Weekly Top 20 Major League Performances! (2026-03-20 to 2026-03-26)

Weekly MLB Recap: March 20-26, 2026

The 2026 MLB season launched with thrilling opening series action. The Cleveland Guardians edged the Seattle Mariners 1-0, Detroit Tigers topped the San Diego Padres 1-0, Los Angeles Angels bested the Houston Astros 1-0, New York Yankees defeated the San Francisco Giants 1-0, and Los Angeles Dodgers outlasted the Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0. Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves battled closely in their matchup, setting an intense tone for the year. Prospects and stars lit up the box scores in Week 1.

Top Performers

Cristopher Sánchez, SP, PHI
2 G, 11.0 IP, 0 K, 1 ER, 0 BB

Cristopher Sánchez owned the mound for Philadelphia, tossing 11 innings across two starts while surrendering just one earned run and zero walks, anchoring the Phillies’ strong opening amidst a competitive NL landscape. His command stifled offenses, allowing PHI to secure key early wins and build momentum. In a week where aces like Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto also flashed dominance, Sánchez’s efficiency boosted his team’s rotation depth, signaling a breakout campaign. As prospects stole headlines league-wide, his performance helped PHI stay ahead in divisional races against teams like the surging Dodgers.

Rank: #12.
STS Projection: 2.94 ERA, 192 IP, 49 BB, 194 K, 9.1 K/9, 1.14 WHIP
Joe Ryan, SP, MIN
2 G, 10.1 IP, 0 K, 1 ER, 0 BB

Joe Ryan was lights-out for Minnesota, delivering 10.1 innings over two outings with only one earned run and perfect control, no walks issued. This masterful stretch propelled the Twins toward early Central Division contention, mirroring the Guardians’ sweep of Seattle. Ryan’s poise under opening-week pressure steadied MIN’s staff, contributing to victories that kept pace with Detroit’s hot Tigers. Amid a league buzzing with prospect arms like Garrett Crochet, Ryan’s gem positioned Minnesota as spoilers in a loaded AL playoff hunt.

Rank: #128.
STS Projection: 3.68 ERA, 181 IP, 41 BB, 192 K, 9.6 K/9, 1.15 WHIP
José Soriano, SP, LAA
2 G, 9.0 IP, 0 K, 0 ER, 0 BB

José Soriano dazzled for the Angels, firing nine shutout innings in two games with zero walks, fueling LAA’s 1-0 series win over Houston. His shutdown outings were pivotal in the Angels’ hot start, outdueling Astros’ bats and echoing the Yankees’ dominance over San Francisco. Soriano’s precision pitching ignited Halo fans, providing stability in a young rotation and boosting playoff hopes in the AL West, where early leaders like the Mariners faltered.

Rank: #118.
STS Projection: 3.42 ERA, 158 IP, 68 BB, 149 K, 8.5 K/9, 1.34 WHIP
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, SP, LAD
2 G, 11.0 IP, 0 K, 2 ER, 0 BB

Yoshinobu Yamamoto powered the Dodgers to a 1-0 triumph over Arizona, logging 11 innings with just two earned runs and impeccable walk-free control. His command silenced Diamondbacks’ hitters, reinforcing LA’s NL West supremacy alongside stars like the Yankees’ early edge. Yamamoto’s workload and effectiveness stabilized the Dodger rotation, sparking offensive fireworks and setting a tone for title contention in a season mirroring Detroit’s Tigers’ sweep.

Rank: #34.
STS Projection: 3.10 ERA, 172 IP, 56 BB, 195 K, 10.2 K/9, 1.18 WHIP
Dillon Dingler, C, DET
5 G, 7-15 (.467), 4 HR, 10 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Detroit’s Dillon Dingler erupted offensively, smashing four homers and driving in 10 RBI across five games while hitting .467 without a strikeout, powering the Tigers’ 1-0 series victory over San Diego. His catcher pop provided the spark behind Tarik Skubal’s gems, overwhelming Padres pitching and mirroring Cleveland’s Guardians’ success against Seattle. Dingler’s flawless week elevated DET’s lineup, positioning them as AL Central threats amid prospect-driven storylines.

Rank: #261.
STS Projection: 98.4 wRC+, 0.245/0.308/0.408, 19 HR, 2 SB, 70 Runs, 70 RBI
Chase DeLauter, RF, CLE
4 G, 8-12 (.667), 4 HR, 6 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Chase DeLauter torched Seattle pitching, going 8-for-12 with four homers in four games for Cleveland’s 1-0 Guardians win. His scorching .667 average and power surge overwhelmed the Mariners, complementing the Angels’ dominance over Houston. DeLauter’s outfield production fueled CLE’s early momentum, highlighting prospect talent in a week of Tigers’ sweeps and Dodgers’ triumphs, solidifying the Guards as AL contenders.

Rank: #450.
STS Projection: 113.4 wRC+, 0.260/0.334/0.431, 20 HR, 3 SB, 73 Runs, 74 RBI
Dominic Canzone, RF, SEA
4 G, 7-17 (.412), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Despite Seattle’s 0-1 skid to Cleveland, Dominic Canzone slugged three homers and 7 RBI in four games, batting .412 strikeout-free. His efforts kept Mariners competitive against the surging Guardians, echoing hot starts from Detroit and LA squads. Canzone’s outburst offered hope for SEA’s lineup revival, standing out in a prospect-heavy week amid Yankees’ wins and Royals-Braves intrigue.

Rank: #810.
STS Projection: 108.0 wRC+, 0.255/0.314/0.438, 24 HR, 7 SB, 70 Runs, 77 RBI
Garrett Crochet, SP, BOS
2 G, 11.1 IP, 0 K, 6 ER, 0 BB

Garrett Crochet grinded through 11.1 innings for Boston, limiting damage to six earned runs with zero walks despite the workload. His resilience bolstered the Red Sox staff in opening action, paralleling elite outings from Skubal and Ryan. Crochet’s innings-eating ability aided BOS in tight early games, fueling AL East buzz alongside Yankees’ Giants sweep and Angels’ Astros win.

Rank: #9.
STS Projection: 2.68 ERA, 185 IP, 47 BB, 229 K, 11.2 K/9, 1.05 WHIP
William Contreras, C, MIL
5 G, 7-16 (.438), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

William Contreras mashed for Milwaukee, launching three homers with 7 RBI in five games at .438, no whiffs. His catching firepower ignited Brewers’ bats, supporting NL Central pushes akin to Phillies’ arms and Dodgers’ starts. Contreras’s hot streak provided offensive punch in a week of Tigers’ dominance and Guardians’ edges, positioning MIL for divisional battles.

Rank: #44.
STS Projection: 124.2 wRC+, 0.273/0.358/0.441, 19 HR, 7 SB, 75 Runs, 73 RBI
Tarik Skubal, SP, DET
2 G, 10.0 IP, 0 K, 3 ER, 0 BB

Tarik Skubal anchored Detroit’s 1-0 Padres sweep with 10 innings, three earned runs, and walk-free mastery, pairing perfectly with Dillon Dingler’s bombs. His ace stuff overwhelmed San Diego, boosting Tigers alongside Cleveland’s Mariners win and Angels’ Astros triumph. Skubal’s command fortified DET’s rotation, emerging as AL Cy Young favorite in prospect-dominated openers.

Rank: #4.
STS Projection: 2.51 ERA, 193 IP, 40 BB, 237 K, 11.1 K/9, 1.00 WHIP

Weekly MLB Recap: 2026-03-20 to 2026-03-26

League Context

The opening week kicked off with the Cleveland Guardians (1-0) topping the Seattle Mariners (0-1), Detroit Tigers (1-0) over San Diego Padres (0-1), Los Angeles Angels (1-0) defeating Houston Astros (0-1), New York Yankees (1-0) besting San Francisco Giants (0-1), Kansas City Royals facing Atlanta Braves, and Arizona Diamondbacks (0-1) falling to Los Angeles Dodgers (1-0). Pitching duels and early power surges defined the action.

Top Performers

Matthew Liberatore, SP, STL
2 G, 10.0 IP, 0 K, 1 ER, 0 BB

Matthew Liberatore emerged as a Cardinals standout in the season’s first week, delivering 10 innings over two starts with surgical command—zero walks and just one earned run allowed. His ability to induce weak contact kept St. Louis competitive in early games, mirroring the dominant pitching that propelled winners like the Yankees and Guardians. As a top prospect, Liberatore’s workload and efficiency provided a stabilizing force for STL’s rotation, hinting at a breakout campaign amid a league emphasizing control over strikeouts.

Rank: #660.
STS Projection: 4.17 ERA, 138 IP, 43 BB, 121 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.31 WHIP.

Max Fried, SP, NYY
1 G, 6.1 IP, 0 K, 0 ER, 0 BB

Max Fried set the tone for the Yankees’ 1-0 start against the Giants, scattering hits over 6.1 scoreless innings with impeccable control and no free passes. His shutdown outing was pivotal in securing the victory, embodying the elite pitching that separated early leaders like New York from the pack. Fried’s veteran savvy boosted a revamped Yankees staff, providing stability in a week where low-error arms decided series outcomes across the league, from Cleveland’s triumph over Seattle to LA’s edge.

Rank: #35.
STS Projection: 3.26 ERA, 190 IP, 56 BB, 183 K, 8.7 K/9, 1.21 WHIP.

Jacob Misiorowski, SP, MIL
2 G, 9.1 IP, 0 K, 5 ER, 0 BB

Jacob Misiorowski logged a heavy workload for Milwaukee, throwing 9.1 innings in two outings while walking zero but surrendering five earned runs. Despite the damage, his stamina and command kept games close, aiding the Brewers’ early positioning. In a landscape where series like Tigers-Padres and Angels-Astros hinged on pitching depth, Misiorowski’s prospect upside shone through, offering innings-eating potential that complements league trends favoring durable starters over pure strikeout artists.

Rank: #138.
STS Projection: 3.52 ERA, 127 IP, 63 BB, 151 K, 10.6 K/9, 1.32 WHIP.

Cade Cavalli, SP, WSN
2 G, 8.2 IP, 0 K, 2 ER, 0 BB

Cade Cavalli bolstered Washington’s rotation with 8.2 innings across two starts, allowing only two earned runs and no walks for crisp efficiency. His outings helped steady the Nationals amid opening chaos, echoing the control mastery seen in victors like the Dodgers over Arizona. As a prospect making waves, Cavalli’s low-run suppression provided crucial run support opportunities, fitting a league narrative where mistake-free pitching, akin to Fried’s Yankees gem, drives early success.

Rank: #323.
STS Projection: 3.88 ERA, 149 IP, 53 BB, 132 K, 8.0 K/9, 1.33 WHIP.

Alex Bregman, 3B, BOS
5 G, 7-14 (.500), 3 HR, 4 RBI, 0 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

Alex Bregman torched the zone for Boston, slashing .500 with three homers and four RBI over five games, showcasing vintage power without a single strikeout. His hot streak ignited the Red Sox lineup, providing offensive firepower in a week dominated by pitching narratives elsewhere. Bregman’s discipline mirrored top hitters fueling winners like Cleveland’s edge over Seattle, positioning Boston for contention while highlighting his projected impact in a balanced early slate.

Rank: #170.
STS Projection: 108.9 wRC+, 0.253/0.337/0.404, 17 HR, 3 SB, 71 Runs, 67 RBI.

Trevor Rogers, SP, BAL
1 G, 7.0 IP, 0 K, 0 ER, 0 BB

Trevor Rogers delivered a masterpiece for Baltimore, going seven scoreless innings with zero walks in his lone start. This quality performance anchored the Orioles’ staff, contributing to their strong opening amid league trends where pristine outings—like those in Yankees-Giants and Angels-Astros—secured victories. Rogers’ command as a prospect offers Baltimore rotation upside, stabilizing games in a fashion similar to Cleveland’s successful formula against Seattle.

Rank: #398.
STS Projection: 4.09 ERA, 168 IP, 54 BB, 145 K, 7.8 K/9, 1.33 WHIP.

Andrew Abbott, SP, CIN
2 G, 10.2 IP, 0 K, 3 ER, 0 BB

Andrew Abbott grinded through 10.2 innings for Cincinnati over two starts, limiting foes to three earned runs with perfect control. His durability kept the Reds in contention early, paralleling the innings leaders in pivotal series like Dodgers-Diamondbacks. Abbott’s prospect profile thrives in contact-heavy approaches, providing value in a league where volume pitching, much like Misiorowski’s for Milwaukee, underpins team success.

Rank: #687.
STS Projection: 4.39 ERA, 178 IP, 54 BB, 162 K, 8.2 K/9, 1.30 WHIP.

José Ramírez, 3B, CLE
4 G, 5-13 (.385), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB, 0 BB, 0 K

José Ramírez powered the Guardians to their 1-0 start over Seattle, hitting .385 with two homers, six RBI, and a steal in four games—all without a whiff. His multi-phase threat drove in key runs, embodying Cleveland’s winning blueprint against the Mariners. Ramírez’s elite production sets the pace for AL Central contenders, weaving into a week where star hitters complemented pitching dominance across early victors like Detroit and New York.

Rank: #36.
STS Projection: 120.8 wRC+, 0.266/0.340/0.452, 21 HR, 33 SB, 80 Runs, 76 RBI.

Hunter Brown, SP, HOU
2 G, 8.2 IP, 0 K, 3 ER, 0 BB

Hunter Brown provided a bright spot for the Astros despite their 0-1 skid to the Angels, hurling 8.2 innings over two starts with three earned runs and no walks. His resilience kept Houston competitive, highlighting prospect growth in a tough matchup. Brown’s efficiency aligns with league-wide pitching emphases that favored teams like LA and Detroit, offering hope for Astros’ rebound in ongoing battles.

Rank: #41.
STS Projection: 3.26 ERA, 179 IP, 58 BB, 194 K, 9.7 K/9, 1.20 WHIP.

Chris Sale, SP, ATL
1 G, 6.0 IP, 0 K, 1 ER, 0 BB

Chris Sale kicked off Atlanta’s series against Kansas City with six innings of one-run ball, issuing zero walks for vintage dominance. His effort steadied the Braves amid early tests, reflecting the quality starts pivotal in Dodgers’ win over Arizona and Yankees’ triumph. Sale’s health and command reaffirm his ace status, fueling Atlanta’s contention in a league prioritizing veteran arms for series splits.

Rank: #29.
STS Projection: 3.05 ERA, 185 IP, 51 BB, 216 K, 10.5 K/9, 1.11 WHIP.