MLB: Ranking the Top Five Starting Rotations

Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) of the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) of the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

1. Boston Red Sox

Despite my personal beliefs on why the Sale trade was unnecessary, the Boston Red Sox have the best rotation in baseball. Practically selling their future away, the Red Sox managed to craft something truly special for the present. When the Red Sox third best pitcher is the reigning Cy Young award winner you know they have something special. Not only do they have insane amounts of depth, that depth is also extremely talented.

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In a staff led by two powerhouse lefties, the Red Sox seem to have it all in the pitching department. As of now, the starting five look to be Rick Porcello, Chris Sale, David Price, Steven Wright, and Drew Pomeranz. Wright and Pomeranz began 2016 on a very well note. They both got hurt, and their numbers seemingly diminished. However, they both are still extremely talented, and if they don’t pan out, well the Red Sox have Eduardo Rodriguez and Clay Buchholz.

Buchholz is not the pitcher he once was, and did not post great numbers as of late. However, he is simply a security option if the two other arms ahead of him don’t pan out for the five-spot. Having your seventh listed starting pitcher arguably make almost any other starting rotation is a testament to your depth. Ahead of him, is 23-year-old Eduardo Rodriguez. Rodriguez is very young, and has a lot going for him. Watching develop likely from the bullpen to start 2017 will be something special.

Next: Strasburg plans to change approach

It is hard to argue why the Red Sox have the best rotation in the MLB. They have the Depth of the Dodgers, and the superstars of the Cubs. Barring some extreme meltdown, the Red Sox will likely battle the Cubs for the best record in baseball.