Skubal, Sánchez, Soriano Lead MLB Starting Pitcher Power Rankings

Let’s break down MLB.com’s April 2026 Starting Pitcher Power Rankings. This year, a bunch of S-named aces are dominating the list.

The rankings mix classic stats like ERA and innings with advanced stuff—ground-ball rate, strikeout rate, xERA, FIP. These metrics help explain why these particular arms are pulling away from the pack so early in the season.

Overview: The S‑Led Elite and What It Means for 2026

Five of the top starters all have surnames starting with S. The real story, though, is how each guy manages to balance dominance with indicators that suggest they can keep it up.

We’re seeing near-perfect outings and some wild, low ERAs. Today’s top pitchers are squeezing every bit out of swing-and-miss rates, ground balls, and command, shaping what looks like an elite year on the mound.

Tarik Skubal — No. 1

Skubal’s at the top after a scorching run. He’s leading the league in several categories and has put himself in the Cy Young conversation for a third straight year.

He’s efficient and powerful, and that’s why people keep talking Cy Young. The team’s leaning on him more than ever, and he’s handling the pressure so far.

Cristopher Sánchez — No. 2

Sánchez is racking up grounders like crazy—59.2%—and his 31.7% strikeout rate is no joke. He’s making life tough for hitters and keeping runs off the board.

He doesn’t make a lot of noise, but his numbers are screaming for attention early this season. He’s just quietly dominating.

José Soriano — No. 3

Soriano’s start is historic—0.24 ERA over six starts and 37 2/3 innings. Nobody’s put up a line like that since earned runs started getting tracked back in 1913.

He’s showing off rare command and efficiency for someone this early in their career. Hitters just can’t seem to crack the code right now.

Paul Skenes — No. 4

Skenes bounced back after a rough Opening Day. Since then, he’s got a 3.27 ERA and opponents are hitting just .125 off him.

He’s flipped the narrative, turning a shaky start into a strong run. Feels like he’s pitching with late-season confidence already.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto — No. 6

Yamamoto’s been steady for the Dodgers. He’s got a 2.48 ERA over 32 2/3 innings, even with a stumble in one of his first games.

That early hiccup? Just a blip. He’s settled in and kept things rolling as spring turns to summer.

Shohei Ohtani — No. 7

When Ohtani takes the mound, he’s still electric—just one run allowed, and opponents are hitting a measly .141 over 24 innings. And, of course, he’s still mashing at the plate.

What can you even say? His ability to impact both sides of the game on the same day keeps him in every pitching conversation.

Dylan Cease — No. 8

Cease leads all qualified starters with a 39.7% strikeout rate. He’s racked up 44 strikeouts in just 25 2/3 innings, getting whiffs on almost 40% of his pitches.

That kind of swing-and-miss stuff is just nasty. Hitters who are off even a little bit don’t stand a chance.

Nolan McLean — No. 9

The rookie’s making waves with a 2.67 ERA and a 1.94 xERA. He even took a perfect game into the sixth inning not long ago.

Max Fried — No. 10

Fried has stepped up as New York’s go-to innings-eater. He’s put up a 2.40 ERA and an impressive 0.77 WHIP so far.

There’s no shortage of competition, though. Kevin Gausman, Jacob deGrom, Chris Sale, and Landen Roupp have all gotten some votes as the season keeps shifting with performance, health, and, honestly, just plain luck.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Skubal, Sánchez, Soriano sit atop season’s 2nd SP Power Rankings