MLB 26 Pitcher Tier List Guide: Best Starting Pitchers to Use Right Now

In MLB The Show 26, building a dominant rotation is one of the fastest ways to improve in Ranked Seasons, Events, and competitive online play. While hitting often steals the spotlight, elite pitching still decides close games—especially once you reach tougher divisions where every run matters. The difference between a top-tier starter and an average one can be the difference between climbing the ladder or getting mercy-ruled.

This guide breaks down the current starting pitcher meta using a full tier list system. We'll cover who belongs in S Tier, which free cards are worth grinding for, and which pitchers should stay far away from your lineup.

It's important to note one thing before we begin: difficulty matters. On All-Star and lower difficulties, this year's game heavily favors hitters. Even elite pitchers can get shelled if your opponent is good. On Hall of Fame and Legend, however, pitch sequencing, speed differentials, and deceptive releases become far more valuable.

So with that in mind, let's rank the best starters in MLB The Show 26.

S Tier – Must-Use Rotation Aces

These are the pitchers who should make your lineup immediately if you own them. They combine elite stuff, deceptive mechanics, and the ability to dominate even strong hitters.

Tarik Skubal

At the moment, many players consider Tarik Skubal the best pitcher in the game. He combines velocity, control, and enough movement to keep hitters uncomfortable all game long. His delivery feels smooth and difficult to read, and he can attack all parts of the strike zone.

If you want reliability, Skubal is one of the safest options available.

Randy Johnson

Randy Johnson continues to be terrifying in MLB The Show. Even without personally facing him often, the card profile alone screams dominance. His height, left-handed angle, and overpowering velocity make him one of the hardest pitchers to square up.

Any time Randy Johnson appears in Diamond Dynasty, he becomes relevant.

Al Leiter

One of the best values in the game, Al Leiter is a free option and absolutely worth obtaining. His biggest strength is pitch differential. A fast sinker paired with an off-speed pitch in the low 80s creates constant timing issues.

Even if hitters know what's coming, they often still struggle to adjust.

Clayton Kershaw

This version may not be as dominant as previous years, but Kershaw remains elite. His curveball, slider, and left-handed release point make him dangerous in any matchup.

Experienced players know how effective Kershaw can be when tunneling pitches properly.

Jon Lester

Lester may only be a 91 overall right now, but his card plays above the rating. He has a deceptive release, quality mix, and a forkball that gets ugly swings. He'll likely receive stronger cards later, but even now he's rotation-worthy.

Félix Hernández

Felix is still strong because he's a 99 overall, but he has some concerns. He lacks a huge speed differential and can get hit on lower difficulties. He's best on Legend, where movement and sequencing matter more than raw velocity.

Still strong now—but may age quickly as stronger cards release.

A Tier – Excellent Options Just Below Elite

These pitchers may not be universal must-starts, but they can absolutely carry games.

Johan Santana

Santana stands out as one of the best pitchers outside S Tier. Many players feel he belongs in his own mini-tier between A and S. Great movement, left-handed angle, and excellent pitch variety make him dangerous.

Emerson Hancock

Hancock thrives because of a funky release. Against opponents unfamiliar with him, he can dominate. He's especially effective on All-Star where timing matters most.

Jacob deGrom

Still dangerous, but lacking Outlier right now hurts him. Once stronger versions arrive later in the cycle, expect him to jump tiers.

Satchel Paige

A fun and effective option depending on difficulty. On higher levels, his unpredictability can shine.

Corbin Burnes

Burnes is elite on Hall of Fame and Legend due to movement and precision. On All-Star, however, he can become batting practice if your opponent reads sinkers well.

Corey Kluber

Kluber remains a classic meta pitcher. Good release, great sinker/cutter combo, and years of success in The Show make him dependable.

Free A-Tier Cards Worth Grinding

Some of the best no-money-spent options include:

Ryan Schimpf

Liam Doyle

Corbin Burnes

Corey Kluber

Santana

These cards are obtainable through programs or Team Affinity and can anchor rotations without spending MLB 26 stubs.

B Tier – Solid Starters With Noticeable Flaws

These pitchers are usable and can win games, but something holds them back.

Shohei Ohtani

A controversial ranking. Many players love Shohei, but his new release angle is easier to read this year, and he lacks overwhelming velocity. His pitch mix is fine, but not terrifying.

Paul Skenes

Great arm talent, but current version lacks enough speed differential and no Outlier yet. Once upgraded cards arrive, he'll rise significantly.

Roger Clemens

Can throw heat, especially when Parallel upgraded, but control issues become dangerous at higher difficulties. He lacks the devastating pitch gap that elite cards possess.

Michael Lorenzen & Ranger Suárez

These are dependable "fine" options. Not stars, but perfectly serviceable if you need innings.

Christopher Sánchez / Nolan McLean

Good pitch mixes, but many players report they get shelled too often. Day-one familiarity hurts them because everyone has seen them already.

C Tier – Spot Start Only

These pitchers can occasionally work, but are inconsistent and risky.

Chris Sale

Sale's arm angle is unique, but experienced hitters adjust quickly. Once opponents see one inning of his release, they often begin squaring him up. Strong versus inexperienced players, shaky versus veterans.

Gerrit Cole

One of the easiest pitchers to hit right now. No Outlier, mediocre H/9, and readable release point.

Justin Verlander

Better stats than Cole, but similar problem: easy to see and lacking truly scary movement.

Zack Wheeler / Logan Webb

Can be effective in the right hands, but many players have faced them countless times. Familiarity lowers their ceiling.

Yu Darvish

Great sinker, but too dependent on that one weapon.

Framber Valdez

Deceptive enough to steal innings, especially against unfamiliar opponents.

Eduardo Rodríguez

Arguably one of the better C-tier names, but overused. Players have seen him too much, reducing effectiveness.

Negro League Options

Several Negro League pitchers have fun pitch styles, but many lack velocity or top-tier stats. Some can surprise opponents, but few feel trustworthy long term.

D Tier – Avoid Unless Necessary

These pitchers are technically usable, but there's rarely a reason to choose them.

Whitey Ford

Lacks velocity and doesn't bring enough deception.

Bob Feller

Poor overall attributes compared to alternatives.

Steve Carlton

Being left-handed helps, but velocity is too weak.

Clay Holmes

Fine in theory, but better bullpen than starter style.

Dontrelle Willis

Unique windup looks intimidating, but many players read him easily. Once hitters adjust, damage comes fast.

Others in D Tier

Several cards have quirky deliveries or one interesting pitch, but not enough overall quality to justify regular starts.

F Tier – Never Use These Cards

These are the cards best left off your roster entirely.

Greg Maddux (Current Version)

Maddux will likely become excellent later in the year with stronger cards. Right now, his current version lacks enough velocity and dominance.

Luis Gil

48 control is nearly unplayable, especially at higher levels. Too many random misses.

Spencer Strider

Only four pitches, two of which are fastballs. Strong strikeout stats, but poor variety makes him easy to predict.

Seth Hernandez

Many players report his hand motion makes pitches easy to identify immediately. If hitters know what's coming, he gets destroyed.

Bert Blyleven

Tried by many, but results are disappointing. Nothing especially redeeming in the current meta.

Bill Foster / Leon Day / Cool Papa Bell Pitching Cards

Poor stats and weak pitch mixes make them non-competitive choices.

Best Free Pitchers in MLB The Show 26

If you are no-money-spent, these are excellent targets:

Al Leiter – S Tier free ace

Corbin Burnes – Great on higher difficulties

Corey Kluber – Trusted meta arm

Santana – Elite free option

Ryan Schimpf / Liam Doyle – Strong value cards

Grinding programs and Team Affinity is absolutely worth it this year.

How to Choose Pitchers in MLB The Show 26

Instead of only looking at overall rating, prioritize:

1. Pitch Speed Differential

A 95 mph sinker and 83 mph changeup is often better than pure 102 mph heat.

2. Release Point

Some pitchers feel unhittable because of arm angle or animation.

3. Pitch Mix

Sinker/cutter/changeup/slider combinations are stronger than repetitive fastball-heavy arsenals.

4. Difficulty Level

All-Star: Hitters dominate more often

Hall of Fame: Control and sequencing matter more

Legend: Elite pitchers become significantly stronger

Final Thoughts

MLB The Show 26 currently rewards offense heavily, especially on lower difficulties, meaning no pitcher is invincible. Even S-tier aces can get rocked by elite hitters. Still, using the right starter gives you a massive edge.

If you want the safest elite rotation today, target:

Tarik Skubal

Randy Johnson

Al Leiter

Clayton Kershaw

Jon Lester

If you're no-money-spent, focus on free A-tier and S-tier cards through programs.

And if you're still running weak live-series pitchers with bad control and shallow arsenals, now is the time to upgrade. In MLB The Show 26, the gap between elite pitchers and average pitchers is the difference between surviving five innings—or giving up eight runs by the second.

MMOexp MLB 26 Team