Pitching Wins Championships in MLB Playoffs

As the MLB postseason approaches, the importance of a strong pitching rotation cannot be overstated. While home runs and flashy scores capture fans' attention, the reality is that effective pitching is often what leads to championships. In today’s game, the complexity of expanded bullpen usage means that teams must strategize far beyond hoping that their starting pitcher can go deep into games.

This year, our focus turns to the projected playoff rotations of each contender, specifically analyzing their aces, reliable starters, and candidates for crucial Game 4 matchups in a best-of-seven series. Here’s a breakdown of teams that currently hold at least a five percent chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs.

Playoff Rotation Analysis

Milwaukee Brewers: Headlined by AceRHP Sonny Gray, who boasts a solid postseason track record, the Brewers mix young talents like LHP Matthew Liberatore and RHP Michael McGreevy alongside experienced candidates for Game 4.

Cleveland Guardians: The ace of their staff, RHP Gavin Williams, has shown flashes of brilliance. The Guardians will likely rely on fellow rotation members LHP Logan Allen and RHP Tanner Bibee depending on matchups.

New York Mets: As the season wraps up, LHP David Peterson emerges as their ace, with reliable arms like RHP Kodai Senga and candidates for Game 4 shaping up to be crucial.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers have a strong one-two punch in RHP Nathan Eovaldi and RHP Jacob deGrom, making their rotation formidable in the postseason.

Atlanta Braves: With LHP Max Fried as the cornerstone, they've positioned themselves in a way that could exploit their starting depth effectively as the playoffs approach.

These rotations are only part of the storytelling that the playoffs bring. As teams finalize their strategies for the postseason, pitching will be pivotal to their success.

Upcoming Matches

Excited for live action? Tune in to Friday Night Baseball only on Apple TV+. Tonight features key matchups: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds at 6:40 p.m. ET, and Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays at 7:07 p.m. ET.