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It has almost been eight full weeks of the MLB regular season, and several pitchers are in the midst of career seasons. Some are on their way to award-winning seasons and cementing themselves as the predominant hurlers in this sport. Here are the ones who have been that good thus far.
Best MLB starting pitchers as Week 9 nears
5) Dylan Cease
Dylan Cease has been exactly what the San Diego Padres were looking for. The pitcher has thrown to the tune of a 2.45 ERA (2.65 xERA) and 1.8 fWAR so far. He strikes out over 11 batters per nine innings while only giving up less than half a home run during that frame as well. The Padres have struggled overall, but that has been no fault of Cease's.
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4) Tanner Houck
Tanner Houck has been worth the second-most wins this season for any pitcher at 1.9 fWAR. He has gotten a little lucky, as his 2.17 ERA is fantastic but much lower than his expected ERA of 3.39. Nevertheless, a 5-0 record for a team that only has 22 in total for the entire season is very impressive. Houck's 2.9 HR/FB% is also extremely impressive.
3) Zack Wheeler
Zack Wheeler has long been one of baseball's best pitchers. The Philadelphia Phillies ace has been on these sort of lists all season long, too. Worth 1.8 fWAR already, the hurler is in line to win a Cy Young in the National League. His 2.52 ERA (2.65 xERA) and 2.75 FIP are fantastic, as is a 10.53 K/9 rate. There are few better pitchers than Wheeler right now.
2) Shota Imanaga
The Chicago Cubs have an ace. Shota Imanaga has been one of the offseason's best signings as he currently owns a startling 0.84 ERA. His 2.59 xERA suggests he's been a bit lucky so far, but that is still a very strong mark. Imanaga has been worth 1.9 fWAR, second in the MLB, and has a 0.16 HR/9 rate. He simply doesn't allow runs very often.
1) Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. The Detroit Tigers pitcher, before Sunday's action, is the only pitcher in all of baseball with a 2.0 fWAR or higher. He has been spectacular, posting a 1.80 ERA and a 1.94 FIP. His 10.80 K/9 rate is terrific, as is the 1.31 BB/9 rate he possesses. He is still unbeaten on the year, winning six games for a team that's only won 23 in total.
