The first week of the 2026 MLB season is in the books. The start of the season had many players get off to hot starts. There will be regression as production will not be sustainable. However, it is important for players to kick off the season on a positive note. After the first week of the season, here are the top 10 starting pitcher power rankings in MLB. 

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1. Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays

Gausman has become one of the most reliable starting pitchers. He’s reached 30 starts in five consecutive seasons. In his first start of 2026, Gausman accumulated 11 strikeouts.

2. Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners

The prospect was the beneficiary of Bryce Miller starting the season on the injured list. A strong spring justified his spot in Seattle’s rotation. In his week one start, Hancock pitched six innings, surrendering zero runs and striking out nine batters.

3. Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees

Schlittler ended his 2025 rookie season on a high note. He entered Spring Training as one of the bright spots in New York’s rotation. He finished his week one start with eight strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

4. Dylan Cease, Toronto Blue Jays

Cease signed a long-term contract, as a free agent, with Toronto this offseason. He enters 2026 with five consecutive seasons of 200+ strikeouts. In his first start with the Blue Jays, Cease finished with 12 strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

5. Cristopher Sanchez, Philadelphia Phillies

Sanchez solidified himself as a bona fide ace last season. He finished 2025 with his first 200-strikeout season. Last week’s start saw the lefty finish with 10 strikeouts and zero runs surrendered.

6. Jacob Misiorowski, Milwaukee Brewers

Misiorowski took the league by storm in his 2025 rookie season. He was called up after the first month of the season and earned his first NL All-Star appearance. Last week’s start saw him total 11 strikeouts in five innings.

7. Hunter Brown, Houston Astros

Brown put everything together in 2025. He set career highs in ERA, WHIP, games started, and reached 200 strikeouts for the first time. His week one start saw him strike out nine hitters in 4.2 innings.

8. Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox

Crochet isn’t skipping a beat to start the 2026 season. He ended last season second in the AL Cy Young voting and reached 200+ strikeouts for a second consecutive season. His first 2026 start ended with eight strikeouts in six innings.

9. Bryan Woo, Seattle Mariners

Woo was a breakout starting pitcher in 2025. He entered Spring Training with high hopes to continue his dominant performance. In his first start of the season, Woo ended with nine strikeouts in six innings.

10. Eury Perez, Miami Marlins

The 23-year-old is two seasons removed from Tommy John surgery and ready for a breakout. The high-velocity righty has been waiting for his time to shine. Last week, he went seven innings and accumulated eight strikeouts.