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On Tuesday night, the 2025 playoffs kick off with the MLB Wild Card round. This year features some fascinating three-game

On Tuesday night, the 2025 playoffs kick off with the MLB Wild Card round. This year features some fascinating three-game series, including the New York Yankees versus the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs taking on the San Diego Padres.

Many outstanding pitchers will take the mound this week. But which are the best of the best? We look to answer that with our rankings for the best pitchers in the 2025 MLB Wild Card.

8. David Bednar

When the Yankees traded for seven-year veteran David Bednar at the trade deadline, the hope was that he could stabilize their messy ninth-inning situation. The two-time All-Star has done that and then some. Bednar has been better than expected, and outside of a shaky performance in his debut, he has blown just one save in his next 21 appearances and is a big reason why the Yanks have one of the best bullpens this fall.

David Bednar stats: 27 saves, 2.30 ERA, 1.037 WHIP, 86 Ks, 19 BBs, 62.2 IP

7. Adrian Morejon

Relievers that aren’t closing games don’t get much credit, but seven-year veteran Adrian Morejon has been outstanding out of the Padres pen. In 75 appearances, he has pitched to an ERA just over 2.00 and an impressive 0.896 WHIP. San Diego has the best bullpen in these playoffs because of the nasty play from the first-time All-Star.

Adrian Morejon stats: 13-6 W-L, 2.08 ERA, 0.896 WHIP, 70 Ks, 17 BB, 73.2 IP

6. Andres Munoz

The Seattle Mariners have one of the best closers in baseball in 2025. The 26-year-old had a breakout season last year and has proven that it was no fluke with an even better performance that earned him a second-straight trip to the All-Star game. He was third in MLB in saves (38) and had a great 83-28 strikeout to walk ratio this year.

Andres Munoz stats: 38 saves, 1.73 ERA, 1.027 WHIP, 83 Ks, 28 BBs, 62.1 IP

5. Bryan Woo

Speaking of talented Seattle pitchers, starter Bryan Woo continues to grow into one of the league’s best. His third season in the league was his best as he posted 15 wins, with a sub-3.00 ERA and 198 strikeouts in 186.2 innings. The Mariners don’t win their first division title since 2001 without their young ace.

Bryan Woo stats: 15-7 W-L, 2.94 ERA, 0.927 WHIP, 198 Ks, 36 BBs, 186.2 IP

4. Aroldis Chapman

At 37 years old, eight-time All-Star Aroldis Chapman arguably had his best season yet in the big leagues. The 16-year veteran was absolutely dominant in 2025. Posting 43 saves, a 1.17 ERA, and 85 Ks in only 61 innings. Elite closers are so important in the playoffs, and Boston has the best this season.

Aroldis Chapman stats: 43 saves, 1.17 ERA, 0.701 WHIP, 85 Ks, 15 BBs, 61.1 IP

3. Max Fried

The Yankees gave Max Fried a huge contract in the offseason, and he has been worth every single dollar in 2025. Because of season-ending surgery to Gerrit Cole, Fried was thrust into being their new ace, and he delivered by leading the league with 19 wins. He also posted a sparkling 2.86 ERA and showed he is just starting to reach his peak at 31.

Max Fried stats: 19-5 W-L, 2.86 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 189 Ks, 51 BBs, 195.1 IP

2. Garrett Crochet

The biggest move the Red Sox made in the offseason was their blockbuster trade for one-time All-Star Garrett Crochet. There was some risk in the move because his 2024 All-Star season might have been an anomaly. However, he was even better this year as he won 18 games and struck out 255 batters, compared to 46 walks in 205.1 innings. He is a dominant ace that will give them a great chance to win any playoff game he pitches in.

Garrett Crochet stats: 18-5 W-L, 2.59 ERA, 1.028 WHIP, 255 Ks, 46 BB, 205.1 IP

1. Tarik Skubal

Tarik Skubal had a huge breakout season in 2024. This year, he proved it was no fluke, and he truly is one of the very best pitchers in baseball. The reigning AL Cy Young will be in contention for this year’s award after going 13-6 with an outstanding 0.891 WHIP and 241 Ks in 195.1 innings. While the Detroit Tigers had a late-season collapse, they would have easily missed the postseason without the two-time All-Star.