Phillies Have Three of MLB's Top Pitchers, Execs Say

ESPN poll of scouts and front office leaders ranks Phillies' rotation among the best in baseball.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:04pm

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According to an ESPN poll of MLB scouts and front office executives, the Philadelphia Phillies have three of the top 11 starting pitchers in the league heading into the 2026 season. The Phillies' rotation has been cited as a bright spot for the team despite concerns about the rest of the roster.

Why it matters

The Phillies' starting pitching has been a strength for the team in recent years, and maintaining a strong rotation will be crucial if the club hopes to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. Having multiple aces at the top of the rotation could give the Phillies a significant advantage over their divisional rivals.

The details

The ESPN poll, conducted by baseball insider Kiley McDaniel, surveyed scouts and front office executives to rank the top starting pitchers in MLB. Three Phillies starters - Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Ranger Suárez - were named among the top 11 pitchers in the league.

  • The poll was conducted in the lead-up to the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Aaron Nola

A three-time All-Star and one of the most dominant pitchers in the National League over the past several seasons.

Zack Wheeler

A power pitcher who has emerged as an ace for the Phillies, earning All-Star selections in 2021 and 2023.

Ranger Suárez

A rising star in the Phillies' rotation, Suárez has steadily improved his performance over the past three seasons.

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What they’re saying

“So as the 2026 season heats up, let's look at the top starters in MLB, with some of my own evaluation included but mostly based on insight from scouts and front office executives I polled going into the season.”

— Kiley McDaniel, ESPN Insider

The takeaway

The Phillies' starting rotation, led by three of the best pitchers in baseball, could be the key to the team's success in 2026 and beyond. If the Phillies' offense can provide adequate run support, this rotation has the potential to carry the team back to the playoffs.