The American League East is gearing up for an exciting season with some serious pitching talent taking the mound. The Boston Red Sox made a splash by acquiring ace Garrett Crochet, while the New York Yankees pulled off a blockbuster signing in Max Fried, who now holds the record for the biggest contract ever given to a left-handed pitcher in MLB history. As we prepare for the 2025 season, it’s time to dive into the top arms in this competitive division.
Top 10 Pitchers in the AL East for 2025
10. Carlos Rodon (New York Yankees)
2024 Stats: 32 GS, 16-9, 3.96 ERA, 1.9 WAR
After a notably bumpy start to his Yankees tenure, Carlos Rodon bounced back in 2024. Although he hasn’t yet reached the heights fans envisioned based on his spectacular 2022 with the Giants, he demonstrated marked improvement in his whiff percentage and strikeout rate. If he can carry that momentum into 2025, expect him to be a valuable asset in the Yankees’ rotation.
9. Luis Gil (New York Yankees)
2024 Stats: 29 GS, 15-7, 3.50 ERA, 3.1 WAR
Luis Gil captured the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year award and has already established himself as an All-Star. That said, consistency remains a hurdle for him. He’s shown flashes of brilliance but can struggle with command, which leads to shorter outings. When in sync, however, Gil has the potential to be a top-tier pitcher in the American League.
8. Grayson Rodriguez (Baltimore Orioles)
2024 Stats: 20 GS, 13-4, 3.86 ERA, 1.4 WAR
At just 25 years old and entering his third MLB season, Grayson Rodriguez is poised for a breakout campaign. Despite a slight dip in velocity last year, his ability to rack up strikeouts while limiting walks speaks volumes. If he continues on this path, he could solidify his status as a leading pitcher in the league.
7. Zach Eflin (Baltimore Orioles)
2024 Stats (w/ TB and BAL): 28 GS, 10-9, 3.59 ERA, 2.5 WAR
Zach Eflin showcased elite talent in 2023, but his performance took a step back in 2024. Although he didn’t struggle outright, his metrics across the board saw a decline. If Eflin can rediscover the effectiveness of his breaking pitches, he could bounce back and be a significant contributor for Baltimore.
6. Tanner Houck (Boston Red Sox)
2024 Stats: 30 GS, 9-10, 3.12 ERA, 3.5 WAR
Tanner Houck made his first All-Star appearance last season, showcasing flashes of being an ace. While his fastball isn’t the hardest in the league, his off-speed pitches effectively induce ground balls and keep hitters off balance, making him a valuable player for the Red Sox moving forward.
5. Kevin Gausman (Toronto Blue Jays)
2024 Stats: 31 GS, 14-11, 3.83 ERA, 0.9 WAR
Though 2024 was a challenging year for Gausman, his arsenal still boasts a dominant four-seamer and a nasty split-finger that can be game-changers. With some adjustments, he has the tools necessary to turn his fortunes around in the upcoming season.
4. Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays)
2023 Stats: 21 GS, 11-2, 3.29 ERA, 2.7 WAR
Shane McClanahan is set to make his return after spending all of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Prior to his injury, he was among the most formidable pitchers in baseball. Fully healthy again, McClanahan is ready to remind everyone just how electrifying he can be when he takes the mound.
3. Max Fried (New York Yankees)
2024 Stats (w/ ATL): 29 GS, 11-10, 3.25 ERA, 3.5 WAR
Max Fried’s offseason signing comes with high expectations, and for good reason. He was considered one of the best pitchers in baseball during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Though he faced injury hurdles in 2024, if he can remain healthy, Fried will be a cornerstone of the Yankees’ pitching staff for years to come.
2. Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees)
2024 Stats: 17 GS, 8-5, 3.41 ERA, 2.0 WAR
Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young award winner, faced injury challenges in 2024 but remains firmly in the elite conversation among pitchers. Given his track record, he would likely top any other list. However, with the addition of Fried, he finds himself slightly lower in this ranking.
1. Garrett Crochet (Boston Red Sox)
2024 Stats (w/ CHW): 32 GS, 6-12, 3.59 ERA, 4.1 WAR
The excitement surrounding Garrett Crochet’s transition to the Red Sox is palpable. At just 25, he’s entering his prime and finally off the White Sox, setting the stage for a breakout season. Expect him to be a force in the AL East, capturing headlines and dominating at the plate.
With so many talented pitchers vying for supremacy in the AL East, 2025 promises to deliver compelling matchups and standout performances. The division’s depth on the mound is a testament to how crucial pitching is in the quest for postseason glory.
