This is my fifth update of this list. It’s the first time I’m doing a “refresh.” I’ve reranked my top 40, wrote blurbs for previously unranked players, and updated notes on the majority of players where there isn’t much information to add relative to my late 2025 top 40. You’ll see a “what’s new” line above the full blurb on each player from that past list. This serves as a catch-up between last September and now. If I didn’t write up the player in my last update, you won’t see a “what’s new” line.
Prior versions of this list can be found for the 2024 preseason, 2024 midseason, 2025 preseason, and 2025 midseason at the associated links. I’m interested to see how my accuracy, or lack thereof, looks once I have three full years of lists under my belt.
I’ve moved my general notes and details regarding this list (Stuff+ explanation, arm angle calculation, etc) to the bottom of this post, so navigate there or comment on this post if you’re curious about anything specific.
Here are some fall-offs from my late 2025 top 40 update…
When a player undergoes a major injury, I remove them from the ranks. Right now, there are four pitchers I would rank as “50 FV” arms or better if they were healthy:
Travis Sykora, WSH – middle of 55 FV tier
Jarlin Susana, WSH – near top of 50 FV tier
Alejandro Rosario, WSH – middle of 50 FV tier
Tekoah Roby, STL – back of 50 FV tier
Jake Bloss, TOR – back of 50 FV tier
Graduates from my September update: Cam Schlittler (NYY), Troy Melton (DET), Cade Cavalli (WSH)
Non-injury fall-offs (with former rank): David Hagaman #40 (ARI), Quinn Mathews #23 (STL), Jackson Ferris #33 (LAD), Levi Wells #34 (BAL)