I know I’m going to take some flak, but I think Nolan Ryan has to be among the most overrated pitchers in MLB history. I’ve talked to plenty of folks who consider him the GOAT based on his strikeouts and career no hitters. But they always forget he is also the all time leader in BB, and his career WAR is less than pitchers no one ever puts in the GOAT discussion, like Phil Niekro, Gaylord Perry and Bett Blyleven, despite all of them pitching fewer seasons.
Don’t get me wrong - Ryan is a more than deserving Hall of Famer. But best of all time? I wouldn’t put him in the top ten. Maybe top 20?