There is perhaps no better way to improve a ballclub during the offseason than by signing a quality starting pitcher.

The baseball world was reminded of that again with Yoshinobu Yamamoto's heroics in Games 6 and 7 of the World Series.

Even with innings totals trending down, the starting pitcher remains the sport's nightly protagonist who typically plays an oversized role in determining wins and losses. And in the postseason, when the best arms take on a greater share of workload, they become even more important.

"I believe in elite arms being key to playoff rotations," one longtime scout told MLB. "It’s rare for pennant winners to lack tip-top pedigree arms. You do not win titles with a bunch of seventh rounders that you coached up. You can win the regular season with them, but not tit

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