Jacob DeGrom Named MLB Network's Top Starting Pitcher

For the third consecutive year, MLB Network has ranked Jacob deGrom as the number one starting pitcher on their Top Ten Starting Pitchers Right Now show.

DeGrom only pitched in 92 innings in 2021, but his dominance was too overwhelming to ignore. The Mets’ ace posted a minuscule 1.08 ERA with a 0.55 WHIP. He struck out 146 batters while only walking 11. Had injuries not cut his season short, deGrom was on track for a season only comparable to Bob Gibson’s 1968 season.

Shocking, we know… @Mets ace Jacob deGrom is @MLBNow's top starting pitcher in the game for the third straight year! #Top10RightNow pic.twitter.com/QywUUOpy5P

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 22, 2022

DeGrom’s age and injury combo was enough to make some on the show drop deGrom in their personal rankings, with Bill James dropping deGrom all the way down to fifth on his list, but the final list is ultimately decided by “The Shredder.” The Shredder is a tool used by MLB Network that judges players based on their last three regular seasons with a heavy emphasis on the most recent year.

The last time someone not named deGrom was named the top starting pitcher was in 2018 when Max Scherzer was crowned the top starter. Since then, deGrom leads MLB in ERA, FIP, Opponents OPS and RA9-WAR while having the second best strikeout rate.

After injuries derailed his 2021 season, deGrom is entering 2022 with “no restrictions” according to G.M. Billy Eppler. There is no question that a healthy deGrom is the game’s best starting pitcher. If he can avoid another serious injury this season, there is a good chance we will be seeing deGrom on top of the 2023 list next year.

Scherzer was named as the No. 3 starting pitcher in baseball. The 37-year-old still proved to be elite last season with both the Nationals and Dodgers. In 2021, Scherzer went 15-4 with a 2.46 ERA in 30 starts. He was named an All-Star for the eighth time in his career and finished third in National League Cy Young voting. MLB Network expects another huge year for the Mets ace.

The remainder of the list looks like this: