Left-handed pitchers have always brought a little extra flair to the mound. Whether it’s their funky delivery, deceptive movement, or ability to completely fluster right-handed hitters, southpaws play a crucial role in baseball’s rich history.
From pioneers of the early 1900s to modern-day flamethrowers, the greatest lefties have delivered dominance, longevity, and unforgettable moments. Here’s a look at the 18 best left-handed pitchers in MLB history, ranked from excellent to absolutely legendary.
18. Jamie Moyer
He didn’t throw hard, but he threw forever. Moyer pitched across four decades and carved out a remarkably effective career with nothing but guile and command.
17. Fernando Valenzuela
“Fernandomania” wasn’t just hype—it was a full-blown movement. With a hypnotic screwball and a Rookie of the Year-Cy Young combo in 1981, he made Dodgers games must-watch TV.
16. Tommy John
He’ll forever be known for the surgery that bears his name, but he was also a really solid pitcher. With pinpoint control and amazing durability, John racked up 288 wins across 26 seasons.
15. Tom Glavine
He didn’t need to overpower you—he’d just nibble at the corners until you gave up. With two Cy Youngs and 305 wins, Glavine made finesse look easy.
14. Billy Wagner
He wasn’t tall, but he threw absolute gas. Wagner struck out hitters in bunches and was one of the most feared closers of his time.
13. Cliff Lee
Smooth, efficient, and ruthlessly effective. Lee made his name with pinpoint command and postseason poise that made even the best lineups sweat.
12. Jerry Koosman
A key part of the Miracle Mets, Koosman brought fire and a wicked curveball. He was as dependable as they come and delivered when it mattered most.
11. Eddie Plank
One of the first great southpaws, Plank piled up wins in the dead-ball era. His tailing fastball kept hitters guessing long before radar guns existed.
10. Lefty Gomez
With an electric fastball and an even livelier personality, Gomez was a fan favorite. He dominated in big games and helped define Yankees pitching in the ’30s.
9. Ron Guidry
Nicknamed “Louisiana Lightning,” Guidry brought serious heat and a nasty slider. His 1978 season was one of the most dominant ever by a lefty.
8. Whitey Ford
He didn’t overwhelm you—he just beat you. Ford was a Yankee legend who thrived in October and racked up wins with icy precision.
7. Carl Hubbell
The screwball was his signature, and it gave hitters nightmares. Hubbell’s dominance in the ’30s earned him two MVPs and a spot in Cooperstown.
6. Warren Spahn
Durability? Check. Consistency? Check. With 363 wins, Spahn remains the winningest left-hander in MLB history and pitched well into his 40s.
5. Steve Carlton
When he was on, nobody could touch him. Carlton struck out over 4,000 batters and won four Cy Youngs while carrying some underwhelming teams on his back.
4. Clayton Kershaw
Modern mastery in every sense. Kershaw’s combination of filthy stuff and statistical dominance has made him a generational ace.
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3. Lefty Grove
The original power lefty, Grove, dominated with both stuff and smarts. He led the league in ERA nine times and was as competitive as they come.
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2. Randy Johnson
Standing 6’10” with a fastball that touched 100 and a slider from hell, Johnson was nightmare fuel for hitters. He racked up over 4,800 strikeouts and made dominance look easy.
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1. Sandy Koufax
For a stretch in the 1960s, he was simply untouchable. With a blazing fastball, a snapping curve, and four no-hitters, Koufax became the gold standard for lefty greatness.
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