Finally, after five months of anticipation, the moment is near. With the 2015 season opener a little more than 24 hours away, it's time for Big League Stew's annual rankings of all 30 scheduled opening day starters.
As always, the group is an interesting mix of young and old, with ages ranging from 23 to 41. It's also a very accomplished group, with one MVP, eight Cy Young awards, 44 all-star selections, one perfect game and six complete no-hitters between them. That does not include Cole Hamels six-inning contribution to the Phillies combined no-hitter last September.
Of the 30, a total of 18 already have at least one opening-day start under their belt. Of those 18, five will be making their first start with new teams. In other words, the storylines will be plentiful.
With all of that said, it's time to unveil the rankings. Please take note, however, that these are not projections or predictions — Yahoo's excellent fantasy experts have you covered there — but are based on what each pitcher has accomplished and where they stand heading into a brand new season. Also, feel free to voice your opinions in the comments.
1. Clayton Kershaw — Los Angeles Dodgers (vs. Padres, Mon. 4:10 ET)
What will Kershaw do for an encore following a Cy Young and MVP season in 2014? We'll see the first piece of the puzzle revealed when he takes the ball against San Diego's rebuilt lineup on Monday. At 27, Kershaw is already starting his fifth opener for the Dodgers. He'll also be starting his bid to join Hall of Famers Greg Maddux and Steve Carlton as four-time Cy Young award winners. Only Roger Clemens (seven) and Randy Johnson (five) have more.
What will Kershaw do for an encore following a Cy Young and MVP season in 2014? We'll see the first piece of the puzzle revealed when he takes the ball against San Diego's rebuilt lineup on Monday. At 27, Kershaw is already starting his fifth opener for the Dodgers. He'll also be starting his bid to join Hall of Famers Greg Maddux and Steve Carlton as four-time Cy Young award winners. Only Roger Clemens (seven) and Randy Johnson (five) have more.
2. Felix Hernandez — Seattle Mariners (vs. Angels, Mon. 4:10 ET)
Hernandez has long been the King of opening day in Seattle. Now he's offcially the King of the entire league in terms of consecutive season-opening starts as he extends his streak to seven. Overall, this will mark his eighth opener in 11 years, and he's been dominant in every single one, posting a 5-0 record with a sparkling 1.51 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 53.1 innings.
Hernandez has long been the King of opening day in Seattle. Now he's offcially the King of the entire league in terms of consecutive season-opening starts as he extends his streak to seven. Overall, this will mark his eighth opener in 11 years, and he's been dominant in every single one, posting a 5-0 record with a sparkling 1.51 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 53.1 innings.
3. Max Scherzer — Washington Nationals (vs. Mets, Mon. 4:05 ET)
The Nationals have three guys (Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann) who deserved opening day consideration and two more (Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez) who could be No. 1's on several other teams. In other words, manager Matt Williams couldn't go wrong. In the end, it's the $210 million man and the former Cy Young winner who gets the assignment.
The Nationals have three guys (Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann) who deserved opening day consideration and two more (Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez) who could be No. 1's on several other teams. In other words, manager Matt Williams couldn't go wrong. In the end, it's the $210 million man and the former Cy Young winner who gets the assignment.
4. Madison Bumgarner — San Francisco (@D-Backs, Mon. 10:10 ET)Bumgarner was the driving force behind San Francisco's World Series run last season and now he's rewarded with his second opening-day start. Of course, there are now concerns about usage and just how much those additional innings — which raised his season total to 270 — will wear on him this season. Only time will tell, but we're guessing Bumgarner wouldn't change a single outcome.
5. Adam Wainwright — St. Louis Cardinals (vs. Cubs, Sun. 8:05 ET)
The Cardinals workhorse will be ready in Chicago despite an offseason clean up of his right elbow and an abdominal injury that kept him shelved until March 20. The 33-year-old right-hander posted a career-best 2.38 ERA in 227 innings last season while leading St. Louis to a fourth straight appearance in the NLCS. As long as he's healthy, he'll remain among the game's elite hurlers.
The Cardinals workhorse will be ready in Chicago despite an offseason clean up of his right elbow and an abdominal injury that kept him shelved until March 20. The 33-year-old right-hander posted a career-best 2.38 ERA in 227 innings last season while leading St. Louis to a fourth straight appearance in the NLCS. As long as he's healthy, he'll remain among the game's elite hurlers.
6. David Price — Detroit Tigers (vs. Twins, Mon. 1:08, ET)
Justin Verlander's seven-year opening day streak ended even before he landed on the disabled list this week. That was a Brad Ausmus call. For Price, this makes three straight openers, with the previous two coming for the Tampa Bay Rays. As we asked last season, the question now becomes where will Price make his opening-day start next season? His contract is up after the season, and he could make it three different teams in three straight years if no extension is reached.
Justin Verlander's seven-year opening day streak ended even before he landed on the disabled list this week. That was a Brad Ausmus call. For Price, this makes three straight openers, with the previous two coming for the Tampa Bay Rays. As we asked last season, the question now becomes where will Price make his opening-day start next season? His contract is up after the season, and he could make it three different teams in three straight years if no extension is reached.
7. Corey Kluber — Cleveland Indians (@ Astros, Mon. 6:10 ET)
Entering last season, 28-year-old Corey Kluber was a guy Terry Francona hoped would emerge and add depth to a starting rotation that just lost Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir and was going young. This season, Kluber is the reigning American League Cy Young award winner and a no-brainer choice. Now the question is: Can he do it again?
Entering last season, 28-year-old Corey Kluber was a guy Terry Francona hoped would emerge and add depth to a starting rotation that just lost Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir and was going young. This season, Kluber is the reigning American League Cy Young award winner and a no-brainer choice. Now the question is: Can he do it again?
8. Jon Lester — Chicago Cubs (vs. Cardinals, Sun. 8:05 ET)
The first pitch of the MLB season will be thrown by Chicago's new ace in command. Lester, who signed a six-year, $155 million contract in December, will be starting his fifth straight season opener. Unfortunately for the Cubs, he might be doing so at a little less than full capacity. He missed one spring start with a "dead arm" and was eased to the finish line. It's not believed to be a long term concern, but it wouldn't be surprising if he's a little slow out of the gate.
The first pitch of the MLB season will be thrown by Chicago's new ace in command. Lester, who signed a six-year, $155 million contract in December, will be starting his fifth straight season opener. Unfortunately for the Cubs, he might be doing so at a little less than full capacity. He missed one spring start with a "dead arm" and was eased to the finish line. It's not believed to be a long term concern, but it wouldn't be surprising if he's a little slow out of the gate.
9. Cole Hamels — Philadelphia Phillies (vs. Red Sox, Mon. 3:05 ET)This will mark Hamels' second opening-day start with the Phillies and could easily prove to be his last. The 31-year-old left-hander, who is still owed $96 million over the next four seasons, is poised to be traded during or after the 2015 season with the Phillies now seemingly in rebuilding mode. In fact, his assignment against Boston could serve as an audition of sorts since the Red Sox have been linked to him throughout the offseason.
10. Johnny Cueto — Cincinnati Reds (vs. Pirates, Mon. 4:10 ET)
Like Hamels, Cueto might be starting his final opener for Cincinnati. He'll enter the season without a contract extension, and if the Reds are unable to keep pace in a quickly improving NL Central, it would only make sense to dangle him in front of some contenders.
Like Hamels, Cueto might be starting his final opener for Cincinnati. He'll enter the season without a contract extension, and if the Reds are unable to keep pace in a quickly improving NL Central, it would only make sense to dangle him in front of some contenders.
11. Masahiro Tanaka — New York Yankees (vs. Blue Jays, Mon. 1:05 ET)
Tanaka, who looked good this spring pitching through a slightly torn UCL in his right elbow, unseats veteran CC Sabathia, who's coming off knee surgery and had made nine straight opening-day starts (six with the Yankees, three with the Indians) dating back to 2006. Considering the historic rookie season Tanaka had going before the injury, it's warranted, but Yankees fans will be holding their breath regardless.
Tanaka, who looked good this spring pitching through a slightly torn UCL in his right elbow, unseats veteran CC Sabathia, who's coming off knee surgery and had made nine straight opening-day starts (six with the Yankees, three with the Indians) dating back to 2006. Considering the historic rookie season Tanaka had going before the injury, it's warranted, but Yankees fans will be holding their breath regardless.
12. Jered Weaver — Los Angeles Angels (@ Mariners, Mon. 4:10 ET)
Weaver is the Angels longest-tenured starter, having now earned his sixth straight opening-day assignment, and he's by far the most effective. Garrett Richards would have made for a better story coming off his devastating knee injury last season, but he won't be ready until mid-April.
Weaver is the Angels longest-tenured starter, having now earned his sixth straight opening-day assignment, and he's by far the most effective. Garrett Richards would have made for a better story coming off his devastating knee injury last season, but he won't be ready until mid-April.
13. James Shields — San Diego Padres (at Dodgers, Mon. 4:10 ET)Fresh off signing a four-year, $75 million contract in February, Shields is officially the man in San Diego. He's set to make his seventh career opening-day start, all of which have come in the last eight seasons. Now 33, Shields has been the very definition of a workhorse, topping 203 innings in every season since 2007.
14. Julio Teheran — Atlanta Braves (@ Marlins, Mon. 4:10 ET)
This makes it two straight for the 24-year-old right-hander out of Colombia. Last season, Teheran got the assignment due to attritation, with Kris Medlen, Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor all on the shelf. This season, he's earned the title of undisputed ace and could be poised to join the ranks of baseball's elite.
This makes it two straight for the 24-year-old right-hander out of Colombia. Last season, Teheran got the assignment due to attritation, with Kris Medlen, Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor all on the shelf. This season, he's earned the title of undisputed ace and could be poised to join the ranks of baseball's elite.
15. Jeff Samardzija — Chicago White Sox (@ Royals, Mon. 4:10 ET)
This spot would belong to Chris Sale if not for the avulsion fracture he suffered in his right foot back in February. The good news for Chicago is that Sale is only expected to miss one turn through the rotation. The better news is they now have Jeff Samardzija to slide in as a secondary ace.
This spot would belong to Chris Sale if not for the avulsion fracture he suffered in his right foot back in February. The good news for Chicago is that Sale is only expected to miss one turn through the rotation. The better news is they now have Jeff Samardzija to slide in as a secondary ace.
16. Sonny Gray — Oakland A's (vs. Rangers, Mon. 10:05 ET)
The A's have not been hesitant to throw their 25-year-old right-hander into big spots. As a rookie in 2013, he started opposite Justin Verlander in ALDS Game 2 — tossing eight shutout innings — and returned to start the decisive Game 5. Now he's set to make his second consecutive opening-day start.
The A's have not been hesitant to throw their 25-year-old right-hander into big spots. As a rookie in 2013, he started opposite Justin Verlander in ALDS Game 2 — tossing eight shutout innings — and returned to start the decisive Game 5. Now he's set to make his second consecutive opening-day start.
17. Phil Hughes — Minnesota Twins (at Tigers, Mon. 1:08 ET)
When the Twins signed Phil Hughes to a three-year, $24-million deal back in December of 2013, they did so hoping he could develop into their ace. In 2014, Hughes did just that, putting up a 3.52 ERA with 186 strikeouts and only 16 walks in 209 2/3 innings. At 28, there's probably not much room for further growth, but the Twins will gladly settle for consistency and another 200-plus innings.
When the Twins signed Phil Hughes to a three-year, $24-million deal back in December of 2013, they did so hoping he could develop into their ace. In 2014, Hughes did just that, putting up a 3.52 ERA with 186 strikeouts and only 16 walks in 209 2/3 innings. At 28, there's probably not much room for further growth, but the Twins will gladly settle for consistency and another 200-plus innings.
18. Henderson Alvarez — Miami Marlins (vs. Braves, Mon. 4:10 ET)
Alvarez is an often overlooked pitcher with a terrific novelty windup he likes to unleash on the first pitch of every outing. He has a no-hitter to his credit, which came on the final day of the 2013 season. He followed that up with an All-Star selection in 2014. He's very good, but he's just keeping this seat warm until Jose Fernandez returns to his rightful spot.
Alvarez is an often overlooked pitcher with a terrific novelty windup he likes to unleash on the first pitch of every outing. He has a no-hitter to his credit, which came on the final day of the 2013 season. He followed that up with an All-Star selection in 2014. He's very good, but he's just keeping this seat warm until Jose Fernandez returns to his rightful spot.
19. Yovani Gallardo — Texas Rangers (@ A's, Mon. 10:05 ET)
New team, familiar role for Gallardo. After starting each of the last five openers for the Milwaukee Brewers, he gets the call from Rangers' rookie manager Jeff Banister. Of course, we all know this spot was originally ticketed for Yu Darvish, but his season is over after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
New team, familiar role for Gallardo. After starting each of the last five openers for the Milwaukee Brewers, he gets the call from Rangers' rookie manager Jeff Banister. Of course, we all know this spot was originally ticketed for Yu Darvish, but his season is over after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
20. Yordano Ventura — Kansas City Royals (vs. White Sox, Mon. 4:10 ET)Coming off a remarkable rookie season and an equally impressive postseason, Ventura is sitting pretty with a new five-year extension and an opening-day start. Ventura's breakout was highlighted by his seven shutout innings in World Series Game 6. In a recent spring outing against Seattle, he tossed seven no-hit innings. He's ready to roll.
21. Francisco Liriano — Pittsburgh Pirates (@ Reds, Mon. 4:10 ET)
Seems like only yesterday that Liriano was an up and coming young lefty for the Twins. His career went off the rails a bit from 2009-2012, but he's been reborn the past two seasons in Pittsburgh, even earning a three-year, $39 million deal in the offseason. Liriano solidified Pittsburgh's confidence by recording a 2.20 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 86 innings after the 2014 All-Star break.
Seems like only yesterday that Liriano was an up and coming young lefty for the Twins. His career went off the rails a bit from 2009-2012, but he's been reborn the past two seasons in Pittsburgh, even earning a three-year, $39 million deal in the offseason. Liriano solidified Pittsburgh's confidence by recording a 2.20 ERA with 94 strikeouts in 86 innings after the 2014 All-Star break.
22. Clay Buchholz — Boston Red Sox (@ Phillies, Mon. 3:05 ET)
This spot became wide open after general manager Ben Cherington traded Jon Lester to the Oakland A's last season and then failed to re-sign him in free agency. Manager John Farrell ultimately decided on Buchholz, Boston's longest tenured starter, over the glut of new arrivals, which includes Rick Porcello, Justin Masterson and Wade Miley.
This spot became wide open after general manager Ben Cherington traded Jon Lester to the Oakland A's last season and then failed to re-sign him in free agency. Manager John Farrell ultimately decided on Buchholz, Boston's longest tenured starter, over the glut of new arrivals, which includes Rick Porcello, Justin Masterson and Wade Miley.
23. Chris Tillman — Baltimore Orioles (@ Rays, Mon. 3:10 ET)
Buck Showalter's rotation may not have a standout ace, but it does have a workhorse in Chris Tillman. The 26-year-old right-hander will start his second straight season opener after posting a 3.34 ERA in a majors-leading 34 starts in 2014. Over the past two seasons, he's combined for 413.2 innings and a team-high 29 wins.
Buck Showalter's rotation may not have a standout ace, but it does have a workhorse in Chris Tillman. The 26-year-old right-hander will start his second straight season opener after posting a 3.34 ERA in a majors-leading 34 starts in 2014. Over the past two seasons, he's combined for 413.2 innings and a team-high 29 wins.
24. Chris Archer — Tampa Bay Rays (vs. Orioles, Mon. 3:10 ET)
With David Price gone to Detroit, Matt Moore still working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and Alex Cobb on the DL with right forearm tendinitis, rookie manager Kevin Cash turns to Archer. He's not a bad fallback option either considering the hit their depth has taken over the last year. Archer posted a 3.33 ERA and a 173/72 K/BB ratio in 195 innings in 2014.
With David Price gone to Detroit, Matt Moore still working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and Alex Cobb on the DL with right forearm tendinitis, rookie manager Kevin Cash turns to Archer. He's not a bad fallback option either considering the hit their depth has taken over the last year. Archer posted a 3.33 ERA and a 173/72 K/BB ratio in 195 innings in 2014.
25. Dallas Keuchel — Houston Astros (vs. Indians, Mon. 7:10 ET)
Not yet a household name, Keuchel could achieve that status with another big season in 2015. After struggling through his first two seasons with a 5.20 ERA in 239 career innings, he put everything together last season, going 12-9 with a 2.93 ERA. His impressive campaign included a league-best five complete games in 29 starts and a Gold Glove award.
Not yet a household name, Keuchel could achieve that status with another big season in 2015. After struggling through his first two seasons with a 5.20 ERA in 239 career innings, he put everything together last season, going 12-9 with a 2.93 ERA. His impressive campaign included a league-best five complete games in 29 starts and a Gold Glove award.
26. Kyle Lohse — Milwaukee Brewers (vs. Rockies, Mon. 2:10 ET)
Would you believe this will be Lohse's third opening-day start? He also got the nod with St. Louis in both 2008 and 2012, so the pomp and circumstance shouldn't bother him at all. At 36, he'll be the second oldest starter on Monday.
Would you believe this will be Lohse's third opening-day start? He also got the nod with St. Louis in both 2008 and 2012, so the pomp and circumstance shouldn't bother him at all. At 36, he'll be the second oldest starter on Monday.
27. Bartolo Colon — New York Mets (@ Nationals, Mon. 4:05 ET)At 41 years, 317 days young, Colon will not only be the oldest opening day starter in MLB, he'll be the oldest in Mets franchise history. He's also a pretty good story coming off consecutive solid seasons in his 40s, including an All-Star appearance in 2013. Matt Harvey, who's coming off Tommy John surgery, will start the Mets home opener.
28. Josh Collmentor — Arizona Diamondbacks (vs. Giants, Mon. 10:10 ET)
Viewed by most as a back-end starter, the 29-year-old right-hander with a funky delivery is Arizona's most proven returning starter. The Diamondbacks also added Jeremy Hellickson from the Rays in the offseason, but beyond them it's difficult to know what to expect from Rubby De La Rosa, Chase Anderson and Archie Bradley.
Viewed by most as a back-end starter, the 29-year-old right-hander with a funky delivery is Arizona's most proven returning starter. The Diamondbacks also added Jeremy Hellickson from the Rays in the offseason, but beyond them it's difficult to know what to expect from Rubby De La Rosa, Chase Anderson and Archie Bradley.
29. Drew Hutchison — Toronto Blue Jays (@ Yankees, Mon. 1:05 ET)
The Blue Jays rotation will have an interesting mix of old and new with R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle serving as veteran anchors and Daniel Norris and Aaron Sanchez providing the new blood. In between is John Gibbons' choice, Drew Hutchison. The 24-year-old right-hander is coming off a disappointing first full season, having posted a 4.58 ERA in 32 starts last season, but provides the most overpowering stuff of the three experienced options.
The Blue Jays rotation will have an interesting mix of old and new with R.A. Dickey and Mark Buehrle serving as veteran anchors and Daniel Norris and Aaron Sanchez providing the new blood. In between is John Gibbons' choice, Drew Hutchison. The 24-year-old right-hander is coming off a disappointing first full season, having posted a 4.58 ERA in 32 starts last season, but provides the most overpowering stuff of the three experienced options.
30. Kyle Kendrick — Colorado Rockies (@ Brewers, Mon. 2:10 ET)
The Rockies announced Kendrick even before Jorge De La Rosa - their best pitcher far and away over the past three seasons - went down with a groin injury. The Rockies are confusing like that sometimes, and unless their young starters all manage to breakout together this season, it's likely to be another long season.
The Rockies announced Kendrick even before Jorge De La Rosa - their best pitcher far and away over the past three seasons - went down with a groin injury. The Rockies are confusing like that sometimes, and unless their young starters all manage to breakout together this season, it's likely to be another long season.
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