Top 10 MLB Pitchers Of All Time: A Definitive Ranking

Hey baseball fans! Ever wondered who the absolute best pitchers in MLB history are? It's a debate that can spark some serious passion, and today, we're diving headfirst into it. Ranking these legends is no easy task, but we’ve compiled a list based on stats, impact, and overall dominance on the mound. Get ready to reminisce and maybe even argue a little – let's get started!

1. Cy Young

When you talk about the greatest pitchers ever, you absolutely have to start with Cy Young. I mean, the guy's name is literally on the award given to the best pitcher every year! Denton True “Cy” Young pitched for a mind-blowing 22 seasons, from 1890 to 1911. His numbers are just staggering and almost impossible to fathom in today’s game. We're talking about 511 wins – 511 wins! That's almost 150 more than Walter Johnson, who's in second place. Think about that for a second; that’s an insane level of sustained excellence and longevity. He also holds records for most career innings pitched (7,356), most career games started (815), and most complete games (749). These numbers aren’t just records; they're testaments to a different era of baseball, a time when pitchers were workhorses who were expected to finish what they started. He wasn't just racking up innings; he was performing at a high level throughout. His career ERA of 2.63 is remarkable, especially considering the offensive environments he pitched in during certain periods of his career.

Cy Young wasn't just a product of his time, though. From all accounts, he had incredible stamina and a dedication to his craft that was unmatched. He wasn't throwing blazing fastballs like some of the guys on this list, but he had pinpoint control and an uncanny ability to get hitters out. He understood how to pitch, how to use his stuff effectively, and how to manage a game. That's what made him so dominant and why his name is synonymous with pitching excellence. To truly appreciate Cy Young's accomplishments, you have to consider the era in which he pitched. The game was different then, but his dominance transcends any era. He set a standard of excellence that few have ever approached, and his legacy continues to inspire pitchers today. It's safe to say that Cy Young earned his place at the top of any list of the greatest pitchers of all time, and his records may never be broken. Seriously, never.

2. Walter Johnson

Next up, we have the “Big Train,” Walter Johnson. Johnson pitched from 1907 to 1927 for the Washington Senators and was known for his blazing fastball. Seriously, people back then said they barely saw the ball as it went by! He racked up 417 wins, the second-most in MLB history, and boasts a career ERA of 2.53. But here’s the kicker: Johnson also has 110 shutouts! That’s just mind-boggling. Think about how dominant you have to be to shut out the opposition that many times. He led the league in strikeouts multiple times and was a true force on the mound. What made Walter Johnson so special? Besides his obviously incredible fastball, Johnson had amazing control and stamina. He was a big guy, and he used his size to his advantage, throwing with a smooth, effortless motion that belied the sheer power of his pitches. He was also known as a gentleman on and off the field, earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.

Johnson's impact on baseball goes beyond his statistics, too. He was one of the first true superstars of the game, drawing huge crowds to Senators games and helping to popularize baseball across the country. He was also a role model for young players, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. Johnson pitched in an era before widespread media coverage, so many of his accomplishments are based on anecdotal evidence and historical accounts. But anyone who saw him pitch knew they were witnessing something special. His fastball was legendary, his control was impeccable, and his competitiveness was unmatched. He remains a symbol of pitching excellence and a reminder of the golden age of baseball. The stories about Walter Johnson's fastball are legendary. They say it made a humming sound as it flew toward the plate, and batters often claimed they simply couldn't see it until it was too late. Whether those stories are entirely true or not, they speak to the aura of invincibility that surrounded Johnson during his career. He was a true original, a one-of-a-kind talent who left an indelible mark on the game of baseball.

3. Grover Alexander

Grover Alexander, often called “Pete,” pitched from 1911 to 1930 and had a career that was as remarkable as it was filled with challenges. He won 373 games and had a career ERA of 2.56. He also had 90 shutouts, placing him among the top pitchers in that category. Alexander pitched during a time when pitchers were expected to complete games, and he did so with remarkable consistency. But what really sets Alexander apart is the context of his career. He served in World War I, an experience that undoubtedly impacted him deeply. He battled alcoholism throughout his life, and yet, despite these challenges, he remained one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.

Alexander’s most famous moment came in the 1926 World Series. At the time, he was pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals, and they were facing the New York Yankees. In Game 7, with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh inning, Alexander was called in from the bullpen. He struck out Tony Lazzeri to end the threat and then pitched two more scoreless innings to secure the Cardinals' victory. It's one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, and it cemented Alexander's place in baseball lore. Alexander wasn't just a great pitcher; he was a survivor. He overcame personal struggles and physical challenges to achieve greatness on the baseball field. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. He may not be as widely known as some of the other pitchers on this list, but his accomplishments are undeniable, and his place in baseball history is secure. Many people consider Grover Alexander to be the best pitcher in the history of the national league. His longevity and performance solidify him among the baseball elite.

4. Christy Mathewson

Christy Mathewson, pitching primarily for the New York Giants from 1900 to 1916, was known for his exceptional control and his signature pitch, the “fadeaway” (which was essentially a screwball). He won 373 games with a career ERA of 2.13 and 79 shutouts. Mathewson was more than just a great pitcher; he was a true celebrity in his time. He was handsome, intelligent, and articulate, and he captured the imagination of the American public. He was a role model for young people and a symbol of the values of the early 20th century.

Mathewson's career was cut short by tuberculosis, which he contracted while serving in World War I. He died at the young age of 45, but his legacy lives on. He was one of the first five players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, and his name remains synonymous with pitching excellence. What made Christy Mathewson so special? Besides his obvious talent, he had an aura of class and sophistication that set him apart from his contemporaries. He was a true gentleman on and off the field, and he earned the respect of everyone who knew him. He was also a fierce competitor, and he always gave his best effort. His dedication to the game and his unwavering sportsmanship made him a role model for generations of baseball players. Christy Mathewson represents a different era of baseball, a time when the game was simpler and perhaps more innocent. But his accomplishments still resonate today, and his name will always be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He was a true icon, a legend whose story continues to inspire and captivate baseball fans.

5. Tom Seaver

“Tom Terrific,” Tom Seaver, pitched from 1967 to 1986, most notably for the New York Mets. He transformed the Mets from lovable losers into World Series champions in 1969. Seaver won 311 games, had a career ERA of 2.86, and struck out 3,640 batters. He was known for his drop-and-drive pitching motion and his fierce competitiveness. Tom Seaver was the face of the Mets for over a decade, and he brought a sense of excitement and hope to a team that had previously known only disappointment. He was a dominant pitcher, a charismatic leader, and a true icon in New York City.

Seaver's impact on the Mets and on baseball is undeniable. He was a 12-time All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, and a key member of the 1969 World Series championship team. He was also a mentor to younger players, helping to develop the next generation of Mets stars. What made Tom Seaver so special? He had an incredible work ethic, a relentless desire to improve, and an unwavering belief in himself. He was also a master of the mental side of the game, always thinking one step ahead of the hitters. His combination of talent, intelligence, and competitiveness made him one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Tom Seaver wasn't just a great pitcher; he was a symbol of hope and possibility. He showed the Mets and their fans that anything was possible with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of belief. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers of all time and a true legend in New York City. His impact extends far beyond the baseball field.

6. Greg Maddux

Greg Maddux, nicknamed “Mad Dog,” pitched from 1986 to 2008, and was known for his incredible control and movement on his pitches. He wasn’t overpowering, but he was a master of deception. He won 355 games with a career ERA of 3.16 and won four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995. Greg Maddux was a true artist on the mound, painting a masterpiece with every start. He didn't rely on overpowering velocity, but rather on pinpoint control, deception, and an uncanny ability to read hitters. He was a master of his craft, and he made pitching look easy.

Maddux's impact on baseball is undeniable. He was an eight-time All-Star, an 18-time Gold Glove winner, and a four-time Cy Young Award winner. He was also a key member of the 1995 Atlanta Braves World Series championship team. What made Greg Maddux so special? He had an unparalleled understanding of the game, a tireless work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He was also a master of preparation, studying hitters and meticulously planning his approach to each game. His combination of talent, intelligence, and dedication made him one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Greg Maddux was a true craftsman, a pitcher who approached the game with both artistry and precision. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers of all time and a role model for aspiring pitchers everywhere. His influence on the game continues to be felt today.

7. Roger Clemens

Roger Clemens, “The Rocket,” pitched from 1984 to 2007 and was known for his intimidating presence and overpowering fastball. He won 354 games, had a career ERA of 3.12, and struck out 4,672 batters, which ranks third all-time. He also won seven Cy Young Awards, more than any other pitcher in history. Clemens' career is often debated because of allegations of performance-enhancing drug use, but his talent and dominance on the mound are undeniable. He was a fierce competitor and one of the most intimidating pitchers of his era.

Roger Clemens was a force to be reckoned with on the mound. He had a blazing fastball, a nasty slider, and an unwavering belief in himself. He was also known for his intensity and his willingness to do whatever it took to win. Clemens' impact on baseball is undeniable, even though his legacy is complicated. He was an 11-time All-Star, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, and a two-time World Series champion. He was also one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, striking out batters at an incredible rate. Whether you believe in his accomplishments or not, there is no denying that Roger Clemens was one of the most talented and influential pitchers in baseball history. He remains a controversial figure, but his impact on the game is undeniable. Discussions about Clemens usually include the context of allegations.

8. Randy Johnson

Randy Johnson, “The Big Unit,” pitched from 1988 to 2009 and was known for his towering height (6’10”) and his overpowering fastball. He won 303 games, had a career ERA of 3.29, and struck out 4,875 batters, which ranks second all-time. He also won five Cy Young Awards. Johnson was one of the most intimidating pitchers of his era, and his fastball was simply unhittable at times. Randy Johnson was a true physical specimen on the mound. His height and long arms gave him an incredible advantage, and his fastball was one of the most feared pitches in baseball.

Johnson's impact on baseball is undeniable. He was a 10-time All-Star, a five-time Cy Young Award winner, and a World Series champion. He was also one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, striking out batters at an incredible rate. What made Randy Johnson so special? He had an unparalleled combination of size, power, and athleticism. He was also a tireless worker, always striving to improve his craft. His combination of talent, work ethic, and determination made him one of the most dominant pitchers of all time. Randy Johnson was a true force of nature on the mound, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. The combination of height and velocity was unmatched.

9. Pedro Martinez

Pedro Martinez pitched from 1992 to 2009 and was known for his electric stuff and his incredible command. Despite his relatively small stature (5’11”), he was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. He won 219 games, had a career ERA of 2.93, and struck out 3,154 batters. He also won three Cy Young Awards. Martinez pitched in an era dominated by offense, and his ability to shut down hitters was truly remarkable. Pedro Martinez was a true artist on the mound. He didn't have the overpowering size of some other pitchers, but he had an incredible combination of stuff, command, and intelligence.

Martinez's impact on baseball is undeniable. He was an eight-time All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, and a World Series champion. He was also one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, consistently baffling hitters with his array of pitches. What made Pedro Martinez so special? He had an unparalleled understanding of pitching, a tireless work ethic, and an unwavering belief in himself. He was also a master of deception, always keeping hitters guessing. His combination of talent, intelligence, and determination made him one of the most dominant pitchers of all time. Pedro Martinez was a true magician on the mound, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. His impact extends beyond statistics.

10. Mariano Rivera

No list of great pitchers is complete without Mariano Rivera. Mo was the ultimate closer, pitching from 1995 to 2013 for the New York Yankees. He wasn’t a starting pitcher, but his dominance in the ninth inning was legendary. He recorded 652 saves, the most in MLB history, with a career ERA of 2.21. And here’s the crazy part: he did it all with basically one pitch – a devastating cutter. Mariano Rivera redefined the closer role and set a new standard of excellence. He was a master of his craft, and his cutter was simply unhittable for most batters.

Rivera's impact on baseball is undeniable. He was a 13-time All-Star, a five-time World Series champion, and the all-time leader in saves. He was also one of the most respected players in the game, known for his humility, his sportsmanship, and his unwavering dedication to his craft. What made Mariano Rivera so special? He had an unparalleled combination of talent, work ethic, and mental toughness. He was also a master of focus, always able to stay calm and collected in the most pressure-packed situations. His combination of talent, dedication, and composure made him the greatest closer of all time. Mariano Rivera was a true legend, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Being the greatest closer of all time makes him a lock for the top 10.

So, there you have it – our list of the top 10 MLB pitchers of all time! Agree? Disagree? Who would you add or remove? Let us know in the comments below! It is always a fun debate to have with baseball fans.