2013’s Race for the NL Cy Young

Hello and once again welcome to the second edition of the Cy Young Award race watch. Last week, I discussed the top five candidates from the American League. Today, I’ll talk about the top five pitchers from the National League. As it is now August, the race for the award becomes even tighter and tighter.

The NL has some dominating pitchers this season, so will it be easy to pick a top five? Let’s check it out.

Clayton Kershaw: 10-6, 1.87 ERA, 23 starts, 168.1 innings pitched, 19 quality starts

Kershaw has not only become one of the finest left-handers in the MLB currently, but one of the best in the business. Comparable to the great Los Angeles Dodger Sandy Koufax, Kershaw has helped the Dodger faithful restore their belief in the team. Not only is Kershaw a three-time All-Star, but he won the Cy Young Award in 2011 at the age of 23 along with the NL Triple Crown for pitchers. Two years later, he’s become one of the deadliest pitchers in the majors and at such a young age, established himself as a long standing force in the MLB. For the Dodgers, they couldn’t have asked for a better pitcher since Koufax and for years to come, Kershaw is going to not only be the guy in LA, but a guy who may win multiple Cy Youngs.

Matt Harvey has become a pitcher to build around in the Mets’ organization. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Harvey: 8-3, 2.21 ERA, 22 starts, 150.2 innings pitched, 17 quality starts

With the uncertainty that has really befallen the New York Mets’ starting rotation, Harvey stepped up in a big way. This season, Harvey has not only become the face of the Mets’ franchise next to third baseman David Wright, but as one of the best pitchers in the major league. Harvey made the start in his home Citi Field for this year’s All-Star game and has just been flat out impressive, with opponents hitting a feeble .193 against him. The Mets have found a true gem in the young right-hander, who currently sits behind Kershaw for the number one spot as the NL pitcher and someone who has a real shot to win 2013’s Cy Young.

Patrick Corbin: 12-2, 2.24 ERA, 21 starts, 144.1 innings pitched, 18 quality starts

In what has been just a disappointing season pitching wise in Arizona, Corbin has shed some light to those woes. Corbin started off the year 9-0 with an ERA of 2.38 before being handed his first loss on July 2. Of course, let’s not focus solely on wins and losses with Corbin, as the 24 year-old has become the clear cut ace for the Diamondbacks in just his second year. This season, Corbin’s seen a rise in his K/9 (7.23 to 7.67), a tremendous decrease in opponent’s batting average (.280 to .205) and has just been lights out in Arizona, throwing one complete game. Corbin has been the real deal for Arizona and if he continues on this path for the next two months, he’s going to be up in a close race.

Adam Wainwright: 13-6, 2.61 ERA, 23 starts, 168.2 innings pitched, 18 quality starts

If there was anybody who thought Wainwright was going to snap out of his two-year funk, it was the St. Louis Cardinals. Wainwright had Tommy John surgery in 2011 and had a lukewarm 2012 only to rebound as strong as ever in 2013. The Cardinals have been regarded as of the MLB’s best offensive teammates, but for Wainwright, a one-run lead is enough for the veteran. Wainwright has been giving hitters problems left and right and was named Pitcher of the Month in June. Not only has Wainwright thrown four complete games this season, but two have been for shutouts. Going down the stretch, Wainwright looks like a strong contender for the Cy Young.

Mike Leake leads a tough Cincinnati Reds’ pitching rotation as this year’s ace. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Leake: 10-4, 2.59 ERA, 21 starts, 135.2 innings pitched, 13 quality starts

The Cincinnati Reds have always been noted for their top notch pitching, but this season Leake is running away with the show. Leake has overstepped his teammates as the number one guy to go to in the rotation. Much like the other candidates, Leake is a young talent that has lived up to the expectations surrounding him. With the pace he’s on, Leake will more than likely surpass his career strikeout total of 118, which only adds to his resume for the award come November.

The next five: Madison Bumgarner, Jeff Locke, Jose Fernandez, Shelby Miller, Travis Wood

This isn’t to say that these five are unable to get into the race, it’s more or less saying that if any of the top five falter, here are the group that’s next in line. All five of these starters have been extremely efficient for their ball clubs this season, especially with rookies Locke, Fernandez and Miller thrown into the mix. Regardless, the NL race for the Cy Young Award should be a fun one with all the neck and neck dashes to the end.

Stats courtesy of FanGraphs.