MLB Awards: Top 5 National League Cy Young Candidates

As the MLB season moves within a few weeks of postseason play, some pitchers are beginning to solidify themselves as strong candidates for the 2016 National League Cy Young award.

The National League is overloaded with quality pitching this season. Every MLB season, it seems as if the Cy Young becomes a three or four pitcher race down the stretch. Last year, Jake Arrieta ended up winning the Cy Young award due to an unbelievable second half. Meanwhile, Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw were arguably just as worthy with their dominant seasons. This season, it looks to be another tight race.

Throughout the season there are so many variables. Pitchers go through slumps, injuries, and sometimes just bad luck. But the pitchers who survive those obstacles and thrive on the mound, are the ones who are considered for a Cy Young award.

Every single variable and every single start are taken into consideration for a Cy Young award. And this year will be no different. Ranking the best pitcher is becoming tougher and tougher as the candidates battle for the rest of September. And most, if not all of them, are also looking forward with eyes on the playoffs.

The following is a list of how the National League Cy Young candidates stand as the 2016 season draws closer to an end. Every pitcher on this list is very deserving of consideration for Cy Young. But only one can win.

Before we begin, a few honorable mentions: Jose Fernandez, Noah Syndergaard, Jon Lester, Stephen Strasburg, and Tanner Roark. All have had fantastic seasons and rightfully deserve to be considered. But the other candidates are playing too well and are more favored.

Next: The Three Time Champ