In a fun and speculative tradition during the All-Star break, the preliminary early 2025 starting pitcher rankings have been released. These rankings aim to forecast the top pitchers for the upcoming season, taking into account player eligibility and potential free-agency movements. However, with a mix of promising prospects, recovering hurlers, and veteran performers, the list proves to be subject to flux come March.

One intriguing observation is the fluctuating ranking of Lance Lynn, who is initially assigned a preliminary ranking of 110 but tends to return to that position after adjustments. While this means he is likely to be around No. 140 in these rankings, it highlights the unpredictability of the final list as injuries occur and prospects face challenges in securing playing time. Jameson Taillon also finds himself on the list, although his current ranking at 135 does not necessarily reflect his true potential for the 2025 season.

A notable figure in the rankings is Gerrit Cole, who opens at the 13th spot, but concerns about his elbow health may affect his positioning. Should Cole successfully navigate through September and potentially October without setbacks, he is expected to rise into the top five when the next spring arrives.

Leading the pack with the most representatives are the Los Angeles Dodgers, boasting 11 pitchers. Among them is Clayton Kershaw, whose player option adds a layer of uncertainty to his inclusion. It remains unlikely that the Dodgers will have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Kershaw, and Dustin May all healthy at the same time, but it would undoubtedly be a pleasant problem for the team to manage.

Following closely behind are the Tampa Bay Rays, who have nine pitchers in the rankings, including six within the top 60. While this may seem like a substantial number, it is justified by the performances of Taj Bradley and Ryan Pepiot throughout the season. Jeffrey Springs, despite injury setbacks, also earns his spot among the Rays' talented pitching staff.

Other teams with a strong showing in the rankings include the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, and New York Yankees, all listing eight starting pitchers. However, none of the Marlins make it into the top 50, showcasing the depth of talent in the league.

Surprisingly, the only team without any starting pitchers listed is not the Colorado Rockies, who managed to secure three spots at the bottom of the rankings. Instead, the Oakland Athletics failed to feature any pitchers. This can be partly attributed to their move from a pitcher-friendly park to a hitter's paradise in Sacramento. Unfortunately for the A's, promising pitcher Luis Medina misses out due to an elbow injury, with the next in line being Mitch Spence.

In the spirit of fun, the rankings intentionally exclude Trevor Bauer and Julio Urías. However, a noteworthy inclusion is Roki Sasaki at the 53rd spot. Although it is uncertain if he will be posted by Chiba Lotte this winter, if he does, he is expected to rank within the top 10 on Opening Day.

As with all early rankings, these preliminary starting pitcher rankings for 2025 are subject to change. The sport's dynamic nature and the unpredictability of injuries make it challenging to predict with absolute certainty where players will land. Nonetheless, these rankings offer an exciting glimpse into the potential top performers in the upcoming season.