Predicting Every MLB Team's 2026 Opening Day Starting Rotation, Version 1.0
With a dominant showing from their starting rotation throughout the postseason, led by World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Los Angeles Dodgers provided further evidence to the idea that pitching wins championships.
No notable starting pitchers have signed yet in the early days of free agency, but the market was shaken up when Brandon Woodruff and Shota Imanaga both made the surprising decision to accept qualifying offers. Former top prospect Grayson Rodriguez was also on the move, going from the Orioles to the Angels in an early offseason trade.
As we wait for more deals to be completed, we've assigned all of the top upcoming free agents to logical landing spots and projected a few major trades on the way to predicting each MLB team's Opening Day starting rotation for the 2026 season.
This will be updated throughout the offseason, so this is just the starting point.
Note: Names in bold indicate a projected signing or trade pickup.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Merrill Kelly
2. RHP Ryne Nelson
3. RHP Tyler Mahle
4. LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
5. RHP Brandon Pfaadt
Quick Thoughts: After the megadeal they gave Corbin Burnes last offseason, the D-backs might be more inclined to focus on short-term solutions to shoring up the rotation, and they will likely be in the market for multiple starters.
Merrill Kelly and Tyler Mahle will likely be limited to two-year deals based on their age and injury history, respectively, but both are also capable of pitching like a No. 2/3 starter at times. That duo would provide a veteran presence alongside homegrown up-and-comers Ryne Nelson and Brandon Pfaadt, while Burnes continues to recover from Tommy John surgery.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Cristian Mena, RHP Yilber Díaz, LHP Kohl Drake, LHP Mitch Bratt
Athletics
2 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Luis Severino
2. LHP Jeffrey Springs
3. RHP Nick Martinez
4. LHP Jacob Lopez
5. RHP Luis Morales
Quick Thoughts: With an impressive young offensive core, building out the starting rotation should be a focal point for the Athletics. However, attracting quality talent could be difficult after how much Luis Severino struggled at home (15 GS, 6.01 ERA) in 2025 after signing a three-year, $67 million deal.
Jacob Lopez, Luis Morales and Jack Perkins all flashed intriguing upside, and rounding things out with veteran swingman Nick Martinez would give them an option to fill multiple roles on the staff.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Jack Perkins, RHP Luis Medina, RHP J.T. Ginn, RHP Gunner Hoglund, RHP Mitch Spence, RHP Joey Estes, LHP Ken Waldichuk
Atlanta Braves
3 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Chris Sale
2. RHP Spencer Strider
3. RHP Spencer Schwellenbach
4. RHP Hurston Waldrep
5. RHP Grant Holmes
Quick Thoughts: How will the Braves use Reynaldo López in his return from shoulder surgery? The 31-year-old had a career year as a starter in 2024, but he also has experience pitching out of the bullpen and could be a major weapon bridging the gap to closer Raisel Iglesias.
Right-hander Hurston Waldrep had a 2.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 56.1 innings, and those numbers were actually inflated by one awful start (4.2 IP, 8 H, 8 ER), as he logged a 1.75 ERA in 51.1 innings in his other nine outings.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Reynaldo López, LHP Joey Wentz, RHP Didier Fuentes, RHP Bryce Elder
Baltimore Orioles
4 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Trevor Rogers
2. RHP Kyle Bradish
3. RHP Lucas Giolito
4. RHP Dean Kremer
5. RHP Tyler Wells
Quick Thoughts: The Orioles have 329.2 innings to replace between Tomoyuki Sugano, Charlie Morton and Zach Eflin, and they also flipped Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for slugger Taylor Ward earlier this week.
Full seasons from Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish will go a long way after they made a combined 24 starts, so one quality veteran arm to slot somewhere in the No. 2/3 range in their rotation might be all they need. Lucas Giolito reestablished himself as that caliber of starter after a strong campaign in Boston.
Other Internal Candidates: LHP Cade Povich, RHP Brandon Young, RHP Chayce McDermott
Boston Red Sox
5 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Garrett Crochet
2. RHP Dylan Cease
3. LHP MacKenzie Gore
4. RHP Brayan Bello
5. LHP Connelly Early
Quick Thoughts: The Red Sox could sit on their hands, as some combination of Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Kyle Harrison, and a healthy Patrick Sandoval is enough to give them a quality rotation behind ace Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello.
However, they could also be one of the market's most aggressive teams, targeting one of the top-tier starters in free agency and swinging a deal to acquire someone like MacKenzie Gore or Joe Ryan. They have the spending ability and the young trade chips to get it done.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Kutter Crawford, LHP Kyle Harrison, LHP Patrick Sandoval, RHP Hunter Dobbins, RHP Richard Fitts
Chicago Cubs
6 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Ranger Suárez
2. RHP Cade Horton
3. LHP Matthew Boyd
4. RHP Jameson Taillon
5. LHP Shota Imanaga
Quick Thoughts: Even with Shota Imanaga making the surprising decision to accept his qualifying offer and Colin Rea brought back on a one-year deal with a club option for 2027, the Cubs are still expected to be major players at the top of the starting pitching market.
With a 52.0 percent career groundball rate, Ranger Suárez looks like the ideal target to pitch in front of a strong defensive infield anchored by Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson up the middle. The Cubs will also get Justin Steele back at some point in 2026, though he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Colin Rea, RHP Javier Assad, LHP Jordan Wicks
Chicago White Sox
7 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Shane Smith
2. RHP Michael Lorenzen
3. RHP Paul Blackburn
4. RHP Davis Martin
5. RHP Sean Burke
Quick Thoughts: The White Sox plucked veteran Adrian Houser from the scrapheap last May and ended up with a legitimate trade chip at the deadline, and that could be how they approach filling out the rotation again with veterans such as Michael Lorenzen and Paul Blackburn capable of outpitching their expected contracts.
Don't forget 2025 All-Star Shane Smith was a Rule 5 pick last offseason who won a rotation spot during spring training and never looked back, so there could also be some under-the-radar candidates who come out of the woodwork.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Jonathan Cannon, RHP Duncan Davitt, LHP Noah Schultz
Cincinnati Reds
8 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Hunter Greene
2. LHP Andrew Abbott
3. LHP Nick Lodolo
4. RHP Brady Singer
5. RHP Chase Burns
Quick Thoughts: With one year of club control remaining and an $11.9 million projected salary in arbitration, Brady Singer is a speculative trade candidate, but for now he is penciled into a spot alongside the homegrown trio of Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo.
The No. 5 starter job should be an interesting in-house battle between former first-round picks Chase Burns and Rhett Lowder, so don't expect any outside additions to the rotation as the bullpen and outfield are far more pressing needs.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Rhett Lowder, RHP Chase Petty
Cleveland Guardians
9 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Gavin Williams
2. RHP Tanner Bibee
3. LHP Logan Allen
4. RHP Slade Cecconi
5. LHP Parker Messick
Quick Thoughts: Given their ability to develop pitching talent and perennial unwillingness to spend money, it's fair to assume the Guardians will opt to go in-house to build their 2026 rotation, unless someone is acquired via trade.
Parker Messick and Joey Cantillo both pitched well at times as rookies, though the latter has stuff that plays better out of the bullpen, so the former gets the nod for the No. 5 starter job in this first round of predictions.
Other Internal Candidates: LHP Joey Cantillo, RHP Daniel Espino, RHP Austin Peterson
Colorado Rockies
10 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Kyle Freeland
2. RHP Chase Dollander
3. RHP Ryan Feltner
4. RHP Tanner Gordon
5. RHP Antonio Senzatela
Quick Thoughts: With Germán Márquez and Austin Gomber gone in free agency, an already terrible Rockies rotation could be even worse if some of their young arms are unable to take a step forward.
A healthy Ryan Feltner offers some quality upside after he logged a 4.49 ERA in 162.1 innings during the 2024 season, though he was limited to 30.1 innings in 2025 while battling shoulder and back injuries.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Bradley Blalock, RHP McCade Brown, LHP Carson Palmquist, RHP Gabriel Hughes
Detroit Tigers
11 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Tarik Skubal
2. RHP Jack Flaherty
3. RHP Casey Mize
4. RHP Reese Olson
5. RHP Max Scherzer
Quick Thoughts: After getting mixed results from Jack Flaherty in the first season of a two-year, $35 million deal, the Tigers could opt to shop in the one-year-deal bin this offseason. A reunion with Max Scherzer could be the perfect way to bridge the gap to some of their young arms.
Ideally, Troy Melton would force his way into the rotation, and with a high-octane fastball and plus slider, he has impact potential. However, it's also unlikely a contending Tigers team would rely on him to make 30 starts, so a one-year stopgap makes sense.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Troy Melton, RHP Keider Montero, RHP Ty Madden, RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long
Houston Astros
12 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Hunter Brown
2. RHP Justin Verlander
3. RHP Cristian Javier
4. RHP Spencer Arrighetti
5. RHP Jason Alexander
Quick Thoughts: Does Lance McCullers Jr. have anything left in the tank? Will Cristian Javier return to his pre-injury form? Will the flier the team took on Nate Pearson to stretch him out as a starter pay off?
There are a lot of questions surrounding the in-house options in Houston, and with Framber Valdez expected to depart, the answers will be important.
Adding at least one veteran starter is a must if they have hopes of contending in 2026, and Justin Verlander pitched well enough down the stretch in San Francisco to believe he could still serve as a No. 2 guy.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Lance McCullers Jr., RHP Nate Pearson, LHP Colton Gordon, RHP J.P. France, RHP AJ Blubaugh, RHP Miguel Ullola
Kansas City Royals
13 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Cole Ragans
2. RHP Seth Lugo
3. LHP Noah Cameron
4. RHP Michael Wacha
5. LHP Kris Bubic
Quick Thoughts: The Royals' five-man rotation appears to be set, unless they decide to shop 2025 All-Star Kris Bubic this winter, and even then that could simply be to open the door for one of their other internal options.
Ryan Bergert (76.1 IP, 3.66 ERA) and Stephen Kolek (112.2 IP, 3.51 ERA) were acquired in the deal that sent Freddy Fermin to San Diego, and both quietly put together strong 2025 seasons. Between that duo and Bailey Falter, who has 83 career starts, the Royals have solid overall depth.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Ryan Bergert, RHP Stephen Kolek, LHP Bailey Falter
Los Angeles Angels
14 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Yusei Kikuchi
2. RHP Michael King
3. RHP José Soriano
4. RHP Grayson Rodriguez
5. RHP Walker Buehler
Quick Thoughts: The Angels signing Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year, $63.7 million deal was one of the first big moves of the offseason a year ago, and the front office again struck early to add to the rotation when Grayson Rodriguez was acquired from the Orioles in exchange for Taylor Ward earlier this week.
A healthy Rodriguez, which is by no means a foregone conclusion, would give the rotation three quality options alongside Kikuchi and José Soriano. Adding Michael King on a deal similar to Kikuchi's and then rolling the dice on a one-year deal with Walker Buehler would give the Angels staff some quality upside.
Other Internal Candidates: LHP Reid Detmers, LHP Sam Aldegheri, RHP Caden Dana, RHP Jack Kochanowicz, RHP Mitch Farris
Los Angeles Dodgers
15 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
2. LHP Blake Snell
3. RHP Shohei Ohtani
4. RHP Tyler Glasnow
5. RHP Emmet Sheehan
Quick Thoughts: After giving Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow a combined $643.5 million worth of contracts the last two offseason, not to mention the money given to Shohei Ohtani, the starting rotation finally appears to not be a focal point for the Dodgers' offseason.
Emmet Sheehan was lost in the shuffle a bit in his return from Tommy John surgery, but he had a 2.82 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 89 strikeouts in 73.1 innings last year and is still only 26 years old. Roki Sasaki will also be a candidate for the No. 5/6 starter job, though he might have found his lane in the closer's role.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Roki Sasaki, RHP Landon Knack, RHP Kyle Hurt
Miami Marlins
16 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Sandy Alcantara
2. RHP Eury Pérez
3. RHP Edward Cabrera
4. LHP Ryan Weathers
5. LHP Braxton Garrett
Quick Thoughts: The Marlins went 35-32 after the All-Star break and hung around on the periphery of the NL wild-card race far longer than expected, so that could be reason enough for them to hold onto oft-mentioned trade candidates Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera, at least until next trade deadline.
With a healthy Eury Pérez joining them at the top of the rotation and a trio of former first-round picks in Ryan Weathers, Braxton Garrett and Max Meyer also expected to be healthy after tossing a combined 103 innings in 2025, this staff has as much room for in-house improvement as any in baseball.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Max Meyer, RHP Janson Junk, RHP Adam Mazur, RHP Ryan Gusto, LHP Dax Fulton
Milwaukee Brewers
17 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Brandon Woodruff
2. RHP Jacob Misiorowski
3. RHP Quinn Priester
4. RHP Chad Patrick
5. RHP Logan Henderson
Quick Thoughts: The already strong possibility Freddy Peralta is traded this winter became even stronger when Brandon Woodruff accepted his qualifying offer, giving the Brewers a de facto replacement in the ace role and tacking a significant chunk onto their 2026 payroll.
Jacob Misiorowski, Quinn Priester, Chad Patrick and Logan Henderson all offer untapped upside, while DL Hall and Robert Gasser are also former top prospects in the mix to be stretched out this spring. A low-cost veteran addition is possible, but it could be more for depth than legitimate rotation help.
Other Internal Candidates: LHP DL Hall, LHP Robert Gasser, RHP Tobias Myers
Minnesota Twins
18 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Joe Ryan
2. RHP Pablo López
3. RHP Bailey Ober
4. RHP Simeon Woods Richardson
5. RHP Taj Bradley
Quick Thoughts: President of baseball operations Derek Falvey told reporters at the end of September that his expectation was Joe Ryan and Pablo López would both be part of the 2026 rotation, and while that is far from a guarantee, it is notable.
If the Twins decide to retool rather than further stripping the roster to the studs, they do have the potential for a quality rotation, especially if reclamation project Taj Bradley turns a corner.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Zebby Matthews, RHP Mick Abel, RHP David Festa, RHP Marco Raya, RHP Andrew Morris
New York Mets
19 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Freddy Peralta
2. LHP David Peterson
3. RHP Nolan McLean
4. LHP Sean Manaea
5. RHP Tatsuya Imai
Quick Thoughts: The Mets have not been afraid to cut their losses under Steve Cohen, first with Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, and more recently with Frankie Montas being released. Point being, they are not going to lock Sean Manaea and Clay Holmes into rotation spots simply because of their salaries.
A blockbuster deal to acquire Freddy Peralta and a roll of the dice on flame-throwing Japanese starter Tatsuya Imai would reshape this rotation, while Kodai Senga is a trade candidate, Holmes could easily slide back into the bullpen, and Manaea is a candidate to be outright released if he starts slow.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Clay Holmes, RHP Jonah Tong, RHP Brandon Sproat, RHP Christian Scott
New York Yankees
20 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. LHP Max Fried
2. RHP Chris Bassitt
3. RHP Cam Schlittler
4. RHP Luis Gil
5. RHP Will Warren
Quick Thoughts: With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt all expected to start the year on the injured list, the Yankees will be in the market to add a starter, though a stopgap veteran on a short-term deal makes the most since considering Cole and Rodón are both expected back early in the season.
Chris Bassitt has pitched in New York before, he threw the ball well in a swingman role during the Blue Jays' run to the World Series, and at 36 years old, his market will likely be limited to short-term offers.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Allan Winans, LHP Ryan Yarbrough
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Zack Wheeler
2. LHP Cristopher Sánchez
3. LHP Jesús Luzardo
4. RHP Aaron Nola
5. RHP Taijuan Walker
Quick Thoughts: The Phillies need to re-sign Kyle Schwarber, re-sign J.T. Realmuto or find a replacement behind the plate and add at least one corner outfielder before they think about doing anything with their starting rotation.
Losing Ranger Suárez does not automatically mean they will be looking to add an outside replacement. Taijuan Walker is still owed $18 million in the final season of his four-year, $72 million deal, and he could be used to hold down the No. 5 spot until Andrew Painter is ready for his first shot at the big leagues.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Andrew Painter, RHP Jean Cabrera
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Paul Skenes
2. LHP Tyler Anderson
3. RHP Braxton Ashcraft
4. RHP Bubba Chandler
5. RHP Mike Burrows
Quick Thoughts: The Pirates have squeezed some reasonably priced innings out of Rich Hill (22 GS, 119.0 IP) in 2023, Martín Pérez (16 GS, 83.0 IP) in 2024 and Andrew Heaney (23 GS, 120.1 IP) in 2025, and Tyler Anderson would fit the mold as a veteran lefty likely to be available on a one-year deal.
Right-hander Mitch Keller appears to be one of the offseason's more likely trade candidates. The five-year, $77 million extension he signed prior to the 2024 season will pay him $55.7 million of that over the final three seasons.
Other Internal Candidates: LHP Hunter Barco, RHP Thomas Harrington, RHP Johan Oviedo
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Nick Pivetta
2. RHP Joe Musgrove
3. RHP Randy Vásquez
4. RHP Luke Weaver
5. RHP Jon Duplantier
Quick Thoughts: With Dylan Cease and Michael King both departing and Yu Darvish out for the season, the Padres will focus their offseason efforts on filling out the rotation, but don't be surprised if they get creative.
Luke Weaver has said he is open to returning to a starting role after finding success in the Yankees bullpen, while former D-backs prospect Jon Duplantier is an intriguing name to monitor after he logged a 1.24 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 128 strikeouts in 101.1 innings in Japan in 2025.
Other Internal Candidates: LHP JP Sears, LHP Kyle Hurt, RHP Matt Waldron
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Logan Webb
2. LHP Framber Valdez
3. LHP Robbie Ray
4. RHP Zac Gallen
5. RHP Landen Roupp
Quick Thoughts: The Giants have committed significant money to Matt Chapman, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers in the last year, and the focal point of their offseason now will be building out the rotation around Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.
Framber Valdez is arguably the top starter on the market and a virtual lock for a nine-figure payday, while Zac Gallen might be available on a shorter deal following a disappointing contract year but finished strong to again look the part of a potential frontline option.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Hayden Birdsong, LHP Carson Whisenhunt, RHP Kai-Wei Teng, RHP Trevor McDonald, RHP JT Brubaker
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Bryan Woo
2. RHP Logan Gilbert
3. RHP Luis Castillo
4. RHP George Kirby
5. RHP Bryce Miller
Quick Thoughts: The Mariners return their entire starting rotation from the past two seasons intact, and it should again be one of the best units in baseball, though they could shake things up by trading Luis Castillo with two years and $48.3 million left on his contract.
For now, pencil in those same five guys who helped this team come one win away from a trip to the World Series in 2025, with Logan Evans and Emerson Hancock also back as the team's top depth options.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Logan Evans, RHP Emerson Hancock
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Sonny Gray
2. LHP Matthew Liberatore
3. RHP Michael McGreevy
4. RHP Andre Pallante
5. RHP Cody Ponce
Quick Thoughts: Will the Cardinals be able to find a taker for Sonny Gray, even if he is willing to waive his no-trade clause this time winter? The 36-year-old is owed $35 million in 2026 and a $5 million buyout for 2027, and he had a middling 4.28 ERA and 96 ERA over 180.2 innings.
Controllable starters Matthew Liberatore and Michael McGreevy both showed promise, while Cody Ponce is one of the more intriguing international returnees on the market. The 31-year-old went 17-1 with a 1.89 ERA and 252 strikeouts in 180.2 innings in the KBO last season, following a three-year run in Japan.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Kyle Leahy, LHP Quinn Mathews, RHP Tink Hence
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Drew Rasmussen
2. RHP Ryan Pepiot
3. RHP Shane Baz
4. LHP Ian Seymour
5. RHP Kodai Senga
Quick Thoughts: Will Shane McClanahan be ready for Opening Day? The two-time All-Star has not pitched in the majors since Aug. 2, 2023, first undergoing Tommy John surgery and then a procedure to address a nerve issue last August.
The Rays won't be players on the top end of the free-agent market, but they are always looking for value, and buying low on Kodai Senga could pay dividends. They have a surplus of outfielders, which the Mets need, so there could be some foundation for a deal to be made.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Joe Boyle, RHP Yoendrys Gómez, LHP Joe Rock, RHP Brody Hopkins
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Jacob deGrom
2. RHP Nathan Eovaldi
3. RHP Jack Leiter
4. RHP Zach Eflin
5. RHP Kumar Rocker
Quick Thoughts: The Rangers front office has talked about trimming payroll, but there is still enough talent on this roster to believe they can contend in 2026, so they could end up doing a mix of buying and selling that ends in a slightly reduced overall payroll.
Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi are back to anchor the rotation, while Jack Leiter settled in nicely as his rookie season unfolded. A workhorse veteran such as Zach Eflin could be a nice final piece that comes at a reasonable price and offers a bit of upside.
Other Internal Candidates: LHP Jacob Latz, RHP José Corniell
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Kevin Gausman
2. RHP Mitch Keller
3. RHP Shane Bieber
4. RHP Trey Yesavage
5. RHP José Berríos
Quick Thoughts: Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and breakout rookie Trey Yesavage will fill three spots in the Blue Jays' rotation, but the other two are a question mark with Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer departing and José Berríos frustrated with his late-season move to the bullpen.
Berríos is still owed another $67 million over the next three years, so moving him won't be easy. However, he is still a fine backend option if the relationship can be mended, and the Blue Jays and Pirates look like a good fit on a Mitch Keller trade to give the staff more of a No. 2/3 type to take some pressure off Bieber and Yesavage.
Other Internal Candidates: LHP Eric Lauer, RHP Bowden Francis, LHP Easton Lucas
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Projected Starting Rotation
1. RHP Zack Littell
2. RHP Josiah Gray
3. RHP Dustin May
4. LHP Payton Tolle
5. RHP Cade Cavalli
Quick Thoughts: The Nationals might still be a year or two from contention, which could make attracting top-end starting pitching talent difficult, and there is also the matter of a potential MacKenzie Gore trade shaking up their rotation further.
In this round of predictions, Gore is going to the Red Sox for a package built around young left-hander Payton Tolle. As for potential signings, Zack Littell has quietly logged a 3.73 ERA and 6.0 WAR in 343 innings the last two years, while Dustin May offers some of the more intriguing buy-low upside on the market entering his age-28 campaign.
Other Internal Candidates: RHP Jake Irvin, RHP Brad Lord, RHP Mitchell Parker, LHP Andrew Alvarez
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