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ROP (Ranks Over Peers) Score:
-----------------------------------------
King:          6.00-6.99 (StDevs over average)           Earl:         2.00-2.99 (StDevs over average)
Prince:       5.00-5.99 (StDevs over average)           Viscount:  1.00-1.99 (StDevs over average)
Duke:         4.00-4.99 (StDevs over average)           Baron:      0.00-0.99 (StDevs over average)
Marquess: 3.00-3.99 (StDevs over average)

PEDROM WALTERJ PEDROM DWIGHTG ROGERC BOBG RONG GREGM LEFTYG SANDYK

Top 150+ Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

{Playoff numbers included but not shown. Explanations Below}

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
1 Pedro Martinez 1999
 Red Sox 4.86 1.066 0.497 213.33
(208.34)		 137
(54)		 23
(22)		 4
(4)		 2.07
(2.31)		 0.837 3.53 7 0.638 3.17 5 6.70 6
2 Walter Johnson 1913
 Senators 2.93 1.090 0.525 346.00
(310.33)		 128
(49)		 36
(29)		 7
(7)		 1.14
(1.77)		 0.750 2.56 106 0.671 3.98 1 6.54 54
3 Pedro Martinez 2000
 Red Sox 4.91 1.025 0.512 217.00
(217.00)		 114
(43)		 18
(18)		 6
(6)		 1.74
(2.22)		 0.831 3.46 9 0.633 3.06 10 6.52 10
4 Dwight Gooden 1985
 Mets 3.59 .967 0.527 276.67
(276.67)		 138
(51)		 24
(24)		 4
(4)		 1.53
(1.86)		 0.796 3.07 26 0.648 3.42 2 6.49 14
5 Roger Clemens 1997
 Blue Jays 4.56 .982 0.510 264.00
(264.00)		 146
(65)		 21
(21)		 7
(7)		 2.05
(2.15)		 0.825 3.39 10 0.628 2.93 23 6.31 17
6 Bob Gibson 1968
 Cardinals 2.99 .897 0.511 304.67
(304.67)		 100
(48)		 22
(22)		 9
(9)		 1.12
(1.49)		 0.805 3.17 16 0.635 3.10 9 6.27 13
7 Ron Guidry 1978
 Yankees 3.77 .952 0.511 273.67
(273.67)		 154
(59)		 25
(25)		 3
(3)		 1.74
(2.14)		 0.774 2.83 55 0.646 3.37 3 6.19 29
8 Greg Maddux 1995
 Braves 4.18 1.023 0.465 209.67
(209.67)		 101
(37)		 19
(19)		 2
(2)		 1.63
(1.98)		 0.797 3.08 24 0.632 3.03 13 6.11 19
9 Lefty Grove 1931
 Athletics 4.38 .975 0.471 288.67
(260.33)		 164
(73)		 31
(27)		 4
(3)		 2.06
(2.46)		 0.769 2.78 62 0.644 3.33 4 6.11 33
10 Sandy Koufax 1966
 Dodgers 3.61 .923 0.508 323.00
(323.00)		 151
(75)		 27
(27)		 9
(9)		 1.73
(1.89)		 0.799 3.10 21 0.630 2.98 20 6.08 21


CYYGREGMRANDYJGREGMGROVERACHRISTYMROGERCRANDYJZACKGDEANC

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
11 Cy Young 1901
 Red Sox 3.66 .901 0.462 371.33
(360.80)		 235
(115)		 33
(31)		 10
(10)		 1.62
(1.92)		 0.806 3.18 15 0.625 2.84 27 6.03 21
12 Greg Maddux 1994
 Braves 4.21 .983 0.472 202.00
(202.00)		 95
(44)		 16
(16)		 6
(6)		 1.56
(1.87)		 0.842 3.59 4 0.606 2.40 97 5.99 51
13 Randy Johnson 1995
 Mariners 4.71 1.013 0.473 214.33
(214.33)		 122
(64)		 18
(18)		 2
(2)		 2.48
(2.23)		 0.814 3.27 12 0.618 2.69 44 5.96 28
14 Greg Maddux 1997
 Braves 4.20 .975 0.512 232.67
(232.67)		 138
(58)		 19
(19)		 4
(4)		 2.20
(2.18)		 0.802 3.14 18 0.623 2.82 30 5.96 24
15 Grover Alexander 1915
 Phillies 2.75 1.039 0.469 376.33
(369.00)		 176
(83)		 31
(30)		 10
(9)		 1.22
(1.49)		 0.791 3.01 29 0.628 2.93 22 5.94 26
16 Christy Mathewson 1905
 Giants 2.99 .930 0.487 338.67
(307.10)		 191
(77)		 31
(29)		 9
(8)		 1.28
(1.81)		 0.773 2.82 56 0.635 3.11 8 5.93 32
17 Roger Clemens 1990
 Red Sox 3.91 1.049 0.482 228.33
(228.34)		 114
(59)		 21
(21)		 6
(6)		 1.93
(1.82)		 0.815 3.28 11 0.615 2.61 57 5.90 34
18 Randy Johnson 2001
 Diamond-
backs		 4.36 1.096 0.504 249.67
(242.66)		 147
(74)		 21
(20)		 6
(6)		 2.49
(2.32)		 0.797 3.09 23 0.621 2.76 36 5.85 30
19 Zack Greinke 2009
 Royals 4.45 1.039 0.484 229.33
(229.34)		 107
(64)		 16
(16)		 8
(8)		 2.16
(1.95)		 0.841 3.57 6 0.600 2.25 158 5.82 82
20 Dean Chance 1964
 Angels 3.63 .876 0.479 278.33
(257.33)		 82
(48)		 20
(18)		 9
(8)		 1.65
(1.83)		 0.805 3.17 17 0.613 2.57 65 5.74 41


CHRISTYMTOMSCHRISTYMPEDROMCLIFFLJASONSCHRISSCLAYTONKJACOBDSTEVEC

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
21 Christy Mathewson 1908
 Giants 2.35 .977 0.497 390.67
(365.20)		 162
(87)		 37
(32)		 11
(10)		 1.43
(1.40)		 0.757 2.64 88 0.633 3.06 11 5.69 50
22 Tom Seaver 1971
 Mets 3.47 .945 0.519 286.33
(285.66)		 123
(56)		 20
(20)		 10
(9)		 1.76
(1.92)		 0.774 2.83 54 0.622 2.77 35 5.60 45
23 Christy Mathewson 1909
 Giants 2.59 1.026 0.528 275.33
(273.90)		 121
(62)		 25
(23)		 6
(6)		 1.14
(1.51)		 0.755 2.61 95 0.630 2.99 18 5.60 57
24 Pedro Martinez 2002
 Red Sox 4.46 .976 0.486 199.33
(199.34)		 138
(63)		 20
(20)		 4
(4)		 2.26
(2.18)		 0.807 3.20 14 0.606 2.39 102 5.59 58
25 Cliff Lee 2008
 Indians 4.35 .967 0.520 223.33
(223.34)		 152
(67)		 22
(22)		 3
(3)		 2.54
(2.48)		 0.760 2.67 81 0.627 2.90 24 5.57 53
26 Jason Schmidt 2003
 Giants 4.28 .971 0.514 207.67
(207.67)		 116
(55)		 17
(17)		 5
(5)		 2.34
(2.33)		 0.787 2.97 37 0.613 2.57 66 5.54 52
27 Chris Sale 2024
 Braves 4.13 .964 0.478 177.67
(177.67)		 126
(48)		 18
(18)		 3
(3)		 2.38
(2.08)		 0.797 3.08 25 0.607 2.41 96 5.49 61
28 Clayton Kershaw 2016
 Dodgers 4.16 .899 0.529 149.00
(149.00)		 75
(32)		 12
(12)		 4
(4)		 1.69
(1.63)		 0.801 3.12 19 0.604 2.36 112 5.48 66
29 Jacob deGrom 2018
 Mets 4.02 .877 0.519 217.00
(217.00)		 86
(49)		 10
(10)		 9
(9)		 1.70
(1.70)		 0.848 3.65 3 0.582 1.81 458 5.46 231
30 Steve Carlton 1972
 Phillies 3.46 .982 0.528 346.33
(346.33)		 138
(83)		 27
(27)		 10
(10)		 1.97
(2.14)		 0.739 2.44 132 0.632 3.02 15 5.46 74


SANDYKLEFTYGHALNPEDROMWALTERJCYYGERRITCROYHWALTERJCICOTTEE

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
31 Sandy Koufax 1963
 Dodgers 3.29 .945 0.477 311.00
(311.00)		 144
(64)		 25
(25)		 5
(5)		 1.88
(2.04)		 0.738 2.43 133 0.631 3.00 17 5.43 75
32 Lefty Grove 1930
 Athletics 4.65 .926 0.459 291.00
(250.67)		 200
(90)		 28
(23)		 5
(3)		 2.54
(2.66)		 0.773 2.82 58 0.615 2.61 58 5.43 58
33 Hal Newhouser 1946
 Tigers 3.50 1.035 0.499 292.67
(289.00)		 143
(73)		 26
(26)		 9
(8)		 1.94
(2.08)		 0.750 2.56 108 0.624 2.84 28 5.40 68
34 Pedro Martinez 1997
 Expos 4.20 1.024 0.490 241.33
(241.33)		 95
(64)		 17
(17)		 8
(8)		 1.90
(2.13)		 0.800 3.11 20 0.602 2.28 147 5.39 84
35 Walter Johnson 1912
 Senators 3.34 .968 0.468 369.00
(318.00)		 165
(80)		 33
(27)		 12
(10)		 1.39
(1.95)		 0.764 2.72 67 0.616 2.63 53 5.35 60
36 Cy Young 1902
 Red Sox 3.57 .943 0.545 384.67
(378.40)		 237
(143)		 32
(32)		 11
(11)		 2.15
(2.19)		 0.750 2.57 104 0.622 2.78 34 5.35 69
37 Gerrit Cole 2019
 Astros 4.60 .984 0.455 212.33
(212.33)		 177
(65)		 20
(20)		 5
(5)		 2.50
(2.47)		 0.790 3.01 30 0.604 2.34 118 5.34 74
38 Roy Halladay 2011
 Phillies 3.81 1.000 0.494 233.67
(233.67)		 125
(65)		 19
(19)		 6
(6)		 2.35
(1.98)		 0.787 2.97 36 0.604 2.35 113 5.32 75
39 Walter Johnson 1915
 Senators 2.94 1.044 0.532 336.67
(328.00)		 146
(79)		 27
(25)		 13
(13)		 1.55
(1.82)		 0.739 2.44 131 0.624 2.84 29 5.28 80
40 Eddie Cicotte 1919
 White Sox 3.21 1.021 0.526 306.67
(297.33)		 137
(76)		 29
(27)		 7
(6)		 1.82
(2.08)		 0.707 2.08 286 0.637 3.15 6 5.23 146


JAKEAPEDROMMARKPKEVINBCARLHMORDBWALTERJSANDYKRANDYJSANDYK

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
41 Jake Arrieta 2015
 Cubs 3.91 .952 0.497 229.00
(229.00)		 118
(53)		 22
(22)		 6
(6)		 1.77
(2.17)		 0.748 2.54 109 0.617 2.66 49 5.21 79
42 Pedro Martinez 2003
 Red Sox 4.53 1.002 0.506 186.67
(186.67)		 125
(52)		 14
(14)		 4
(4)		 2.22
(2.02)		 0.780 2.90 48 0.602 2.29 141 5.19 95
43 Mark Prior 2003
 Cubs 4.28 .993 0.495 211.33
(211.34)		 114
(68)		 18
(18)		 6
(6)		 2.43
(2.20)		 0.790 3.00 32 0.597 2.18 189 5.18 111
44 Kevin Brown 1998
 Padres 4.23 .871 0.487 257.00
(256.00)		 128
(77)		 18
(18)		 7
(7)		 2.38
(2.19)		 0.785 2.95 40 0.599 2.22 168 5.17 104
45 Carl Hubbell 1933
 Giants 3.34 .943 0.502 308.67
(274.00)		 89
(65)		 23
(20)		 12
(11)		 1.66
(1.98)		 0.763 2.71 69 0.609 2.46 86 5.17 78
46 Mordecai Brown 1909
 Cubs 2.59 .942 0.527 342.67
(289.00)		 155
(73)		 27
(25)		 9
(8)		 1.31
(1.56)		 0.750 2.56 107 0.614 2.60 61 5.16 84
47 Walter Johnson 1918
 Senators 2.77 1.025 0.512 326.00
(297.00)		 97
(63)		 23
(20)		 13
(9)		 1.27
(1.65)		 0.757 2.64 85 0.611 2.51 73 5.16 79
48 Sandy Koufax 1964
 Dodgers 3.54 .902 0.522 223.00
(220.00)		 85
(46)		 19
(19)		 5
(5)		 1.74
(2.14)		 0.735 2.40 144 0.621 2.75 37 5.15 91
49 Randy Johnson 2000
 Diamond-
backs		 4.63 1.020 0.507 248.67
(248.67)		 132
(88)		 19
(19)		 7
(7)		 2.64
(2.48)		 0.783 2.93 44 0.598 2.20 181 5.13 113
50 Sandy Koufax 1965
 Dodgers 3.54 .885 0.494 335.67
(333.67)		 138
(95)		 26
(26)		 8
(8)		 2.04
(2.23)		 0.750 2.56 105 0.613 2.55 70 5.12 88


Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
51 Christy Mathewson 1911
 Giants 3.39 .980 0.495 307.00
(297.33)		 169
(101)		 26
(24)		 13
(13)		 1.99
(1.76)		 0.794 3.04 27 0.592 2.05 247 5.10 137
52 Roger Clemens 1998
 Blue Jays 4.65 1.011 0.482 234.67
(234.67)		 130
(78)		 20
(20)		 6
(6)		 2.65
(2.57)		 0.770 2.78 60 0.603 2.31 128 5.10 94
53 Ed Walsh 1908
 White Sox 2.39 .872 0.500 464.00
(416.50)		 162
(98)		 40
(35)		 15
(14)		 1.42
(1.61)		 0.712 2.14 249 0.629 2.95 21 5.09 135
54 Kevin Brown 1996
 Marlins 4.21 .905 0.480 233.00
(233.00)		 90
(58)		 17
(17)		 11
(11)		 1.89
(2.24)		 0.784 2.94 42 0.596 2.14 207 5.08 125
55 Randy Johnson 2002
 Diamond-
backs		 4.11 1.085 0.483 260.00
(260.00)		 173
(76)		 24
(24)		 5
(5)		 2.32
(2.36)		 0.741 2.46 127 0.615 2.62 56 5.08 92
56 Carl Lundgren 1907
 Cubs 2.46 1.024 0.526 207.00
(207.50)		 77
(51)		 18
(15)		 7
(7)		 1.17
(1.27)		 0.792 3.03 28 0.591 2.04 262 5.06 145
57 Walter Johnson 1910
 Senators 2.53 .997 0.501 370.00
(352.66)		 146
(87)		 25
(24)		 17
(16)		 1.36
(1.43)		 0.776 2.85 52 0.598 2.21 179 5.06 116
58 Dolf Luque 1923
 Reds 3.99 .951 0.490 322.00
(309.33)		 153
(90)		 27
(26)		 8
(8)		 1.93
(2.51)		 0.731 2.34 165 0.619 2.71 43 5.05 104
59 Curt Schilling 2001
 Diamond-
backs		 4.36 1.076 0.471 256.67
(256.66)		 154
(84)		 22
(22)		 6
(6)		 2.98
(2.90)		 0.737 2.42 138 0.616 2.63 54 5.05 96
60 Hyun-Jin Ryu 2019
 Dodgers 4.38 .939 0.514 182.67
(182.66)		 113
(52)		 14
(14)		 5
(5)		 2.32
(2.27)		 0.782 2.92 45 0.595 2.13 212 5.05 129

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
61 Warren Spahn 1953
 Braves 4.29 .899 0.472 265.67
(260.34)		 142
(76)		 23
(23)		 7
(7)		 2.10
(2.46)		 0.761 2.69 73 0.604 2.35 114 5.04 94
62 Chris Carpenter 2009
 Cardinals 4.19 .943 0.511 192.67
(192.67)		 105
(49)		 17
(17)		 4
(4)		 2.24
(2.29)		 0.751 2.58 101 0.609 2.46 85 5.04 93
63 Blake Snell 2018
 Rays 4.27 .998 0.467 180.67
(180.67)		 108
(41)		 21
(21)		 5
(5)		 1.89
(2.54)		 0.739 2.44 130 0.614 2.59 63 5.03 97
64 Paul Skenes 2025
 Pirates 4.22 1.003 0.516 187.67
(187.66)		 71
(46)		 10
(10)		 10
(10)		 1.97
(2.04)		 0.810 3.23 13 0.582 1.79 474 5.02 244
65 Bret Saberhagen 1989
 Royals 3.88 .931 0.469 262.33
(260.00)		 141
(73)		 23
(23)		 6
(5)		 2.16
(2.25)		 0.756 2.63 89 0.606 2.39 101 5.02 95
66 Zack Greinke 2015
 Dodgers 3.91 .958 0.460 222.67
(222.66)		 101
(43)		 19
(19)		 3
(3)		 1.66
(2.32)		 0.734 2.38 149 0.616 2.63 55 5.01 102
67 Harry Brecheen 1948
 Cardinals 3.95 .956 0.487 233.33
(228.67)		 115
(64)		 20
(20)		 7
(7)		 2.24
(2.25)		 0.762 2.69 71 0.603 2.31 130 5.01 101
68 Cy Young 1892
 Cleveland 3.28 .967 0.506 453.00
(431.20)		 288
(148)		 36
(34)		 12
(11)		 1.93
(2.31)		 0.693 1.93 377 0.632 3.03 14 4.96 196
69 Blake Snell 2023
 Padres 4.38 .989 0.510 180.00
(180.00)		 92
(47)		 14
(14)		 9
(9)		 2.25
(2.34)		 0.778 2.87 51 0.593 2.09 230 4.96 141
70 Felix Hernandez 2009
 Mariners 4.45 .986 0.526 238.67
(238.67)		 125
(81)		 19
(19)		 5
(5)		 2.49
(2.57)		 0.755 2.62 93 0.604 2.34 117 4.96 105

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
71 Spud Chandler 1943
 Yankees 3.30 .934 0.448 253.00
(253.00)		 113
(61)		 20
(20)		 4
(4)		 1.64
(2.00)		 0.755 2.62 91 0.604 2.33 120 4.96 106
72 Lefty Gomez 1937
 Yankees 4.62 .970 0.454 278.33
(278.33)		 176
(85)		 21
(21)		 11
(11)		 2.33
(2.72)		 0.761 2.69 74 0.599 2.23 163 4.92 119
73 Claude Hendrix 1914
 Chicago 3.20 .875 0.521 362.00
(328.00)		 164
(82)		 29
(26)		 10
(9)		 1.69
(2.07)		 0.721 2.24 201 0.617 2.67 48 4.91 125
74 Bob Feller 1940
 Indians 4.38 .919 0.535 320.33
(314.00)		 170
(100)		 27
(26)		 11
(10)		 2.61
(2.88)		 0.712 2.14 246 0.620 2.75 39 4.89 143
75 Clayton Kershaw 2014
 Dodgers 3.66 .960 0.461 198.33
(198.33)		 124
(43)		 21
(21)		 3
(3)		 1.77
(1.86)		 0.732 2.36 157 0.610 2.49 79 4.85 118
76 Christy Mathewson 1910
 Giants 3.02 .926 0.481 318.33
(300.67)		 152
(91)		 27
(25)		 9
(8)		 1.89
(1.78)		 0.757 2.64 87 0.598 2.18 188 4.82 138
77 Mordecai Brown 1908
 Cubs 2.35 1.056 0.526 312.33
(263.50)		 109
(59)		 29
(23)		 9
(8)		 1.47
(1.65)		 0.694 1.94 371 0.626 2.87 25 4.81 198
78 Smokey Joe Wood 1912
 Red Sox 3.34 1.000 0.478 344.00
(334.33)		 213
(98)		 34
(33)		 5
(5)		 1.91
(2.29)		 0.670 1.68 620 0.636 3.13 7 4.81 314
79 Dazzy Vance 1924
 Dodgers 3.87 .977 0.488 308.33
(304.00)		 160
(87)		 28
(27)		 6
(6)		 2.16
(2.62)		 0.699 2.00 338 0.623 2.81 31 4.81 185
80 Nolan Ryan 1981
 Astros 3.49 .911 0.445 149.00
(149.00)		 62
(33)		 11
(11)		 5
(5)		 1.69
(1.75)		 0.798 3.09 22 0.578 1.71 585 4.80 304

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
81 Dutch Leonard 1 1914
 Red Sox 2.73 .941 0.468 224.67
(198.67)		 94
(34)		 19
(15)		 5
(5)		 .96
(1.57)		 0.756 2.63 90 0.597 2.17 192 4.80 141
82 Lefty Gomez 1934
 Yankees 4.50 .903 0.463 281.67
(275.33)		 184
(81)		 26
(25)		 5
(3)		 2.33
(2.98)		 0.705 2.07 294 0.620 2.73 40 4.79 167
83 Carl Hubbell 1936
 Giants 4.02 1.004 0.497 304.00
(290.00)		 135
(75)		 26
(24)		 6
(6)		 2.31
(2.86)		 0.680 1.78 502 0.631 3.00 16 4.78 259
84 Rube Waddell 1905
 Athletics 2.65 1.024 0.475 328.67
(275.40)		 135
(87)		 27
(19)		 10
(10)		 1.48
(1.43)		 0.789 2.99 33 0.581 1.79 484 4.78 259
85 Mordecai Brown 1906
 Cubs 2.63 .957 0.518 277.33
(272.00)		 163
(66)		 26
(25)		 6
(6)		 1.04
(1.58)		 0.712 2.13 254 0.616 2.64 52 4.78 153
86 Tarik Skubal 2024
 Tigers 4.01 1.009 0.500 192.00
(192.00)		 134
(56)		 18
(18)		 4
(4)		 2.39
(2.36)		 0.743 2.48 124 0.602 2.30 139 4.78 132
87 Noah Syndergaard 2016
 Mets 4.16 .982 0.543 183.67
(182.66)		 97
(59)		 14
(14)		 9
(9)		 2.60
(2.25)		 0.785 2.95 41 0.582 1.81 463 4.76 252
88 Jack Taylor 1902
 Cubs 2.78 .924 0.534 333.67
(306.00)		 129
(82)		 23
(21)		 11
(11)		 1.29
(1.65)		 0.759 2.66 83 0.594 2.10 227 4.75 155
89 Orval Overall 1909
 Cubs 2.59 .908 0.530 285.00
(249.60)		 116
(70)		 20
(19)		 11
(11)		 1.42
(1.49)		 0.763 2.70 70 0.592 2.04 258 4.74 164
90 Walter Johnson 1919
 Senators 3.21 .970 0.461 290.33
(269.33)		 106
(65)		 20
(18)		 14
(10)		 1.49
(1.84)		 0.767 2.75 64 0.589 1.99 297 4.74 181

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
91 Greg Maddux 1998
 Braves 4.23 .985 0.485 251.00
(251.00)		 138
(74)		 18
(18)		 9
(9)		 2.22
(2.39)		 0.761 2.68 77 0.592 2.05 253 4.73 165
92 Jack Coombs 1910
 Athletics 2.53 .936 0.494 353.00
(332.00)		 147
(62)		 31
(27)		 9
(8)		 1.30
(1.72)		 0.670 1.67 627 0.633 3.05 12 4.72 320
93 Amos Rusie 1894
 Giants 5.33 .908 0.500 444.00
(425.00)		 322
(239)		 36
(34)		 13
(12)		 2.78
(3.63)		 0.711 2.13 257 0.614 2.59 64 4.72 161
94 Corey Kluber 2017
 Indians 4.37 .985 0.487 203.67
(203.67)		 118
(56)		 18
(18)		 4
(4)		 2.25
(2.34)		 0.733 2.37 153 0.604 2.34 116 4.71 135
95 Wilbur Wood 1971
 White Sox 3.47 .956 0.516 334.00
(332.00)		 137
(91)		 22
(22)		 13
(13)		 1.91
(2.02)		 0.760 2.68 78 0.591 2.02 268 4.70 173
96 Randy Johnson 1997
 Mariners 4.56 .998 0.483 213.00
(211.00)		 113
(60)		 20
(19)		 4
(4)		 2.28
(2.72)		 0.718 2.20 216 0.610 2.49 80 4.69 148
97 Jake Peavy 2007
 Padres 4.43 .829 0.471 223.33
(223.33)		 145
(63)		 19
(19)		 6
(6)		 2.54
(2.56)		 0.753 2.60 97 0.594 2.09 228 4.69 163
98 Dizzy Dean 1934
 Cardinals 4.06 1.107 0.478 311.67
(280.67)		 177
(97)		 30
(26)		 7
(5)		 2.66
(2.87)		 0.691 1.90 400 0.622 2.78 33 4.68 217
99 Tim Lincecum 2009
 Giants 4.19 1.036 0.513 225.33
(225.33)		 115
(68)		 15
(15)		 7
(7)		 2.48
(2.37)		 0.762 2.69 72 0.590 1.99 295 4.68 184
100 Bob Feller 1946
 Indians 3.50 .874 0.503 371.33
(359.00)		 129
(94)		 26
(26)		 15
(15)		 2.18
(2.26)		 0.724 2.27 192 0.607 2.41 94 4.68 143

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
101 Lefty Grove 1932
 Athletics 4.48 1.131 0.513 291.67
(258.00)		 182
(91)		 25
(22)		 10
(8)		 2.84
(2.94)		 0.710 2.12 264 0.613 2.56 67 4.68 166
102 Cy Young 1895
 Cleveland 4.77 .876 0.498 369.67
(352.00)		 244
(169)		 35
(33)		 10
(9)		 3.26
(3.39)		 0.688 1.87 436 0.623 2.80 32 4.67 234
103 Tom Seaver 1973
 Mets 3.67 1.006 0.488 290.00
(290.00)		 129
(74)		 19
(19)		 10
(10)		 2.08
(2.30)		 0.730 2.34 168 0.603 2.32 126 4.66 147
104 Clayton Kershaw 2015
 Dodgers 3.91 .972 0.528 232.67
(232.66)		 115
(65)		 16
(16)		 7
(7)		 2.13
(2.24)		 0.754 2.60 96 0.592 2.04 256 4.64 176
105 Chris Sale 2018
 Red Sox 4.27 .999 0.462 158.00
(158.00)		 100
(40)		 12
(12)		 4
(4)		 2.11
(2.17)		 0.765 2.73 66 0.586 1.90 361 4.63 214
106 Billy Rhines 1890
 Reds 3.56 1.009 0.569 401.33
(382.50)		 211
(161)		 28
(26)		 17
(16)		 1.95
(2.40)		 0.713 2.15 242 0.610 2.48 82 4.63 162
107 Dazzy Vance 1928
 Dodgers 3.98 .948 0.481 280.33
(274.67)		 122
(78)		 22
(21)		 10
(9)		 2.09
(2.49)		 0.730 2.34 169 0.602 2.29 140 4.63 155
108 Rube Waddell 1902
 Athletics 3.57 1.004 0.527 276.33
(218.70)		 131
(91)		 24
(19)		 7
(7)		 2.05
(2.17)		 0.744 2.50 119 0.595 2.12 215 4.62 167
109 Josh Beckett 2007
 Red Sox 4.50 1.116 0.501 200.67
(200.67)		 147
(76)		 20
(20)		 7
(7)		 3.27
(2.96)		 0.729 2.33 170 0.602 2.29 143 4.62 157
110 Kid Nichols 1897
 Braves 4.30 .991 0.525 368.00
(352.00)		 286
(155)		 31
(29)		 11
(10)		 2.64
(2.96)		 0.700 2.01 328 0.615 2.61 59 4.62 194

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
111 Clark Griffith 1898
 Cubs 3.60 .975 0.555 325.67
(311.60)		 207
(113)		 24
(23)		 10
(9)		 1.88
(2.39)		 0.709 2.11 267 0.610 2.50 78 4.61 173
112 Grover Alexander 1917
 Phillies 2.70 1.052 0.494 388.00
(386.00)		 164
(108)		 30
(30)		 13
(13)		 1.83
(1.76)		 0.722 2.25 199 0.605 2.36 110 4.61 155
113 Nolan Ryan 1977
 Angels 4.07 .955 0.534 299.00
(299.00)		 126
(109)		 19
(19)		 16
(16)		 2.77
(2.17)		 0.790 3.00 31 0.574 1.60 726 4.60 379
114 Justin Verlander 2022
 Astros 3.88 .972 0.475 175.00
(175.00)		 89
(43)		 18
(18)		 4
(4)		 1.75
(1.97)		 0.728 2.31 178 0.602 2.29 145 4.60 162
115 Roy Halladay 2009
 Blue Jays 4.45 1.001 0.533 239.00
(239.00)		 150
(82)		 17
(17)		 10
(10)		 2.79
(2.54)		 0.759 2.67 82 0.587 1.93 336 4.60 209
116 Jake Peavy 2004
 Padres 4.31 .930 0.520 166.33
(166.33)		 119
(48)		 15
(15)		 6
(6)		 2.27
(2.43)		 0.757 2.64 86 0.588 1.96 317 4.60 202
117 Stephen Strasburg 2017
 Nationals 4.34 .998 0.471 175.33
(175.34)		 98
(54)		 15
(15)		 4
(4)		 2.52
(2.68)		 0.752 2.58 100 0.591 2.02 272 4.60 186
118 Jim Palmer 1975
 Orioles 3.79 .892 0.507 323.00
(322.34)		 146
(83)		 23
(23)		 11
(11)		 2.09
(2.46)		 0.716 2.18 223 0.607 2.41 95 4.60 159
119 Mike Garcia 1949
 Indians 4.20 .963 0.490 175.67
(137.00)		 59
(38)		 14
(11)		 5
(4)		 2.36
(2.36)		 0.760 2.67 79 0.587 1.92 341 4.59 210
120 John Smoltz 1996
 Braves 4.21 1.032 0.505 253.67
(253.67)		 160
(95)		 24
(24)		 8
(8)		 2.94
(2.91)		 0.718 2.21 214 0.605 2.36 108 4.57 161

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
121 Roger Clemens 1986
 Red Sox 4.18 .981 0.521 254.00
(254.00)		 178
(76)		 24
(24)		 4
(4)		 2.48
(2.81)		 0.674 1.72 566 0.625 2.85 26 4.57 296
122 Cristopher Sanchez 2025
 Phillies 4.22 1.060 0.487 202.00
(202.00)		 104
(55)		 13
(13)		 5
(5)		 2.50
(2.44)		 0.752 2.58 98 0.589 1.97 312 4.55 205
123 Randy Johnson 2004
 Diamond-
backs		 4.31 1.064 0.535 245.67
(245.67)		 109
(87)		 16
(16)		 14
(14)		 2.60
(2.32)		 0.781 2.91 46 0.575 1.64 669 4.55 358
124 Josh Johnson 2010
 Marlins 4.02 1.024 0.537 183.67
(183.66)		 100
(53)		 11
(11)		 6
(6)		 2.30
(2.20)		 0.769 2.77 63 0.581 1.77 496 4.54 280
125 Steve Carlton 1980
 Phillies 3.60 1.086 0.487 304.00
(304.00)		 156
(86)		 24
(24)		 9
(9)		 2.34
(2.39)		 0.705 2.06 298 0.610 2.48 81 4.54 190
126 Christy Mathewson 1912
 Giants 3.40 .992 0.484 310.00
(288.33)		 178
(101)		 23
(21)		 12
(10)		 2.12
(2.07)		 0.758 2.65 84 0.585 1.89 377 4.53 231
127 Roy Halladay 2010
 Phillies 4.02 1.011 0.488 250.67
(243.67)		 129
(73)		 21
(21)		 10
(10)		 2.44
(2.47)		 0.731 2.35 162 0.597 2.18 191 4.53 177
128 Mike Scott 1986
 Astros 3.72 1.012 0.501 275.33
(275.33)		 120
(78)		 18
(18)		 10
(10)		 2.22
(2.38)		 0.736 2.41 143 0.595 2.13 214 4.53 179
129 Johan Santana 2006
 Twins 4.56 .998 0.522 233.67
(233.67)		 131
(80)		 19
(19)		 6
(6)		 2.77
(2.93)		 0.717 2.19 217 0.604 2.34 119 4.53 168
130 Kevin Brown 2000
 Dodgers 4.63 .936 0.496 230.00
(230.00)		 127
(74)		 13
(13)		 6
(6)		 2.58
(2.61)		 0.764 2.72 68 0.581 1.79 483 4.51 276

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
131 Kid Nichols 1898
 Braves 3.60 1.038 0.521 388.00
(378.40)		 236
(138)		 31
(29)		 12
(11)		 2.13
(2.55)		 0.685 1.84 460 0.617 2.65 51 4.49 256
132 Hal Newhouser 1945
 Tigers 3.36 1.058 0.501 313.33
(308.33)		 149
(70)		 25
(24)		 9
(9)		 1.81
(2.12)		 0.682 1.80 491 0.617 2.67 47 4.47 269
133 Corbin Burnes 2021
 Brewers 4.20 1.014 0.509 167.00
(167.00)		 85
(43)		 11
(11)		 5
(5)		 2.43
(2.56)		 0.742 2.47 126 0.590 2.01 281 4.47 204
134 Lefty Grove 1939
 Red Sox 4.62 1.057 0.515 191.00
(191.00)		 110
(61)		 15
(15)		 4
(4)		 2.54
(2.95)		 0.714 2.16 239 0.603 2.31 131 4.47 185
135 Luis Tiant 1968
 Indians 2.98 1.007 0.506 258.33
(253.00)		 96
(53)		 21
(21)		 9
(8)		 1.60
(1.98)		 0.702 2.03 315 0.608 2.43 89 4.46 202
136 Lefty Grove 1928
 Athletics 4.04 .972 0.522 261.67
(252.33)		 155
(85)		 24
(23)		 8
(8)		 2.58
(2.66)		 0.707 2.09 282 0.605 2.37 106 4.46 194
137 Corey Kluber 2014
 Indians 3.82 .990 0.504 235.67
(235.67)		 115
(70)		 18
(18)		 9
(9)		 2.44
(2.27)		 0.744 2.50 120 0.588 1.96 316 4.46 218
138 Randy Johnson 1999
 Diamond-
backs		 4.57 .966 0.487 271.67
(271.67)		 155
(87)		 17
(17)		 9
(9)		 2.48
(2.56)		 0.748 2.53 111 0.587 1.92 343 4.45 227
139 Roger Clemens 1987
 Red Sox 4.46 .988 0.519 281.67
(281.66)		 181
(100)		 20
(20)		 9
(9)		 2.97
(2.77)		 0.731 2.35 163 0.594 2.10 226 4.45 195
140 Gaylord Perry 1972
 Indians 3.07 1.081 0.508 342.67
(341.66)		 114
(77)		 24
(24)		 16
(16)		 1.92
(2.10)		 0.697 1.97 353 0.610 2.48 83 4.45 218

Top 150 Starting Pitcher Seasons, 1890-2025*. Min. ~4.40 StDevs over Avg.

Rank Pitcher Year Team(s) LG
ERA		 DEF/
PFOPP		 OPP
WL		 IP
(as starter)		 Runs For-
Agst		 Won
(as starter)		 Lost
(as starter)		 ERA
(Adj. ERA)		 ERA Score # STDEV over Avg. ERA Rank (of 12,022) W-L Score # STDEV over Avg. W-L Rank (of 12,022) ROP Avg. Rank)
141 Johnny Cueto 2016
 Giants 4.16 1.018 0.510 219.67
(219.67)		 117
(70)		 18
(18)		 5
(5)		 2.79
(2.69)		 0.716 2.19 222 0.601 2.26 153 4.44 188
142 David Price 2012
 Rays 4.08 .990 0.545 211.00
(211.00)		 126
(62)		 20
(20)		 5
(5)		 2.56
(2.77)		 0.689 1.88 420 0.613 2.56 68 4.44 244
143 Clayton Kershaw 2013
 Dodgers 3.73 .939 0.491 236.00
(236.00)		 108
(56)		 16
(16)		 9
(9)		 1.83
(2.11)		 0.745 2.51 116 0.587 1.93 333 4.44 225
144 Mordecai Brown 1907
 Cubs 2.46 1.001 0.523 233.00
(229.50)		 116
(52)		 20
(17)		 6
(6)		 1.39
(1.65)		 0.710 2.12 265 0.603 2.32 124 4.44 195
145 Bob Gibson 1969
 Cardinals 3.60 .997 0.538 314.00
(314.00)		 121
(82)		 20
(20)		 13
(13)		 2.18
(2.36)		 0.711 2.13 258 0.602 2.30 134 4.43 196
146 Juan Marichal 1969
 Giants 3.60 .983 0.487 299.67
(298.67)		 117
(88)		 21
(21)		 11
(11)		 2.10
(2.16)		 0.746 2.51 114 0.586 1.91 352 4.43 233
147 Garrett Crochet 2025
 Red Sox 4.09 .985 0.502 205.33
(205.33)		 120
(61)		 18
(18)		 5
(5)		 2.59
(2.62)		 0.720 2.23 206 0.598 2.20 184 4.42 195
148 Tim Lincecum 2008
 Giants 4.29 1.004 0.513 227.00
(223.00)		 122
(74)		 18
(17)		 5
(5)		 2.62
(2.64)		 0.730 2.34 166 0.593 2.08 232 4.42 199
149 Grover Alexander 1916
 Phillies 2.61 .925 0.429 389.00
(388.33)		 152
(90)		 33
(33)		 12
(12)		 1.55
(1.78)		 0.702 2.03 320 0.606 2.39 103 4.41 212
150 John Tudor 1985
 Cardinals 3.59 .910 0.510 275.00
(275.00)		 140
(69)		 21
(21)		 8
(8)		 1.93
(2.30)		 0.705 2.06 299 0.605 2.36 111 4.41 205
151 Vida Blue 1971
 Athletics 3.47 .973 0.468 312.00
(312.00)		 136
(71)		 24
(24)		 8
(8)		 1.82
(2.26)		 0.697 1.97 347 0.608 2.44 88 4.41 218
152 Jacob deGrom 2019
 Mets 4.38 .927 0.517 204.00
(204.00)		 92
(60)		 11
(11)		 8
(8)		 2.43
(2.43)		 0.766 2.74 65 0.576 1.67 645 4.40 355

DEF/PFOPP is the degree by which the starter's E.R.A. was helped or hurt by his defense, park factors, runners left on base, and quality of opposing batters.
> 1.00 means it was more difficult for the starter and is beneficial to his adjusted ERA.
> The DEFENSE/PFOPP-adjusted E.R.A. is below the actual E.R.A.

PFOPP itself is a merging of Park Factors, game by game, where the pitcher started + the relative run-scoring ability of the OPPosing teams, game by game.
> 1.00 is beneficial to the pitcher's adjusted ERA.

OPPWL is the composite W-L record of the pitchers' opponents, in all of the games the opposing pitchers started that year. .
> .500 is beneficial to the pitcher's adjusted W% since it implies the starter faced above average run-scoring teams, or stronger than average opponents in general.

RUNS For/Agst is the total runs attributed for and against the starter, as pitcher of record.
This and other factors are used to determine expected W-L.

Note: Some of this data relies on play-by-play records. In cases where the play-by-play is not yet
available (before 1910), full game log data is used and pro-rated using various criteria.

** As of this version, playoff game numbers have been incorporated, although not shown. Since all teams,
managers and players strive to win every game, playoff games are treated as any other game.


** All seasons by a starter with at least 15 starts in the regular seasons,
and at least 100 IP (as a starter) are part of this analysis. This allows
for the inclusion of the vast majority of pitchers' careers.

** NOTE: The Top 150 ony includes standard qualifying seasons -- 1 IP per team decision -- counting playoffs.

ALL 12,022 SEASONS, AS OF THROUGH 2025, ARE RANKED BY THEIR # OF STANDARD DEVIATIONS OVER OR UNDER AVERAGE. BUT, NON-QUALIFYING SEASONS WILL NOT BE SHOWN HERE. THERE ARE ROUGHLY AN EQUAL NUMBER OF POSITIVE (5867) AND NEGATIVE (6155) SEASONS.

~ Dedicated to my friend Joe, whose passion for this subject also goes back more than 25 years.



The 2020 season is an official season of Major League Baseball. In other cases of short seasons (1890s, 1918-19, 1981 and 1994), significantly fewer games than the long time norms of 154 or 162 were played for various reasons. Those seasons were all treated as 'full' in this analysis because the effects of skewing was minimal.

However, 2020 saw teams play ~45% fewer games, on average, than the next shortest season that is treated as a full season. This made it highly succeptible to the effects of skewing. Further, a minimum of 15 starts is one of the qualifications in this study. No starter in 2020 had 15 starts. For these reasons, 2020 seasons cannot be included among all other seasons, although several starters (including Shane Bieber, Trevor Bauer, and Yu Darvish) did quite well, relatively speaking. But, the scores for qualifying starters will still be used as part of each starter's career assessment since the season schedule was designed to be short and was played in its entirety.










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