MLB Power Rankings: Each Team's Greatest Pitched Season of All Time

To me, pitching is the most important aspect in the game of baseball. If you have good pitching, then your team will do well (see the 2010 San Francisco Giants). 

A common debate among baseball fans is which player, throughout the entirety of baseball, has pitched the best season ever. Spinning off this debate, let's take a different look at this; instead of debating who had the single best season ever, let's debate the single best season ever pitcher for every team. 

The biggest problem I came across when creating this list was what type of handicap, if at all, I should give to more modern pitchers. It's tough to compare pitchers from the dead-ball and modern ball era; aside from the numbers being skewed because of the difference in the game but also because pitchers were used differently (i.e. they pitched more innings, etc). 

With that said, I will warn you in advance that if I found two pitchers who I felt were close, but one was pitching in more the modern era and the other in the dead-ball era, I gave the advantage to the modern pitcher.

In this list, you will find that two different pitchers grace this list twice. Can you think of who they are? Also, you will find that two teams had the best season pitched in their franchises' history in 2010; any guesses on which organizations these are?

Alright, enough talk. Let's take a look at each team's individual best-pitched season... 

Baltimore Orioles

In 1968 Dave McNally pitched the greatest season in the history of the Baltimore Orioles' franchise. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
22	10	1.95	273.0	202	.842	4.7

McNally was fifth in the MVP voting this year. For his career, McNally spent 13 seasons with the Orioles and finished his career with 184 Wins.  

Boston Red Sox

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BOSTON - APRIL 04: Former the Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez greets the fans before the game against the New York Yankees on April 4, 2010 during Opening Night at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The season that Pedro Martinez pitched in 2000 is certainly one of the record books. While the debate goes on, I have to agree with the side that believes Pedro's 2000 season was the single best season pitched in baseball ever. 

Look at the numbers, he was ridiculous. And during the modern era, WHILE many players were juicing! Incredible!

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
18	6	1.74	217.0	284	.737	10.1

Pedro finished the season by winning the Cy Young Award and placing fifth in the MVP voting. 

New York Yankees

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ANAHEIM, CA - 1987: Ron Guidry #49 of the New York Yankees pitches during a game in the 1987 season against the California Angels at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images)

The Yankees have had some amazing pitchers on their team, but no one has had a better single season in a Yankees uniform than Ron Guidry did in 1978.

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
25	3	1.74	273.2	248	.946	8.5

The year was made complete for Guidry by winning the Cy Young Award and just missing winning the MVP (he placed second in the MVP voting). 

Tampa Bay Rays

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FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 22: David Price #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a portrait during the Tampa Bay Rays Photo Day on February 22, 2011 at the Charlotte Sports Complex in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Tampa Bay Rays are a very young franchise so it should come as no surprise that the best season pitched by a pitcher wearing a Rays uniform was last year, 2010, by David Price.

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
19	6	2.72	208.2	188	1.193	5.3

Prie finished second in the Cy Young Award voting in 2010. I don't think any of us would be surprised if Price have an even better season than this and replaces his won stats for this title. 

Toronto Blue Jays

For the Toronto Blue Jays, their best season came in 1997 in the person of the Rocket—Roger Clemens. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
21	7	2.05	264.0	292	1.030	10.3

With a great season like that, it's not a surprise to hear that Clemens won the Cy Young in the AL that year. 

Chicago White Sox

Ed Walsh, of the White Sox, is the first pitcher on our list that comes from the dead-ball era. His exceptional season, which stands as the best season pitched in White Sox history, came all the way back in 1908. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
40	15	1.42	464.0	269	.860	9.5

Admittedly, pitchers stayed in the games a lot longer than they do today, but this is still really impressive (regardless of what era he he pitched in): in 1908, Walsh had 42 complete games, 11 of which were shutouts.  

Cleveland Indians

I was flip-flopping between Bob Feller and Gaylord Perry, but ultimately, decided upon Perry's 1972 season. Here are the stats: 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
24	16	1.92	342.2	234	.978	10.5

Perry won the Cy Young this year and placed sixth in the MVP voting. 

Detroit Tigers

In 1968, Denny McClain pitched an amazing season. Not only did he win the Cy Young Award but he also won the MVP that year. Here are his stats for that phenomenal year:

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
31	6	1.96	336.0	280	.905	5.9

Kansas City Royals

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

1990: Bret Saberhagen #31 of the Kansas City Royals delivers a pitch during a game in 1990 season. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Bret Saberhagen's 1989 season will forever be remembered by Kansas City Royals fans. He won himself a Cy Young award and finished eighth in the MVP voting that year.

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
23	6	2.16	262.1	193	.961	8.6

Minnesota Twins

The best season pitched for the Minnesota Twins actually goes all the way back to when the team was known as the Washington Senators. Sure, the Twins have had and seen some great pitching seasons in more modern times, but it's hard to argue with the success of Walter Johnson; after all, he is one of the best ever. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
36	7	1.14	346.0	243	.780	12.4

Naturally, Johnson won the MVP award this year. 

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

In 1964, Dean Chance, a pitcher for the Angels, had an amazing season; he won the Cy Young Award and finished fifth in the MVP voting. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
20	9	1.65	278.1	207	1.006	8.9

Oakland Athletics

A lot of fans would expect to see Lefty Grove's 1931 season as the best single-season ever pitched for the Oakland Athletics. Not taking anything away from Grove's season in 1931 (because it certainly was VERY impressive) but, in my opinion, Vida Blue had a better year in 1971.

Here are Vida's stats:

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
24	8	1.82	312.0	301	.952	8.8

Vida not only won the Cy Young Award in '71, but he also won the MVP as well. 

Seattle Mariners

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13 Oct 1995: Pitcher Randy Johnson of the Seattle Mariners throws the ball during a game against the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The Mariners won the game 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport

The Big Unit! In 1995, for the Seattle Mariners, Randy Johnson had one of his most infamous seasons: 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
18	2	2.48	214.1	294	1.045	7.8

Johnson went on to win the Cy Young and placed fifth in the MVP voting in '95. 

Texas Rangers

You can make a case that Nolan Ryan should be taking the place of Fergie Jenkins here, however, I will argue that Jenkins' 1974 season is better than any other season a pitcher has every thrown while wearing a Rangers' uniform. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
25	12	2.82	328.1	225	1.008	7.6

Jenkins was second in the Cy Young voting and fifth in the MVP voting that year. 

New York Mets

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

1990: Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets winds back to pitch during a game in the 1990 season. ( Photo by: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Tom Seaver was great, absolutely, but Dwight Gooden's 1985 season was off the charts. He finished the year with a Cy Young Award and was fourth in the MVP voting. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
24	4	1.53	276.2	268	.965	11.7

Florida Marlins

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14 Oct 1997: Pitcher Kevin Brown of the Florida Marlins pitches against the Atlanta Braves in game six of the National League Championship Series at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons/Allsport DIGITAL IMAGE ONLY: NO ORIGINAL

Kevin Brown's 1996 season marks the best season ever pitched by a Marlin. For his performance this year, Brown finished second in the Cy Young Awards.

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
17	11	1.89	233.0	159	.944	7.5

Atlanta Braves

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 3: Greg Maddux #31 of the Atlanta Braves throws against the Chicago Cubs during game three of the National League Division Series on October 3, 2003 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Braves 3-1. (Photo by Ma

No surprise here, Maddux is clearly the man who holds the honor of having pitched the best single season ever in a Braves uniform. Maddux had so many great years, but 1995 was his best. Here are his stats:

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
19	2	1.63	209.2	181	.811	8.8

Maddux won the Cy Young in 1995 and finished third in the MVP voting. 

Philadelphia Phillies

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - 1986: Steve Carlton #32 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the 1986 season MLB game against the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Another team that had a few suitors that were worthy of this title. Nonetheless, the 1972 season by Steve Carlton is the best among them all. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
27	10	1.97	346.1	310	.993	12.2

Carlton won the Cy Young and finished fifth in MVP voting that year.

Washington Nationals

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14 Aug 1997: Pitcher Pedro Martinez of the Montreal Expos winds up to throw a pitch during the Expos 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California

Pedro Martinez makes his second appearance on the list. First, he made an appearance for his 2000 season with the Boston Red Sox, and now, he is on the list for his 1997 season with the Montreal Expos (the soon to be Washington Nationals).

Whether you like him or not, it's hard to argue Pedro isn't one of the best. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
17	8	1.90	241.1	305	.932	8.2

This year led to another win for Pedro in the Cy Young Award. 

Chicago Cubs

Mordecai, Three-Finger, Brown. The Cubs have a very long history, but no Cub has ever pitched a better season then Brown did in 1906. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
26	6	1.04	277.1	144	.934	7.2

A 1.04 ERA?! I don't care what era you are pitching in, anytime you are flirting with an ERA under 1.00 and you're a starter who has pitched the whole season, you're automatically considered one of the greats. 

Cincinnati Reds

The best season ever pitched for the Cincinnati Reds was actually not for an entire season.

Statistically, the best season ever thrown by a man in a Reds uniform was by Tom Seaver in 1977. However, the interesting fact about this is that Seaver was traded from the Mets to the Reds in 1977; so, Seaver did not spend an entire year with the Reds—and he still managed to have the best numbers. 

Here are his stats from only his games played in a Reds uniform in 1977:

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
14	3	2.34	165.1	124	.956	5.4

Seaver finished third in the Cy Young Award that year. 

Houston Astros

The best season ever pitched by a Houston Astro came back in 1986 by Mike Scott. He was awarded with the Cy Young award that year. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
18	10	2.22	275.1	306	.923	7.8

Milwaukee Brewers

Another team that had it's best single season performance by a pitcher in 1986 is the Milwaukee Brewers. This came from Teddy Higuera. Higuera finished second in the Cy Young Award that year, behind the Astros' Mike Scott. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
20	11	2.79	248.1	207	1.208	8.4

Pittsburgh Pirates

Here's another interesting case on our list. Not only did this pitcher only pitch for the Pirates for one season, but he wasn't even a starter! The one and only reliever that makes our list is Rich "Goose" Gossage. His 1977 season was the best by a pitcher on the Pirates ever. 

Wins	Losses	Saves	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
11	9	26	1.62	133.0	151	.955	5.8

St. Louis Cardinals

Another no-brainer, the 1968 season pitched by Bob Gibson is well-known for being the best season pitched by a Cardinals pitcher.

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
22	9	1.12	304.2	268	.853	11.9

In this infamous season, Gibson won the Cy Young, he won the MVP Award and threw 13 shutouts. Dominant!  

Colorado Rockies

Harry How/Getty Images

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 24: Ubaldo Jimenez #38 of the Colorado Rockies poses for a portrait during photo day at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 24, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Just like the Tampa Bay Rays had their franchise's best season in 2010, so too did the Colorado Rockies. For the Rockies, it was thrown by none other than Ubaldo Jiminez. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
19	8	2.88	221.2	214	1.155	7.1

In 2010, Jiminez finished third in the Cy Young Award. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

Another obvious one, Sandy Koufax's 1965 season is one of the most famous in baseball. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
26	8	2.04	335.2	382	.855	8.2

Koufax won the Cy Young that year and finished second for the MVP.

San Diego Padres

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 01: Jake Peavy #44 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 1, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers defeated the Padres 1-0. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Jake Peavy holds the title of pitching the best single season for the young San Diego Padres organization. It is his 2007, Cy Young Award winning season that gives him this honor. He also finished seventh in the MVP voting that year. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
19	6	2.54	223.1	240	1.061	6.2

San Francisco Giants

To find the best single season pitched for the Giants organization, you have to go back to when they were in New York, and Christy Mathewson was pitching for them. Mathewson's 1908 performance is a classic and is the clear choice to be the Giants' best performance. 

Although, I guess if there was some competition, it would be between Mathewson and...Mathewson; he had so many great years for the Giants. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
37	11	1.43	390.2	259	.827	10.1

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MILWAUKEE - JUNE 03: Pitcher Randy Johnson #51 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 3, 2008 at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Brewers defeated the Diamondbacks 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Im

And appearing for the second time on our list is Randy Johnson—the Big Unit. Johnson is also on the list for having pitched the best season of the Seattle Mariners' history in 1995. He makes his second appearance on the list for this 2001 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Johnson is another pitcher that the argument should not be over whether he is deserving but rather which one of his seasons should be named the best. I decided to go with the 2001 season because that was the year he helped the Diamondbacks win the World Series. 

Wins	Losses	ERA	IP	Ks	WHIP	WAR
21	6	2.49	249.2	372	1.009	8.4

Johnson won the Cy Young this year, but that shouldn't be too big of a surprise because he won it four years in a row with the Diamondbacks (from 1999-2002).