As we hit the six-week mark of the 2026 MLB season, it's that exciting time when early-season struggles give way to breakout performances—and the game's elite continue to shine. Baseball's unique rhythm means every week brings new stories, and entering Week 7, the starting pitcher landscape is loaded with talent. Here's our power rankings of the top 10 arms right now.
Cam Schlittler is turning heads in his second year, blossoming into a true ace. With over a strikeout per inning and almost no walks, he's already on the shortlist for the American League Cy Young Award. Meanwhile, Jose Soriano has been nearly untouchable, leading all MLB starters in ERA with the best start of his career.
The Mets may be struggling as a team, but rookie Nolan McLean is a bright spot. He's dominating hitters and giving New York a chance every time out, ranking in the top ten in strikeouts per nine innings. Over in Detroit, Tarik Skubal's absence looms large—the back-to-back Cy Young winner will miss 2-3 months, likely ending his bid for a third straight award.
Paul Skenes continues to rewrite the record books. Last year's NL Cy Young winner is having the best start to a career of any pitcher, and he's making a strong case to go back-to-back. Shota Imanaga is thriving for the first-place Cubs, posting elite WHIP numbers and a career-best strikeout rate.
Tyler Glasnow has always been elite when healthy, and this year he's finally staying on the mound. The Dodgers' starter is among the league leaders in WHIP, proving what he can do without injury setbacks. Cleveland's development system has produced another gem in rookie Parker Messick, who ranks in the top ten in both ERA and WHIP and is an early AL Rookie of the Year favorite.
Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound full-time for the first time since 2023, and he's dominating. Expect him to be in the NL Cy Young conversation by season's end. Finally, Max Fried has been fantastic for the Yankees, forming a formidable duo with Schlittler that could help New York challenge the Dodgers in the World Series.