Underrated Pitching Rotations Going Into '21 Season

The following pitching rotations could be overlooked headed into the season, but are worth keeping an eye on throughout the year.

Miami Marlins:

The Marlins pitching rotation is young and full of potential. Sixto Sanchez is one of the best young pitchers in the game and will be at the top of the rotation in Miami for years to come. Sandy Alcantara and Elieser Hernandez are solid starters as well, posting a 3.00 ERA and 3.16 ERA respectively in the 2020 season. Pablo Lopez has come out of nowhere for the Marlins and is a pitcher to watch in the upcoming season. Edward Cabrera is the pitcher to keep an eye on in the Marlins farm system, but is currently dealing with an inflamed nerve in his right bicep. When healthy, Cabrera can top out at 100 MPH and some scouts say he could be better than Sanchez in the future. It will be interesting to see how good this rotation will be in the next few years, specifically with Sanchez and Cabrera at the top of it. Max Meyer, the Marlins 2020 1st round pick, is also one to keep an eye on who could end up being a starter or a bullpen piece, because of his smaller build.

Houston Astros:

The Astros rotation might simply be overlooked because Justin Verlander will likely miss the entire season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. In the 2020 playoffs, the Astros pitching was outstanding without Verlander, reaching the ALCS. Along side Zack Greinke, Framber Valdez shows promise as a long term starter who is only 27 years old. Lance McCullers Jr. and Jose Urquidy are both solid mid rotation starters who provide depth to the Houston rotation. Do not be surprised to see Cristian Javier and Enoli Paredas make an impact as well.

Oakland A's:

The A's might have found their future ace in Jesus Luzardo, which could put their rotation as a whole in a good position. Chris Bassit has become a reliable, consistent starter over the past three seasons, who has shown he can put up respectable ERA numbers. Frankie Montas, who was caught using PED's in the 2019 season, still shows promise. He struggled last season because of back injuries, but he figures to be a solid starter in the 2021 season who can touch 96 MPH. AJ Puk has a lot of potential and seems like he has been on the cusp of staying in Oakland for good, but because of injuries he has not been able to pitch for long periods at a time. If it all comes together, Luzardo and Puk could be the future front of the Oakland rotation.

Chicago White Sox:

The White Sox pitching staff could emerge as one of the best rotations as a whole this season. Adding Lance Lynn in the offseason to back Lucas Giolito has put the White Sox on the map as a sneaky World Series contender. Michael Kopech should be healthy after having Tommy John surgery, assuming he has no setbacks. He could, and should, handle a starters workload. The trio of Dallas Keuchel, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dylan Cease should be a good mix in the middle of the rotation, if Kopech is not ready to begin the year as a starter. If this is the case, expect Keuchel, Lopez, and Cease to fill out the rest of the Sox rotation.

Kansas City Royals:

Having one of the best young group of pitchers in the game, the Royals could make strides in their rotation this season. Brady Singer, who made his debut last season, figures to be a top of the rotation starter going forward. Brad Keller is a solid starter as well, putting up a 2.47 ERA last season. The Royals farm system is loaded with pitching talent. Daniel Lynch, Jackson Kowar, and 2020 1st round pick Asa Lacy make this farm system worth watching as the season progresses. Lacy may make his debut at some point next season, but I expect Lynch and Kowar to debut this season. The Royals are known for bringing up their young talent at a quick rate and could be a force by July or August.

Detroit Tigers:

Very similar to the Royals, the Tigers in my opinion have the best group of young pitching in the game. Casey Mize, Matt Manning, and Tarik Skubal will be one of the best young pitching trios in the game for years, beginning this season. Mize and Skubal both made their debuts last season, but Manning did not because of a forearm strain. Expect all three to be up in the big leagues together in the upcoming season and for all three to make an impact. Matthew Boyd, as of now, is the ace in Detroit who puts up big strikeout numbers.

Atlanta Braves:

Mike Soroka's injury during the 2020 season put a screeching halt into how good the Braves rotation as a whole could have been going into the playoffs. Max Fried came out of nowhere last season, putting up a 2.25 ERA. Ian Anderson was one of the top rookie pitchers last season (1.95 ERA, 41 SO) in 32.1 IP. With the Braves adding Charlie Morton in the offseason, he adds veteran experience to a young rotation. Kyle Wright also shows promise as a 4th or 5th starter. It will be interesting to see the Braves and Marlins pitching rotations go at it in the NL East this season. Soroka's health is the deciding factor in determining how good this rotation can be.

Final Thoughts: The Marlins and Braves are the two rotations I want to keep an eye on this season. The NL East as a whole should be fun to watch. It will also be fun to see the young talent come up during the middle of the season.

See you at the Ballpark!!!

Adam