Major League Baseball is filled with pitching talent. Corbin Burnes, Shohei Ohtani, and Gerrit Cole to name a few. Those are the names everyone hears the most. Let's take a look at some starters who just are not getting enough credit.
1. Marcus Stroman, Cubs
Marcus Stroman has always been an extremely solid starter in his nine seasons. He's currently sporting the second lowest ERA in all of baseball behind Mariners' Luis Castillo. In 24.0 IP, Stroman has a 0.75 ERA and 25 SO leaving batters with a .146 BA. He also has yet to give up a home run this season. Stroman is a veteran on this younger Cubs team and is looking to continue his dominance this season.
2. Sonny Gray, Twins
Sonny Gray has seemed to find a nice home for himself in Minnesota. He currently has a 0.82 ERA in 22.0 IP with an opponent BA of .207. He has also compiled 26 SO along the way. Pairing Gray with newly acquired, Pablo Lopez, the Twins pitching staff is forming into a respectable one to go along with their formidable lineup.
3. Bryce Elder, Braves
Bryce Elder is going under the radar in this potent Braves pitching staff. He's currently sporting a 1.14 ERA in 23.2 IP, leaving opponents to a .241 BA. He has 23 SO to go along with his season totals. Bryce is a youngster who can easily reach his potential learning from the pitchers ahead of him in the Atlanta staff. Bryce Elder is a name we could hear for years to come.
4. Justin Steele, Cubs
As mentioned above, the Cubs are a young team. Fitting that narrative is Justin Steele. In 2023, Steele has a 1.44 ERA in 25.0 IP, along with 24 SO. He's leaving batters to a .163 BA. Steele has the stuff to become a great pitcher in this league. A bright spot for this young ball club trying to make some noise in the NL Central.
5. Graham Ashcraft, Reds
The Cincinnati Reds don't have many positives about their 2023 season, but one of them is Graham Ashcraft. Ashcraft is off to a respectable start to his 2023 campaign. He currently has a 1.88 ERA in 24.0 IP along with 21 SO. He's leaving batters to a .200 BA as well. This is Ashcraft's first full season in the majors and he's ready to solidify his place in this Cincinnati rotation.