The MLB 100 for Starting Pitchers

Who are the most productive starting pitchers in MLB history? That’s the question at the heart of our MLB 100 for Starting Pitchers project, which will be updated at the conclusion of each season.

Using data from 1901 through the present day, MLB Math has come up with an objective methodology, weighing a player’s longevity, average level of play, and peak performance to build a numbers-based hierarchy of every starting pitcher who has taken the mound (of various heights, of course).

The foundational cornerstone of the rankings is our Rolling Player Rating (RPR), which begins with Bill James’ Game Score metric, adjusts it by subtracting each score by 50 to make 0 rather than 50 the baseline delineator between positive and negative performances, and then calculates a rolling 10-game average. Each data point is essentially an evaluation of how a starting pitcher performed over his last 10 appearances.

From there, the MLB 100 looks at four different evaluations of players’ career scores in RPR:

RPR Sum: Calculated by adding together all RPR scores in a player’s career to look at total value added and reward longevity.
RPR Average: Calculated by averaging together all RPR scores in a player’s career to look at value added in an average start and reward a higher baseline level of performance.
30-Game Peak Average: Calculated by averaging together a player’s top 30 RPR scores throughout a career, even if they didn’t come in consecutive fashion. This rewards a player’s ability to reach a high level of play and either sustain it or achieve that level again and again.
True Peak: A player’s highest career score in RPR, which rewards the best 10-game stretch achieved by each player.

Those scores were calculated for every starting pitcher in MLB history (1901-present), including both regular-season and postseason performances, but the work wasn’t done there. Z-scores were then calculated in each category for each player so that the relative gap between pitchers mattered more than their pure ranks. From there, the four resulting Z-scores were summed to form the overall productivity rating used as the baseline for the historical hierarchy.

In essence, the idea is to reward different career paths by acknowledging that various trajectories can yield similar impacts. For example, consider the following two players, who wound up next to one another in the all-time standings while taking disparate routes:

281. Dick Hughes: 7.102 productivity score

RPR Sum: 286.1 (No. 712 all-time)
RPR Average: 10.596 (No. 22 all-time)
30-Game Peak: 10.596 (No. 710 all-time)
True Peak: 22.5 (No. 152 all-time)

280. James Shields: 7.106 productivity score

RPR Sum: 1,183.8(No. 223 all-time)
RPR Average: 2.909 (No. 681 all-time)
30-Game Peak: 16.11 (No. 187 all-time)
True Peak: 19.3 (No. 352 all-time)

Hughes briefly thrived for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1966-68, finishing as the runner-up to Tom Seaver in the 1967 National League Rookie of the Year race before a torn rotator cuff ended his career before it could pick up steam. Shields, though he made one All-Star appearance, was largely average throughout his career. Over 13 seasons, he accumulated a 102 ERA+.

Those trajectories are nothing alike, yet they’ve yielded similar scores here. And that’s the entire point as the methodology can reward astronomical peaks that were never sustainable, short-but-memorable careers, long-tenured above-averageness, and so much more.

However, the MLB 100 is, unfortunately, not built to give due credit to pitchers whose careers began — or took place entirely — before 1901, when we first have access to full game logs.

Take Cy Young as an example. Spoiler alert: He checks in at No. 15 in the MLB 100 even though a significant chunk of his career doesn’t factor into the analysis.

Cy Young pre-1901: 4043.2 IP, 286-169, 3.04 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.236 WHIP, 1240 K, 804 BB
Cy Young post-1901: 3312 IP, 225-146, 2.12 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.000 WHIP, 1563 K, 413 BB

Young would most assuredly rank even higher if the methodology were able to assess the totality of his career. How much higher? That part will remain up for interpretation, but it’s worth keeping that shortcoming in mind whenever you come across a player whose career didn’t begin in the 20th century.

Now, let’s run through the honorable mentions closest to making the top-100 cutoff, note the top active players who fell short of the MLB 100, and then dive into the actual rankings.

Honorable Mentions: Wilbur Cooper (10.218), Bret Saberhagen (10.25), Don Wilson (10.25), Jack Pfiester (10.267), Dizzy Dean (10.272), Russ Ford (10.345), Mike Scott (10.362), Bill Dinneen (10.367), Frank Smith (10.376), Earl Moore (10.386)

Top Active Threats: Shohei Ohtani (8.055), Aaron Nola (8.158), Trevor Bauer (8.272), Walker Buehler (8.452), Shane Bieber (8.486), Brandon Woodruff (8.512), Zack Wheeler (8.629), Johnny Cueto (9.136), Corbin Burnes (9.166), Yu Darvish (10.065)

100. Mort Cooper: 10.387

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Braves, New York Giants, Chicago Cubs
Years: 1938-49
Career Stats: 1841.1 IP, 128-75, 2.97 ERA (124 ERA+), 1.215 WHIP, 913 K, 571 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,652.4 (No. 155)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.002 (No. 143)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.113 (No. 105)
True Peak: 27.1 (No. 34)

99. Fred Toney: 10.388

Teams: Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, New York Giants, St. Louis Cardinals
Years: 1911-23
Career Stats: 2206 IP, 139-102, 2.69 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.188 WHIP, 718 K, 583 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,707.5 (No. 148)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.542 (No. 179)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.33 (No. 73)
True Peak: 25.8 (No. 53)

98. David Price: 10.449

Teams: Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers
Years: 2008-present
Career Stats: 2143.2 IP, 157-82, 3.32 ERA (123 ERA+), 1.162 WHIP, 2076 K, 562 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,271.8 (No. 75)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.947 (No. 147)
30-Game Peak Average: 16.71 (No. 161)
True Peak: 20.8 (No. 233)

97. Gary Peters: 10.456

Teams: Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox
Years: 1959-72
Career Stats: 2081 IP, 124-103, 3.25 ERA (106 ERA+), 1.249 WHIP,1420 K, 706 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,652.6 (No. 154)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 5.966 (No. 230)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.457 (No. 49)
True Peak: 26.9 (No. 36)

96. Jeff Pfeffer: 10.524

Teams: St. Louis Browns, Brooklyn Superbas, Brooklyn Robins, St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates
Years: 1911-24
Career Stats: 2407.1 IP, 158-112, 2.77 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.210 WHIP, 836 K, 592 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,976.9 (No. 103)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.349 (No. 124)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.043 (No. 108)
True Peak: 23.0 (No. 135)

95. Denny McLain: 10.546

Teams: Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves
Years: 1963-72
Career Stats: 1886 IP, 131-91, 3.39 ERA (101 ERA+), 1.163 WHIP, 1282 K, 548 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,800.6 (No. 125)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.979 (No. 145)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.747 (No. 66)
True Peak: 24.3 (No. 87)

94. Madison Bumgarner: 10.64 (Down 4 spots in 2023)

Teams: San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks
Years: 2009-present
Career Stats: 2209.1 IP, 134-124, 3.47 ERA (110 ERA+), 1.155 WHIP, 2070 K, 544 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,327.5 (No. 72)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.465 (No. 183)
30-Game Peak Average: 17.827 (No. 112)
True Peak: 20.5 (No. 256)

93. Larry Dierker: 10.59 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Houston Colt .45s, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals
Years: 1964-77
Career Stats: 2333.2 IP, 139-123, 3.31 ERA (103 ERA+), 1.217 WHIP, 1493 K, 711 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,920.0 (No. 112)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.0 (No. 227)
30-Game Peak Average: 17.65 (No. 120)
True Peak: 27.6 (No. 31)

92. Jim Scott: 10.665 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Chicago White Sox
Years: 1909-17
Career Stats: 1892 IP, 107-114, 2.30 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.180 WHIP, 945 K, 609 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,770.2 (No. 130)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.158 (No. 79)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.187 (No. 100)
True Peak: 25.1 (No. 65)

91. Carl Mays: 10.692 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, New York Giants
Years: 1915-29
Career Stats: 3021.1 IP, 207-126, 2.92 ERA (119 ERA+), 1.207 WHIP, 862 K, 734 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,994.6 (No. 96)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.233 (No. 209)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.513 (No. 92)
True Peak: 25.8 (No. 53)

90. Red Ames: 10.697 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies
Years: 1903-19
Career Stats: 3198 IP, 183-167, 2.63 ERA (109 ERA+), 1.229 WHIP, 1702 K, 1034 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,374.8 (No. 71)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.542 (No. 178)
30-Game Peak Average: 16.813 (No. 155)
True Peak: 22.0 (No. 178)

89. Orel Hershiser: 10.726

Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers
Years: 1983-2000
Career Stats: 3130.1 IP, 204-150, 3.48 ERA (112 ERA+), 1.261 WHIP, 2014 K, 1007 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,973.4 (No. 105)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 4.155 (No. 435)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.377 (No. 50)
True Peak: 28.4 (No. 23)

88. Dick Rudolph: 10.735

Teams: New York Giants, Boston Braves
Years: 1910-27
Career Stats: 2049 IP, 121-109, 2.66 ERA (105 ERA+), 1.158 WHIP, 786 K, 402 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,943.0 (No. 109)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.375 (No. 75)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.42 (No. 96)
True Peak: 22.5 (No. 152)

87. Mike Mussina: 10.851

Teams: Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees
Years: 1991-2008
Career Stats: 3562.2 IP, 270-153, 3.68 ERA (123 ERA+), 2813 K, 785 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,674.3 (No. 62)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 4.88 (No. 341)
30-Game Peak Average: 17.377 (No. 136)
True Peak: 21.8 (No. 186)

86. Cole Hamels: 10.943

Teams: Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves
Years: 2006-20
Career Stats: 2698 IP, 163-122, 3.43 ERA (123 ERA+), 1.183 WHIP, 2560 K, 767 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,901.3 (No. 48)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.763 (No. 160)
30-Game Peak Average: 15.447 (No. 220)
True Peak: 17.8 (No. 490)

85. Mike Cuellar: 11.063

Teams: Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels
Years: 1959-77
Career Stats: 2808 IP, 185-130, 3.14 ERA (109 ERA+), 1.197 WHIP, 1632 K, 822 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,578.9 (No. 65)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.751 (No. 162)
30-Game Peak Average: 16.773 (No. 158)
True Peak: 21.6 (No. 189)

84. Claude Hendrix: 11.115

Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Chi-Feds, Chicago Whales, Chicago Cubs
Years: 1911-20
Career Stats: 2371.1 IP, 144-116, 2.65 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.189 WHIP, 1092 K, 697 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,989.5 (No. 99)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.022 (No. 87)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.057 (No. 58)
True Peak: 23.5 (No. 115)

83. Stephen Strasburg: 11.132

Teams: Washington Nationals
Years: 2010-2022
Career Stats: 1470 IP, 113-62, 3.24 ERA (127 ERA+), 1.096 WHIP, 1723 K, 394 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,148.4 (No. 82)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.733 (No. 67)
30-Game Peak Average: 17.813 (No. 113)
True Peak: 22.7 (No. 144)

82. Roy Halladay: 11.178

Teams: Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies
Years: 1998-2013
Career Stats: 2749.1 IP, 203-105, 3.38 ERA (131 ERA+), 1.178 WHIP, 2117 K, 592 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,608.4 (No. 64)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.758 (No. 161)
30-Game Peak Average: 17.8 (No. 114)
True Peak: 20.8 (No. 233)

81. Billy Pierce: 11.179

Teams: Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants
Years: 1945-64
Career Stats: 3306.2 IP, 211-169, 3.27 ERA (119 ERA+), 1.260 WHIP, 1999 K, 1178 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,484.0 (No. 69)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 5.845 (No. 244)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.647 (No. 89)
True Peak: 23.4 (No. 120)

80. Dutch Leonard: 11.185

Teams: Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers
Years: 1913-25
Career Stats: 2192 IP, 139-114, 2.76 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.225 WHIP, 1160 K, 664 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,951.6 (No. 106)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.449 (No. 114)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.87 (No. 64)
True Peak: 26.0 (No. 51)

79. Frank Tanana: 11.235

Teams: California Angels, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, New York Yankees
Years: 1973-93
Career Stats: 4188.1 IP, 240-236, 3.66 ERA (106 ERA+), 1.270 WHIP, 2773 K, 1255 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,050.8 (No. 91)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 3.367 (No. 588)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.783 (No. 17)
True Peak: 28.7 (No. 18)

78. Dean Chance: 11.286

Teams: Los Angeles Angels, California Angels, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers
Years: 1961-71
Career Stats: 2147.1 IP, 128-115, 2.92 ERA (119 ERA+), 1.212 WHIP, 1534 K, 739 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,114.9 (No. 84)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.421 (No. 118)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.27 (No. 75)
True Peak: 25.3 (No. 62)

77. Babe Ruth: 11.35

Teams: Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Boston Braves
Years: 1914-35
Career Stats: 1221.1 IP, 94-46, 2.28 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.159 WHIP, 488 K, 441 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,650.0 (No. 156)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 11.786 (No. 12)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.747 (No. 86)
True Peak: 23.8 (No. 103)

76. Joe McGinnity: 11.351

Teams: Baltimore Orioles, Brooklyn Superbas, New York Giants
Years: 1899-1908
Career Stats: 3441.1 IP, 246-142, 2.66 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.188 WHIP, 1068 K, 812 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,133.7 (No. 83)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.332 (No. 125)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.7 (No. 67)
True Peak: 25.2 (No. 63)

Note: The first 78 starts of Joe McGinnity’s career came prior to 1901 and are not included here.

75. Jack Powell: 11.357

Teams: Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Perfectos, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Browns, New York Yankees
Years: 1897-1912
Career Stats: 4389 IP, 245-255, 2.97 ERA (106 ERA+), 1.217 WHIP, 1621 K, 1021 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,266.0 (No. 76)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.294 (No. 199)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.19 (No. 76)
True Peak: 26.2 (No. 45)

Note: The first 147 starts of Jack Powell’s career came prior to 1901 and are not included here.

74. Corey Kluber: 11.367 (Down 3 spots in 2023)

Teams: Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox
Years: 2011-present
Career Stats: 1641.2 IP, 116-77, 3.44 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.129 WHIP, 1725 K, 368 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,991.4 (No. 98)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.659 (No. 104)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.04 (No. 59)
True Peak: 26.2 (No. 45)

73. Ron Guidry: 11.458 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: New York Yankees
Years: 1975-88
Career Stats: 2392 IP, 170-91, 3.29 ERA (119 ERA+), 1.184 WHIP, 1778 K, 633 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,265.0 (No. 77)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.991 (No. 144)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.193 (No. 55)
True Peak: 24.3 (No. 87)

72. Jim Maloney: 11.482 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Cincinnati Reds, California Angels
Years: 1960-71
Career Stats: 1849 IP, 134-84, 3.19 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.259 WHIP, 1605 K, 810 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,112.3 (No. 86)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.349 (No. 76)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.257 (No. 52)
True Peak: 23.7 (No. 108)

71. Vic Willis: 11.555 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Boston Beaneaters, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals
Years: 1989-1910
Career Stats: 3996 IP, 249-205, 2.63 ERA (117 ERA+), 1.209 WHIP, 1651 K, 1212 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,661.7 (No. 63)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.435 (No. 116)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.17 (No. 101)
True Peak: 21.1 (No. 219)

Note: The first 105 starts of Vic Willis’ career came prior to 1901 and are not included here.

70. Jack Coombs: 11.661

Teams: Philadelphia Athletics, Brooklyn Robins, Detroit Tigers
Years: 1906-20
Career Stats: 2320 IP, 158-110, 2.78 ERA (99 ERA+), 1.239 WHIP, 1052 K, 841 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,869.1 (No. 120)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.027 (No. 138)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.737 (No. 31)
True Peak: 29.4 (No. 11)

69. Zack Greinke: 11.662 (Down 5 spots in 2023)

Teams: Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros
Years: 2004-present
Career Stats: 3389.1 IP, 225-156, 3.49 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.171 WHIP, 2979 K, 762 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,754.5 (No. 55)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 4.981 (No. 328)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.35 (No. 72)
True Peak: 24.3 (No. 87)

68. Kevin Brown: 11.697 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees
Years: 1986-2005
Career Stats: 3256.1 IP, 211-144, 3.28 ERA (127 ERA+), 1.222 WHIP, 2397 K, 901 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,878.0 (No. 52)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 5.885 (No. 240)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.837 (No. 83)
True Peak: 21.6 (No. 189)

67. Smoky Joe Wood: 11.741 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians
Years: 1908-22
Career Stats: 1434.1 IP, 117-57, 2.03 ERA (146 ERA+), 1.087 WHIP, 989 K, 421 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,867.1 (No. 121)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 12.284 (No. 9)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.28 (No. 74)
True Peak: 22.1 (No. 173)

66. Jeff Tesreau: 11.802 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: New York Giants
Years: 1912-18
Career Stats: 1679 IP, 119-72, 2.43 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.145 WHIP, 880 K, 572 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,107.1 (No. 88)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 10.431 (No. 24)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.953 (No. 80)
True Peak: 23.5 (No. 115)

65. Hal Newhouser: 11.911 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians
Years: 1939-55
Career Stats: 2993 IP, 207-150, 3.06 ERA (130 ERA+), 1.311 WHIP, 1796 K, 1249 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,418.1 (No. 70)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.571 (No. 176)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.797 (No. 45)
True Peak: 25.8 (No. 53)

64. Felix Hernandez: 11.919 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Seattle Mariners
Years: 2005-19
Career Stats: 2729.2 IP, 169-136, 3.42 ERA (117 ERA+), 1.206 WHIP, 2524 K, 805 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,570.7 (No. 66)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.285 (No. 200)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.743 (No. 46)
True Peak: 24.4 (No. 84)

63. Jerry Koosman: 11.986

Teams: New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies
Years: 1967-85
Career Stats: 3839.1 IP, 222-209, 3.36 ERA (110 ERA+), 1.259 WHIP, 2556 K, 1198 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,738.8 (No. 56)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 5.227 (No. 307)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.927 (No. 63)
True Peak: 25.8 (No. 53)

62. Robin Roberts: 12.096

Teams: Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs
Years: 1948-66
Career Stats: 4688.2 IP, 286-245, 3.41 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.170 WHIP, 2357 K, 902 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,281.6 (No. 39)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 5.46 (No. 282)
30-Game Peak Average: 16.52 (No. 167)
True Peak: 22.8 (No. 142)

61. Orval Overall: 12.18

Teams: Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs
Years: 1905-13
Career Stats: 1535.1 IP, 108-71, 2.26 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.161 WHIP, 935 K, 551 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 1,982.1 (No. 101)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 11.136 (No. 17)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.137 (No. 40)
True Peak: 24.0 (No. 99)

60. Dwight Gooden: 12.192

Teams: New York Mets, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Years: 1984-2000
Career Stats: 2800.2 IP, 194-112, 3.51 ERA (111 ERA+), 1.256 WHIP, 2293 K, 954 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,277.9 (No. 74)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 5.556 (No. 275)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.35 (No. 18)
True Peak: 28.9 (No. 15)

59. Nap Rucker: 12.233

Teams: Brooklyn Superbas, Brooklyn Dodgers, Brooklyn Robins
Years: 1907-16
Career Stats: 2375.1 IP, 134-134, 2.42 ERA (119 ERA+), 1.175 WHIP, 1217 K, 701 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,490.2 (No. 68)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.397 (No. 48)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.49 (No. 70)
True Peak: 23.0 (No. 135)

58. Babe Adams: 12.27

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates
Years: 1906-26
Career Stats: 2995.1 IP, 194-140, 2.76 ERA (118 ERA+), 1.092 WHIP, 1036 K, 430 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,686.1 (No. 60)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.697 (No. 100)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.923 (No. 81)
True Peak: 24.8 (No. 71)

57. Phil Niekro: 12.279

Teams: Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays
Years: 1964-87
Career Stats: 5404 IP, 318-274, 3.35 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.268 WHIP, 3342 K, 1809 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,497.7 (No. 34)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 4.933 (No. 335)
30-Game Peak Average: 17.42 (No. 133)
True Peak: 21.2 (No. 212)

56. Carl Hubbell: 12.334

Teams: New York Giants
Years: 1928-43
Career Stats: 3590.1 IP, 253-154, 2.98 ERA (130 ERA+), 1.166 WHIP, 1677 K, 725 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,897.0 (No. 49)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.737 (No. 167)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.06 (No. 79)
True Peak: 24.2 (No. 95)

55. David Cone: 12.365

Teams: Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox
Years: 1986-2003
Career Stats: 2898.2 IP, 194-126, 3.46 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.256 WHIP, 2668 K, 1137 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,946.7 (No. 46)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.885 (No. 152)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.28 (No. 99)
True Peak: 24.4 (No. 84)

54. Lefty Grove: 12.518

Teams: Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox
Years: 1925-41
Career Stats: 3940.2 IP, 300-141, 3.06 ERA (148 ERA+), 1.278 WHIP, 2266 K, 1187 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,058.1 (No. 41)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.751 (No. 163)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.097 (No. 77)
True Peak: 23.3 (No. 123)

53. Andy Messersmith: 12.64

Teams: California Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees
Years: 1968-79
Career Stats: 2230.1 IP, 130-99, 2.86 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.143 WHIP, 1625 K, 831 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,723.9 (No. 57)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.425 (No. 47)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.86 (No. 82)
True Peak: 23.6 (No. 111)

52. Bill Donovan: 12.663

Teams: Washington Senators, Brooklyn Superbas, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees
Years: 1898-1918
Career Stats: 2964.2 IP, 185-139, 2.69 ERA (106 ERA+), 1.245 WHIP, 1552 K, 1059 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,909.7 (No. 47)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.356 (No. 49)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.73 (No. 87)
True Peak: 21.5 (No. 196)

Note: The first 13 starts of Bill Donovan’s career came prior to 1901 and are not included here.

51. J.R. Richard: 12.7

Teams: Houston Astros
Years: 1971-80
Career Stats: 1606 IP, 107-71, 3.15 ERA (108 ERA+), 1.243 WHIP, 1493 K, 770 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,031.7 (No. 93)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.583 (No. 44)
30-Game Peak Average: 22.323 (No. 25)
True Peak: 29.1 (No. 14)

50. John Smoltz: 12.825

Teams: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals
Years: 1988-2009
Career Stats: 3473 IP, 213-155, 3.33 ERA (125 ERA+), 1.176 WHIP, 3084 K, 1010 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,576.0 (No. 31)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.166 (No. 134)
30-Game Peak Average: 17.067 (No. 144)
True Peak: 20.1 (No. 287)

49. Eddie Cicotte: 12.978

Teams: Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox
Years: 1905-20
Career Stats: 3226 IP, 209-148, 2.38 ERA (123 ERA+), 1.154 WHIP, 1374 K, 827 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,896.3 (No. 50)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.113 (No. 82)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.203 (No. 54)
True Peak: 24.9 (No. 69)
Teams: Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox
Years: 1905-20
Career Stats: 3226 IP, 209-148, 2.38 ERA (123 ERA+), 1.154 WHIP, 1374 K, 827 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,896.3 (No. 50)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.113 (No. 82)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.203 (No. 54)
True Peak: 24.9 (No. 69)

48. Hippo Vaughn: 13.092 (Down 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: New York Yankees, Washington Senators, Chicago Cubs
Years: 1908-21
Career Stats: 2730 IP, 178-137, 2.49 ERA (119 ERA+), 1.201 WHIP, 1416 K, 817 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,892.6 (No. 51)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.928 (No. 58)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.067 (No. 57)
True Peak: 24.3 (No. 87)
Teams: New York Yankees, Washington Senators, Chicago Cubs
Years: 1908-21
Career Stats: 2730 IP, 178-137, 2.49 ERA (119 ERA+), 1.201 WHIP, 1416 K, 817 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,892.6 (No. 51)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.928 (No. 58)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.067 (No. 57)
True Peak: 24.3 (No. 87)

47. Mickey Lolich: 13.158 (Down 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, San Diego Padres
Years: 1963-79
Career Stats: 3638.1 IP, 217-191, 3.44 ERA (104 ERA+), 1.227 WHIP, 2832 K, 1099 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,317.2 (No. 38)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.742 (No. 165)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.957 (No. 61)
True Peak: 23.6 (No. 111)
Teams: Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, San Diego Padres
Years: 1963-79
Career Stats: 3638.1 IP, 217-191, 3.44 ERA (104 ERA+), 1.227 WHIP, 2832 K, 1099 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,317.2 (No. 38)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.742 (No. 165)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.957 (No. 61)
True Peak: 23.6 (No. 111)

46. Chris Sale: 13.265 (Down 3 spots in 2023)

Teams: Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox
Years: 2010-present
Career Stats: 1780.2 IP, 120-80, 3.10 ERA (137 ERA+), 1.047 WHIP, 2189 K, 416 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2681.1 (No. 61)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 10.272 (No. 26)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.207 (No. 53)
True Peak: 25.6 (No. 59)
Teams: Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox
Years: 2010-present
Career Stats: 1780.2 IP, 120-80, 3.10 ERA (137 ERA+), 1.047 WHIP, 2189 K, 416 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2681.1 (No. 61)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 10.272 (No. 26)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.207 (No. 53)
True Peak: 25.6 (No. 59)

45. Jack Chesbro: 13.276

Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox
Years: 2896.2 IP, 198-132, 2.68 ERA (110 ERA+), 1.152 WHIP, 1265 K, 690 BB
Career Stats:
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,565.4 (No. 67)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.195 (No. 52)
30-Game Peak Average: 22.027 (No. 27)
True Peak: 27.3 (No. 33)

Note: The first 43 starts of Jack Chesbro’s career came prior to 1901 and are not included here.

44. Whitey Ford: 13.389

Teams: New York Yankees
Years: 1950-67
Career Stats: 3170.1 IP, 236-106, 2.75 ERA (133 ERA+), 1.215 WHIP, 1956 K, 1086 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,553.3 (No. 32)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.883 (No. 95)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.567 (No. 91)
True Peak: 21.4 (No. 202)

43. Catfish Hunter: 13.399 (Down 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Kansas City Athletics, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees
Years: 1965-79
Career Stats: 3449.1 IP, 224-166, 3.26 ERA (104 ERA+), 1.134 WHIP, 2012 K, 954 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,438.1 (No. 35)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.074 (No. 137)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.537 (No. 68)
True Peak: 23.6 (No. 111)
Teams: Kansas City Athletics, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees
Years: 1965-79
Career Stats: 3449.1 IP, 224-166, 3.26 ERA (104 ERA+), 1.134 WHIP, 2012 K, 954 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,438.1 (No. 35)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.074 (No. 137)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.537 (No. 68)
True Peak: 23.6 (No. 111)

42. Vida Blue: 13.508 (Down 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals
Years: 1969-86
Career Stats: 3343.1 IP, 209-161, 3.27 ERA (108 ERA+), 1.233 WHIP, 2175 K, 1185 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,956.1 (No. 44)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.236 (No. 208)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.107 (No. 20)
True Peak: 28.5 (No. 22)
Teams: Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals
Years: 1969-86
Career Stats: 3343.1 IP, 209-161, 3.27 ERA (108 ERA+), 1.233 WHIP, 2175 K, 1185 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,956.1 (No. 44)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.236 (No. 208)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.107 (No. 20)
True Peak: 28.5 (No. 22)

41. Sam McDowell: 13.65 (Down 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates
Years: 1961-75
Career Stats: 2492.1 IP, 141-134, 3.17 ERA (112 ERA+), 2453 K, 1312 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,969.2 (No. 43)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.811 (No. 63)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.677 (No. 33)
True Peak: 25.8 (No. 53)
Teams: Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates
Years: 1961-75
Career Stats: 2492.1 IP, 141-134, 3.17 ERA (112 ERA+), 2453 K, 1312 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,969.2 (No. 43)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.811 (No. 63)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.677 (No. 33)
True Peak: 25.8 (No. 53)

40. Dazzy Vance: 13.657 (Down 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Brooklyn Robins, Brooklyn Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds
Years: 1915-35
Career Stats: 2966.2 IP, 197-140, 3.24 ERA (125 ERA+), 1.230 WHIP, 2045 K, 840 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,953.8 (No. 45)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.739 (No. 66)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.04 (No. 42)
True Peak: 27.0 (No. 35)

39. Gerrit Cole: 13.659 (Up 9 spots in 2023)

Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, New York Yankees
Years: 2013-present
Career Stats: 1859 IP, 145-75, 3.17 ERA (130 ERA+), 1.087 WHIP, 2152 K, 471 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,828.6 (No. 54)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.184 (No. 53)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.147 (No. 39)
True Peak: 27.7 (No. 28)

38. Johan Santana: 13.702

Teams: Minnesota Twins, New York Mets
Years: 2000-12
Career Stats: 20252.2 IP, 139-78, 3.20 ERA (136 ERA+), 1.132 WHIP, 1988 K, 567 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,706.0 (No. 58)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.664 (No. 42)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.827 (No. 29)
True Peak: 27.9 (No. 26)

37. Jim Bunning: 13.793

Teams: Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers
Years: 1955-71
Career Stats: 3760.1 IP, 224-184, 3.27 ERA (116 ERA+), 1.179 WHIP, 2855 K, 1000 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,670.3 (No. 29)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.197 (No. 131)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.153 (No. 56)
True Peak: 22.4 (No. 160)

36. Luis Tiant: 13.81

Teams: Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, California Angels
Years: 1964-82
Career Stats: 3486.1 IP, 229-172, 3.30 ERA (114 ERA+), 1.199 WHIP, 2416 K, 1104 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,053.9 (No. 42)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.376 (No. 193)
30-Game Peak Average: 24.063 (No. 14)
True Peak: 28.0 (No. 25)

35. Jacob deGrom: 14.17

Teams: New York Mets, Texas Rangers
Years: 2014-present
Career Stats: 1356.1 IP, 84-57, 2.53 ERA (155 ERA+), 0.993 WHIP, 1652 K, 307 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,686.7 (No. 59)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 12.733 (No. 6)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.237 (No. 38)
True Peak: 26.1 (No. 48)

34. Doc White: 14.204

Teams: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox
Years: 1901-13
Career Stats: 3041 IP, 189-156, 2.39 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.121 WHIP, 1384 K, 670 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,154.2 (No. 40)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.86 (No. 61)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.593 (No. 34)
True Peak: 27.5 (No. 32)

33. Ed Reulbach: 14.391

Teams: Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Superbas, Newark Pepper, Boston Braves
Years: 1905-17
Career Stats: 2632.1 IP, 182-106, 2.28 ERA (123 ERA+), 1.143 WHIP, 1137 K, 892 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 2,874.1 (No. 53)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.743 (No. 38)
30-Game Peak Average: 22.977 (No. 22)
True Peak: 29.3 (No. 12)

32. Bob Feller: 14.432

Teams: Cleveland Indians
Years: 1936-56
Career Stats: 3827 IP, 266-162, 3.25 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.316 WHIP, 2581 K, 1764 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,516.5 (No. 33)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.372 (No. 120)
30-Game Peak Average: 22.427 (No. 23)
True Peak: 26.3 (No. 43)

31. Chief Bender: 14.67

Teams: Philadelphia Athletics, Baltimore Terrapins, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox
Years: 1903-25
Career Stats: 3017 IP, 212-127, 2.46 ERA (112 ERA+), 1.113 WHIP, 1711 K, 712 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,336.9 (No. 37)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.961 (No. 29)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.803 (No. 30)
True Peak: 26.0 (No. 51)

30. Warren Spahn: 15.081

Teams: Boston Braves, Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants
Years: 1942-65
Career Stats: 5243.2 IP, 363-245, 3.09 ERA (119 ERA+), 1.195 WHIP, 2583 K, 1434 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,638.0 (No. 16)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.006 (No. 142)
30-Game Peak Average: 18.427 (No. 95)
True Peak: 21.4 (No. 202)

29. Don Drysdale: 15.156

Teams: Brooklyn Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers
Years: 1956-69
Career Stats: 3432 IP, 209-166, 2.95 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.148 WHIP, 2486 K, 855 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,942.1 (No. 28)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.533 (No. 71)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.41 (No. 35)
True Peak: 24.8 (No. 71)

28. Addie Joss: 15.372

Teams: Cleveland Bronchos, Cleveland Naps
Years: 1902-10
Career Stats: 2327 IP, 160-97, 1.89 ERA (143 ERA+), 0.968 WHIP, 920 K, 364 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,398.7 (No. 36)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 13.541 (No. 2)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.657 (No. 47)
True Peak: 24.5 (No. 78)

27. Curt Schilling: 15.515

Teams: Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox
Years: 1988-2007
Career Stats: 3261 IP, 216-146, 3.46 ERA (127 ERA+), 1.137 WHIP, 3116 K, 711 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,971.1 (No. 26)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.904 (No. 59)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.24 (No. 37)
True Peak: 26.6 (No. 40)

26. Fergie Jenkins: 15.55

Teams: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox
Years: 1965-83
Career Stats: 4500.2 IP, 284-226, 3.34 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.142 WHIP, 3192 K, 997 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,342.9 (No. 23)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.424 (No. 117)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.07 (No. 41)
True Peak: 25.0 (No. 66)

25. Greg Maddux: 15.676

Teams: Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres
Years: 1986-2008
Career Stats: 5008.1 IP, 355-227, 3.16 ERA (132 ERA+), 1.143 WHIP, 3371 K, 999 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,630.1 (No. 18)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.084 (No. 218)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.883 (No. 44)
True Peak: 25.0 (No. 66)

24. Bert Blyleven: 15.763

Teams: Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, California Angels
Years: 1970-92
Career Stats: 4970 IP, 287-250, 3.31 ERA (118 ERA+), 1.198 WHIP, 3701 K, 1322 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,735.8 (No. 14)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.944 (No. 149)
30-Game Peak Average: 19.837 (No. 65)
True Peak: 23.7 (No. 108)

23. Mordecai Brown: 15.862

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Terriors, Brooklyn Tip-Tops, Chicago Whales
Years: 1903-16
Career Stats: 3172.1 IP, 239-130, 2.06 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.066 WHIP, 1375 K, 673 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,668.8 (No. 30)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 11.118 (No. 18)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.323 (No. 19)
True Peak: 26.3 (No. 43)
Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Terriors, Brooklyn Tip-Tops, Chicago Whales
Years: 1903-16
Career Stats: 3172.1 IP, 239-130, 2.06 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.066 WHIP, 1375 K, 673 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,668.8 (No. 30)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 11.118 (No. 18)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.323 (No. 19)
True Peak: 26.3 (No. 43)

22. Jim Palmer: 16.301 (Down 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Baltimore Orioles
Years: 1965-84
Career Stats: 3948 IP, 268-152, 2.86 ERA (125 ERA+), 1.180 WHIP, 2212 K, 1311 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,634.6 (No. 17)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.794 (No. 65)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.32 (No. 51)
True Peak: 24.8 (No. 71)

21. Justin Verlander: 16.334 (Up 1 spot in 2023)

Teams: Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets
Years: 2005-present
Career Stats: 3325.1 IP, 257-141, 3.24 ERA (132 ERA+), 1.118 WHIP, 3342 K, 925 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,585.6 (No. 20)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.539 (No. 70)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.92 (No. 28)
True Peak: 24.3 (No. 87)

20. Max Scherzer: 16.86

Teams: Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Texas Rangers
Years: 2008-present
Career Stats: 2834.2 IP, 214-108, 3.15 ERA (134 ERA+), 1.077 WHIP, 3367 K, 746 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,554.4 (No. 21)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.816 (No. 35)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.377 (No. 36)
True Peak: 26.8 (No. 38)

19. Juan Marichal: 16.898

Teams: San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers
Years: 1960-75
Career Stats: 3507 IP, 243-142, 2.89 ERA (123 ERA+), 1.101 WHIP, 2303 K, 709 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,186.0 (No. 24)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.302 (No. 50)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.883 (No. 15)
True Peak: 30.2 (No. 6)

18. Don Sutton: 17.243

Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, California Angels
Years: 1966-88
Career Stats: 5282.1 IP, 324-256, 3.26 ERA (108 ERA+), 1.142 WHIP, 3574 K, 1343 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 5,102.5 (No. 13)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 6.705 (No. 170)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.017 (No. 21)
True Peak: 26.6 (No. 40)

17. Eddie Plank: 17.382

Teams: Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Terriers, St. Louis Browns
Years: 1901-17
Career Stats: 4495.2 IP, 326-194, 2.35 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.119 WHIP, 2246 K, 1072 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 5,238.3 (No. 11)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.959 (No. 30)
30-Game Peak Average: 20.007 (No. 60)
True Peak: 22.7 (No. 144)

16. Rube Waddell: 17.654

Teams: Louisville Colonels, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns
Years: 1897-1910
Career Stats: 2961.1 IP, 193-143, 2.16 ERA (135 ERA+), 1.102 WHIP, 2316 K, 803 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 3,965.1 (No. 27)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 13.351 (No. 3)
30-Game Peak Average: 24.99 (No. 10)
True Peak: 29.3 (No. 12)

Note: The first 32 starts of Rube Waddell’s career came prior to 1901 and are not included here.

15. Cy Young: 17.67

Teams: Cleveland Spiders, St. Louis Perfectos, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Americans, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Naps, Boston Rustlers
Years: 1890-1911
Career Stats: 7356 IP, 511-315, 2.63 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.130 WHIP, 2803 K, 1217 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,595.7 (No. 19)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 12.66 (No. 7)
30-Game Peak Average: 21.733 (No. 32)
True Peak: 26.1 (No. 48)

Note: The first 446 starts of Cy Young’s career came prior to 1901 and are not included here.

14. Sandy Koufax: 17.71

Teams: Brooklyn Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers
Years: 1955-66
Career Stats: 2324.1 IP, 165-87, 2.76 ERA (131 ERA+), 1.106 WHIP, 2396 K, 817 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,053.4 (No. 25)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 12.992 (No. 5)
30-Game Peak Average: 25.357 (No. 9)
True Peak: 28.8 (No. 16)

13. Steve Carlton: 18.213

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins
Years: 1965-88
Career Stats: 5217.2 IP, 329-244, 3.22 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.247 WHIP, 4136 K, 1833 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 5,485.0 (No. 9)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.682 (No. 102)
30-Game Peak Average: 22.23 (No. 26)
True Peak: 27.7 (No. 28)

12. Gaylord Perry: 18.405

Teams: San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals
Years: 1962-83
Career Stats: 5350 IP, 314-265, 3.11 ERA (117 ERA+), 1.181 WHIP, 3534 K, 1379 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 5,206.7 (No. 12)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 7.623 (No. 108)
30-Game Peak Average: 25.943 (No. 5)
True Peak: 28.6 (No. 20)

11. Pedro Martinez: 18.551

Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies
Years: 1992-2009
Career Stats: 2827.1 IP, 219-100, 2.93 ERA (154 ERA+), 1.054 WHIP, 3154 K, 760 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,662.9 (No. 15)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 11.236 (No. 16)
30-Game Peak Average: 25.743 (No. 6)
True Peak: 30.0 (No. 7)

10. Ed Walsh: 19.018

Teams: Chicago White Sox, Boston Braves
Years: 1904-17
Career Stats: 2964.1 IP, 195-126, 1.82 ERA (146 ERA+), 1.000 WHIP, 1736 K, 617 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 4,397.4 (No. 22)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 14.324 (No. 1)
30-Game Peak Average: 26.03 (No. 3)
True Peak: 30.5 (No. 5)

9. Clayton Kershaw: 19.754

Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers
Years: 2008-present
Career Stats: 2712.2 IP, 210-92, 2.48 ERA (157 ERA+), 1.004 WHIP, 2944 K, 669 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 5,328.7 (No. 10)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 11.975 (No. 10)
30-Game Peak Average: 25.563 (No. 7)
True Peak: 28.7 (No. 18)

8. Randy Johnson: 20.069

Teams: Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants
Years: 1988-2009
Career Stats: 4135.1 IP, 303-166, 3.29 ERA (135 ERA+), 1.171 WHIP, 4875 K, 1497 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 6,071.3 (No. 6)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.953 (No. 31)
30-Game Peak Average: 24.2 (No. 12)
True Peak: 26.7 (No. 39)

7. Pete Alexander: 20.473

Teams: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals
Years: 1911-30
Career Stats: 5190 IP, 373-208, 2.56 ERA (135 ERA+), 1.121 WHIP, 2198 K, 951 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 5,788.1 (No. 7)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.761 (No. 37)
30-Game Peak Average: 25.957 (No. 4)
True Peak: 32.0 (No. 2)

6. Bob Gibson: 20.821

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals
Years: 1959-75
Career Stats: 3884.1 IP, 251-174, 2.91 ERA (127 ERA+), 1.188 WHIP, 3117 K, 1336 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 5,553.0 (No. 8)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 11.521 (No. 15)
30-Game Peak Average: 27.563 (No. 1)
True Peak: 32.3 (No. 1)

5. Roger Clemens: 21.019

Teams: Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Houston Astros
Years: 1984-2007
Career Stats: 4916.2 IP, 354-184, 3.12 ERA (143 ERA+), 1.173 WHIP, 4672 K, 1580 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 6,571.9 (No. 4)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 8.978 (No. 57)
30-Game Peak Average: 24.45 (No. 11)
True Peak: 28.8 (No. 16)

4. Christy Mathewson: 21.255

Teams: New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds
Years: 1900-16
Career Stats: 4788.2 IP, 373-188, 2.13 ERA (136 ERA+), 1.058 WHIP, 2507 K, 848 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 6,400.8 (No. 5)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 11.575 (No. 14)
30-Game Peak Average: 24.19 (No. 13)
True Peak: 27.9 (No. 26)

Note: The first start of Christy Mathewson’s career came prior to 1901 and is not included here.

3. Tom Seaver: 21.989

Teams: New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox
Years: 1967-86
Career Stats: 4783 IP, 311-205, 2.86 ERA (127 ERA+), 1.121 WHIP, 3640 K, 1390 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 6,739.1 (No. 3)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 10.432 (No. 23)
30-Game Peak Average: 25.523 (No. 8)
True Peak: 29.6 (No. 9)

2. Nolan Ryan: 23.063

Teams: New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers
Years: 1966-93
Career Stats: 5386 IP, 324-292, 3.19 ERA (112 ERA+), 1.247 WHIP, 5714 K, 2795 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 7,657.6 (No. 2)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 9.932 (No. 32)
30-Game Peak Average: 23.867 (No. 16)
True Peak: 28.2 (No. 24)

1. Walter Johnson: 26.741

Teams: Washington Senators
Years: 1907-27
Career Stats: 5914.1 IP, 417-279, 2.17 ERA (147 ERA+), 1.061 WHIP, 3509 K, 1363 BB
Rolling Player Rating Sum: 8,686.3 (No. 1)
Rolling Player Rating Average: 13.141 (No. 4)
30-Game Peak Average: 27.097 (No. 2)
True Peak: 31.6 (No. 3)