After taking a look at AL Cy Young contenders last week, let’s take a look at some of the top contenders for the NL Cy Young Award. As was the case previously, there are no clear cut favorites in the senior circuit. Again, these are not set in any particular order.
Sizing Up the Race for the NL Cy Young Award
The Usual Suspects
Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants – No surprise to see Bumgarner in the mix for the NL Cy Young. Although he’s been getting a lot of attention to for his hitting exploits this season, Bumgarner the pitcher has been no slouch either. Bumgarner has posted the second best ERA in the NL at 2.49, along with a WAR of 4.3 and most complete games (four) as well. Additionally, Bumgarner is in the top five in terms of hits/9 innings and K/9. One final nugget, his ERA+ of 165 is by far the best of his career.
Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals – Since coming over to Washington as a free agent at the start of the 2015 season, Scherzer has more than lived up to his expensive contract. This season, Scherzer leads all NL pitchers with a 5.4 WAR to along with leading the league with a 0.911 WHIP and 238 strikeouts. Scherzer has also pitched to a spectacular 2.89 ERA and has the second best K/9 rate in the NL. The former AL Cy Young winner is absolutely in the conversation for this year’s NL Award as the season enters the final month.
The Young Guns
Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets – In just his second season, Noah Syndergaard has already established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the NL. The man known as Thor regularly overpowers opposing hitters with his 99mph fastball and 90mph slider. It’s no surprise to see Syndergaard sport a sparking 2.55 ERA, a 10.68 K/9 rate and a very impressive ERA+ of 157. Syndergaard is also currently in the top five with a WAR (for pitchers) of 4.2 and 184 strikeouts.
Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins – While his season didn’t get off to a great start, Fernandez has been pitching on another level the last few months. The slow start may be a result of shaking off some latent rust from his Tommy John Surgery, but whatever the case, Fernandez has found his groove. At this time, Fernandez currently leads the league with a 12.74 k/9 rate and a 2.26 FIB. Not to mention his WAR of 3.7 and ERA of 2.79 both rank in the top 10 of all NL pitchers as well. If the Marlins are able to stay in contention for a Wild Card spot for most of the month, expect voters to take note as well.
New Kid on the Block
Kyle Hendricks, Chicago Cubs – Just like J.A. Happ in the AL, it appears that Hendricks came out of nowhere in this year’s Cy Young race. However, unlike Happ, Hendricks has shown glimpses of potential previously in his career. As the NL leader in both ERA (2.09) and ERA + (194), Hendricks has been downright dominant. Not to mention that he is second in the NL with a 0.981 WHIP and has a 4.2 WAR. While he might not be a brand name like teammates Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester, Kendricks has pitched like the Cubs best pitcher, and one of the best pitchers in baseball this season.
With apologies to: Jake Arrieta, Clayton Kershaw, Johnny Cueto, Jon Lester, Tanner Roark
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