Astros’ Ace Hunter Brown Was Brutally Disrespected in Latest MLB Rankings

The Houston Astros' ace Hunter Brown is off to an other-worldly start to begin 2026. Through two starts, the Astros' Opening Day starter has thrown 10.2 innings, allowed five hits, one run, and piled up 17 strikeouts.

Houston's offense has only come alive once to back him up this season, but wins aren't a good indication of a pitchers success. In MLB.com's latest edition of MLB Ace power rankings, Brown was left out of the top five.

The list consists of No. 1 Tarik Skubal, then Paul Skenes to round out the "two obvious picks" category. Next, the "challengers to the top tier" are Garrett Crochet, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Christoper Sanchez.

Finally, the "some question marks, but in the ace club" category is Hunter Brown at No. 6, then Dylan Cease, Logan Webb, Chris Sale, Zach Wheeler, and Jesus Lazardo.

Hunter Brown Has Pitched Well Enough To Deserve National Media Respect

Mar 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) high fives trainer Stephanie Grubbs as — Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

While being the No. 6th-ranked pitcher in the MLB is quite an accomplishment, no one will be mad about it, he deserves more respect. Sure, he hasn't posted the years of consistent other-worldly numbers like Skenes and Skubal, but he was third in CY Young voting last season after his incredible year.

Let's compare him to Sanchez, who's listed at No. 4. Albeit close, Brown had a better ERA, WHIP, and K/9 than Sanchez. He did have one less start, and cherry-picking stats is a dangerous game, but Brown deserves to be in the conversation for No. 5.

MLB.com writer Kiley McDaniel failed to inform readers of the reason Brown was excluded from the top five. He did note, however, Brown's 1.65 ERA over 16 1/3 lifetime playoff innings. Over 19.1 career playoff innings, Sanchez has a 2.79 ERA.

Comparing him to No. 4 Yamamoto is more of the same. A lot of similarities, with Brown edging him out in specific categories. Brown had a better ERA and walk rate and had three more quality starts. The difference between these three pitchers is minuscule, but Brown deserves to receive national respect.

He's improved tremendously year-over-year after his worrying 5.09 ERA rookie campaign in 2023. If his first two starts are any indication of his success this season, Houston is in for an exciting season with Brown toeing the rubber every five days. The Astros just need to lock him up long-term while they still have the chance.