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Ranking All 30 Starting Rotations

By Max Rayman

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals delivers the pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 29: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals delivers the pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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5) Atlanta Braves

Projected 2021 Starting Rotation: Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Drew Smyly, Ian Anderson, Kyle Wright, Mike Soroka*,

2020 Stats: W/L 14-16, 5.51 ERA, 4.98 FIP, 2.0 fWAR

After Mike Soroka went down early with an Achilles injury, outside of Max Fried and rookie standout Ian Anderson, the Braves 2020 rotation was a mess. But give credit to the Braves front office, because they did an excellent job of revamping the rotation. Most notably, the Braves brought in veterans Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly. Morton was a crucial piece of Tampa’s 2020 World Series team, which was two games away from winning it all.

Mike Soroka’s timetable to return isn’t set, with the Braves not wanting to rush his recovery from his Achilles injury. Max Freid took the next step in 2020, finally emerging as an ace. In 11 starts, he went 7-0, with a 2.25 ERA, and 50 strikeouts. However, his K/9 has decreased each of the last two seasons and his 3.10 FIP showed that he was lucky at times.

In his first glimpse at the majors, Ian Anderson was impressive in the Braves 2020 playoff run. Against the Reds and Marlins, Anderson had a playoff scoreless streak of 18 1/3, innings which is the second-longest in Braves history. Now, he will be looking to build upon his early success in his first full season.

Kyle Wright, another former top prospect needs to follow in Anderson’s footsteps. After excelling in the minors, he has struggled to put it all together at the top level. In 63.2 innings with the Braves, Wright is 19-12, with a 6.36 ERA and a 6.26 FIP.

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