Before the start of each season, MLB Network announces the top 10 players at each position. Over the past 15 years, eight different pitchers have competed for the No. 1 spot, led by Clayton Kershaw, who was named the No. 1 pitcher five times.
There are two other pitchers who have been named the top pitcher multiple times over the past 15 years. Let’s take a look at who they are and look at the rankings season by season.
advertise
2011 Season: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies
Phillies starter Roy Halladay pitches the first inning against the Cubs at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on June 10, 2011.
2012 Season: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies
2013 Season: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
More: Mets sign former Dodgers World Series champion
2014 Season: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
October 27, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) reacts during the 12th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during Game 3 of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
2015 Season: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
2016 Season: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
2017 Season: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
2018 Season: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
2019 Season: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals
July 29, 2021; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2020 Season: Jacob deGrom, New York Mets
2021 Season: Jacob deGrom, New York Mets
2022 Season: Jacob deGrom, New York Mets
October 8, 2022; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) reacts after hitting a home run in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during Game 2 of the 2022 MLB Playoff Wild Card Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2023 Season: Corbin Burnes, Milwaukee Brewers
2024 Season: Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees
2025 Season: Zach Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies
August 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) pitches during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
— Enjoy free coverage of top news and trending stories from The Big Lead —
NFL: Super Bowl quarterbacks’ best performances ranked
advertise
NBA: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s mom hints at next NBA team
Sports media: Mattress Mack reveals $2 million bets on Super Bowl 60
entertainment: WWE star calls in Pat McAfee to reveal shocking 2026 Royal Rumble return
Viral: Kendall Jenner Stops Interview on FaceTime for Tom Brady’s Super Bowl 60 Predictions
The No. 1 spot on The Big Lead comes after MLB Network released the No. 1 SP each year for the past 15 years.