The 2026 Aces Project: Unveiling the Elite Pitchers
As the 2026 baseball season approaches, the question on everyone's mind is: Who are the true aces of the diamond? The annual survey by The Athletic aims to answer this age-old query, ranking the top pitchers and categorizing them into tiers. With a panel of 20 experts, including scouts, player developers, and analysts, the survey provides an in-depth look at the current state of pitching.
The top tier, Tier 1 (100), consists of the unanimous No. 1s, with Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal dominating the list. These pitchers are the cream of the crop, with Skenes winning the National League Cy Young award and Skubal leading the way with his exceptional skills. The second tier, Tier 2 (99.5 to 90), includes the reliable aces who can be trusted all season and in October. Cristopher Sanchez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are among the standout pitchers in this category, with Sanchez's breakout season and Yamamoto's creative approach to pitching.
The third tier, Tier 3 (89.5 to 80), comprises the 'Doorstep Knockers' - pitchers who might one day call themselves aces. Jacob deGrom and Shohei Ohtani are among those with immense talent but who have yet to put together a complete season of dominance. The fourth tier, Tier 4 (79.5 to 60), features the 'No. 2s and No. 3s', with pitchers like Max Fried and Garrett Crochet providing quality innings and striking out batters.
The final tier, Tier 5 (59.5 and below), includes the 'No. 4s and No. 5s', pitchers who are talented enough to reach and stick in the major leagues but are still a level below the elite. Tanner Bibee and Matthew Boyd are among those in this category, with Boyd making his first All-Star team in 2025.
The survey also highlights the importance of health and consistency in the pitching ranks. Pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Corbin Burnes, and Zack Wheeler, who missed significant time due to injuries, are not included in the list. Additionally, the panel's expertise and anonymity ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation of the players.
In conclusion, the 2026 Aces Project provides a comprehensive look at the current state of pitching in Major League Baseball. With a mix of established aces and promising young talents, the future of pitching looks bright. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to witnessing the elite pitchers in action and determining who truly deserves the title of 'ace'.
