Top Pitchers In Baseball 2022: Who Dominated?

Alright baseball fans, let's dive into the thrilling world of pitching from the 2022 season! We're going to break down who the absolute best pitchers were, the guys who consistently brought the heat, baffled hitters, and led their teams to victory. Get ready for some serious stats, awesome stories, and maybe even a few surprises. Let's get started!

Defining "Best": What Makes a Top Pitcher?

Before we jump into specific names, it's important to set the stage. What exactly defines the best pitcher? Is it all about racking up strikeouts? Or is it more about preventing runs and keeping the team in the game? The truth is, it's a combination of many factors.

First and foremost, the ability to prevent runs is paramount. A pitcher could strike out every batter they face, but if they're constantly walking guys or giving up home runs, they're not doing their job. ERA (Earned Run Average), which measures how many earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings, is a crucial stat. The lower the ERA, the better. Similarly, WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched) tells us how many runners a pitcher allows on base per inning. Again, lower is better.

Strikeouts are definitely sexy, and a high strikeout rate is a sign of a dominant pitcher. But it's not the only thing that matters. A pitcher who can consistently induce weak contact and get outs without racking up a ton of strikeouts can be just as effective. This is where stats like ground ball rate come into play. A pitcher who gets a lot of ground balls is less likely to give up home runs, which is always a good thing.

Beyond the raw numbers, durability and consistency are key. A pitcher who can consistently go deep into games, inning after inning, is a huge asset to their team. No manager wants to be constantly pulling their starter in the fifth or sixth inning. The ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level over the course of a long season is what separates the good pitchers from the truly great ones.

Lastly, context matters. A pitcher who plays in a hitter-friendly ballpark or faces a lot of tough lineups is going to have a harder time putting up good numbers than a pitcher who plays in a pitcher-friendly environment. That's why it's important to look at stats like ERA+ and WHIP+, which adjust for ballpark effects and the quality of competition.

So, when we talk about the best pitchers of 2022, we're looking for guys who excel in all of these areas. Guys who can prevent runs, rack up strikeouts, stay healthy, and perform at a high level regardless of the circumstances.

The Standouts: Top Pitching Performances of 2022

Okay, now for the fun part. Let's get into some names! 2022 was a fantastic year for pitching, with several guys putting up Cy Young-worthy performances. Here are a few of the standouts:

Sandy Alcantara: The Marlins' Ace

Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins was absolutely dominant in 2022. He was a true workhorse, leading the league in innings pitched and complete games. His ERA was incredibly impressive, and he consistently gave the Marlins a chance to win every time he took the mound. Alcantara's stuff is electric, featuring a fastball that can reach the upper 90s, a devastating changeup, and a sharp slider. What truly set him apart was his durability. In an era where starting pitchers are often babied, Alcantara consistently went deep into games, providing much-needed stability to the Marlins' pitching staff. His ability to limit damage and maintain a high level of performance deep into contests was a major factor in his success and earned him the NL Cy Young Award.

Beyond the raw numbers, Alcantara's impact on the Marlins was undeniable. He was the ace of their staff, the guy they could always count on to go out there and give them a quality start. He was a leader in the clubhouse, and his work ethic and dedication set a great example for his teammates. For Marlins fans, Alcantara represented hope for the future.

Justin Verlander: The Ageless Wonder

Speaking of dominance, how about Justin Verlander? At age 39, he showed no signs of slowing down, putting together another Cy Young-caliber season for the Houston Astros. Verlander's fastball still has plenty of zip, and his curveball remains one of the best in the game. He's a master of deception, and he knows how to mix his pitches to keep hitters off balance.

What's truly remarkable about Verlander is his ability to adapt and evolve as a pitcher. Early in his career, he relied heavily on his fastball. But as he's gotten older, he's learned to rely more on his secondary pitches and his command. He's become a true craftsman on the mound, and his experience and intelligence are invaluable. Returning from Tommy John surgery to win the AL Cy Young and lead the Astros to a World Series title is a testament to Verlander's dedication and skill.

Shohei Ohtani: The Two-Way Sensation

Of course, we can't talk about the best pitchers of 2022 without mentioning Shohei Ohtani. While he's obviously known for his incredible hitting ability, Ohtani is also a phenomenal pitcher. His fastball is electric, his splitter is devastating, and his command has improved significantly over the past few years. It's truly amazing to watch him dominate on both sides of the ball. Ohtani's impact goes far beyond the box score. He's a global icon, and he's bringing new fans to the game of baseball. He's a true inspiration, and it's exciting to think about what he might accomplish in the years to come. He's a true two-way player, excelling as both a hitter and a pitcher, making him a unique and valuable asset.

Other Notable Pitchers

While Alcantara, Verlander, and Ohtani grabbed most of the headlines, several other pitchers had outstanding seasons in 2022. Here are a few more names to keep in mind:

• Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies): A model of consistency, Nola continued to be a reliable force in the Phillies' rotation.
• Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers): The 2021 Cy Young winner followed up with another strong season, showcasing his dominant stuff.
• Max Fried (Atlanta Braves): A key part of the Braves' pitching staff, Fried continued to impress with his poise and effectiveness.

The Analytics Angle: Diving Deeper into the Numbers

While traditional stats like ERA and strikeouts are important, modern baseball analysis also relies heavily on advanced metrics. These stats provide a more nuanced view of a pitcher's performance and can help us identify guys who are truly elite.

• FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching): FIP measures a pitcher's performance based on the things they can control: strikeouts, walks, and home runs. It essentially strips out the influence of defense and luck.
• xFIP (Expected Fielding Independent Pitching): xFIP is similar to FIP, but it uses expected home run rates based on fly ball distance and other factors. This can be useful for evaluating pitchers who have been either lucky or unlucky in terms of home runs allowed.
• SIERA (Skill-Interactive ERA): SIERA is another ERA estimator that attempts to account for the pitcher's skill in inducing ground balls and pop-ups. It's a more complex stat than FIP or xFIP, but it can provide a more accurate picture of a pitcher's true talent.

By looking at these advanced metrics, we can get a better sense of which pitchers were truly the best in 2022, regardless of their supporting cast or their ballpark.

Looking Ahead: Who Will Dominate in the Future?

The world of baseball is constantly evolving, and it's always exciting to look ahead and try to predict who will be the next great pitcher. There are a number of young, talented arms on the rise, and it will be fascinating to see who emerges as the next ace. Guys like Spencer Strider, Hunter Greene, and Grayson Rodriguez all have the potential to be dominant forces in the years to come. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch them develop and see what they can accomplish.

The 2022 season was a memorable one for pitching, with several guys putting up incredible performances. From the durability of Sandy Alcantara to the ageless wonder of Justin Verlander to the two-way brilliance of Shohei Ohtani, there was no shortage of outstanding pitching performances to admire. As we look ahead to the future, it's clear that the game is in good hands, with a new generation of talented arms ready to take the mound and dominate.