains uncertain as the team must decide his role prior to the season. Other internal candidates vying for opportunities include Ryne Nelson, Tommy Henry, and Yilber Diaz.
For the Oakland Athletics, the projected rotation will consist of Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, JP Sears, Joey Estes, and Mitch Spence, with Ken Waldichuk on the injured list. This new trio aims to improve upon last season’s performance, as they finished 26th in the majors in 2024 with a 4.76 ERA.
In Atlanta, the Braves hope to see Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, Lance Lynn, and Grant Holmes leading their rotation while managing the absence of Spencer Strider. Young pitchers like AJ Smith-Shawver, Bryce Elder, and Ian Anderson will also be considered in the early months.
The Baltimore Orioles have added veteran Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano to complement Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer in their rotation. A potential breakout performance from Trevor Rogers could be pivotal for Baltimore.
In Boston, Tanner Houck leads a rotation that includes Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford, with Lucas Giolito recovering from March surgery. The success of the rotation may hinge on Giolito’s return to form.
The Chicago Cubs are projected to start with Shōta Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Colin Rea. A competitive battle may arise between Colin Rea and Javier Assad for a rotation spot, while younger pitchers like Ben Brown and Jordan Wicks could earn opportunities.
After a solid season with the Mets, José Quintana remains unsigned and may return to the Chicago White Sox, alongside Martín Pérez, Jonathan Cannon, Bryse Wilson, and Drew Thorpe as the projected pitchers for the White Sox.
The Cincinnati Reds have made strides by acquiring Brady Singer and bringing back Nick Martinez, with Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Martinez, and Nick Lodolo expected to start. The development of Rhett Lowder could further enhance their rotation.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians are hoping for a strong return from Shane Bieber as they work with Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Ben Lively, and Luis L. Ortiz in their rotation.
The Colorado Rockies face challenges after ending last season with the worst pitching staff, but the return of Germán Márquez and Antonio Senzatela offers some hope for improvement.
In Detroit, the Tigers enhanced their rotation by acquiring Alex Cobb and re-signing Flaherty. They expect to feature Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Alex Cobb, Reese Olson, and Casey Mize, while Sawyer Gipson-Long is on the injured list.
The Houston Astros have a formidable rotation projected to include Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, Kyle Gibson, and Spencer Arrighetti. They anticipate the returns of Luis García and Lance McCullers Jr. during the season.
The Kansas City Royals' rotation may be bolstered by the presence of veterans Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen, supported by Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Kris Bubic.
For the Los Angeles Angels, the rotation is expected to consist of Yusei Kikuchi, Tyler Anderson, José Soriano, Nick Pivetta, and Kyle Hendricks as they seek to address the void left by last season's uncertainties.
In the Texas Rangers' lineup, Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Tyler Mahle, and Kumar Rocker are slated to fill rotation spots, facing the duality of potential and injury return.
The Toronto Blue Jays look to fortify their rotation with Max Scherzer joining Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Chris Bassitt, alongside the developing talent of Bowden Francis.
The Washington Nationals are poised to see MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin, Trevor Williams, and others filling rotation spots while seeking further improvement through strategic acquisitions.
![Farhan Zaidi Returns to Dodgers as Special Advisor](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/thumbnail_4218_farhan_zaidi_returns_to_dodgers_as_special_advisor_1_168273a5c4.jpg)
![2025 Baseball Hall of Fame Class Team Representations Announced](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/thumbnail_4215_2025_baseball_hall_of_fame_class_team_representations_announced_1_ce361f82b6.jpg)
![Milwaukee Brewers to Honor Bob Uecker with Tribute Patch in 2025](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/thumbnail_4206_milwaukee_brewers_to_honor_bob_uecker_with_tribute_patch_in_2025_1_5c00bd9608.jpg)
![Kiké Hernández Returns to the Dodgers](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/thumbnail_4184_kik_hern_ndez_returns_to_the_dodgers_1_447aa4f6cd.jpg)
![Potential Bust Candidates Entering the 2025 MLB Season](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/thumbnail_4170_potential_bust_candidates_entering_the_2025_mlb_season_1_776e36e971.jpg)
![The Greatest Catchers of the Last 25 Years in MLB](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/thumbnail_4152_the_greatest_catchers_of_the_last_25_years_in_mlb_1_6665b21b06.jpg)
![Assessing MLB Ownership: A Comprehensive Ranking of Team Owners](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/thumbnail_4132_assessing_mlb_ownership_a_comprehensive_ranking_of_team_owners_1_5f581e7a46.jpg)
![Ippei Mizuhara Sentenced for Fraud Involving Shohei Ohtanis Funds](https://moneyline-cms-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/article_images/thumbnail_4111_ippei_mizuhara_sentenced_for_fraud_involving_shohei_ohtani_s_funds_1_5dfc2c66b5.jpg)
![Remain in the action](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fhoop.png&w=1080&q=75)