Rejoice! Spring training is almost upon us, bringing to an end what has been a hectic offseason, one that saw a slew of starting pitchers change uniforms, whether via free agency or trade. Keeping up with what your favorite team’s rotation looks like, much less the competition’s, has been challenging at times.
Actually, I take that back. With pitchers like Yovani Gallardo, Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum still searching for new homes, the offseason run on pitching isn’t actually over—and what we think we know about rotations is going to change once those players come off the open market.
In fact, the upcoming exhibition season is sure to take what we know about rotations and flip things upside down. Injuries are bound to occur, once-reliable veteran arms are sure to flame out, and previously unheralded prospects will force their way into an Opening Day rotation.
But we can’t be concerned with all of that right now.
With pitchers and catchers set to begin reporting to camp next week, what follows is a look at where all 30 MLB team’s rotations rank right now, heading into spring training.
A team’s projected five-man rotation carries the most weight in these rankings, but depth, along with potential impact prospects, was taken into account as well.
After all, no team goes through an entire season using only five starting pitchers. Those that are able to keep that number under double digits are truly lucky.