MLB Awards Watch 2015: Top 5 AL MVP end-of-season rankings

5. Dallas Keuchel

Oct 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Pitchers typically have to do something pretty remarkable to garner MVP consideration. Dallas Keuchel‘s accomplishments in 2015 certainly qualify. The Houston Astros ace went a perfect 15-0 at home this season with a sparkling 1.46 ERA. And he wasn’t exactly a slouch on the road either (3.77 ERA). He’s the frontrunner for the AL Cy Young Award, but he could make a fair case for the MVP as well.

The 27-year-old southpaw won a league-high 20 games on the year to the tune of a 2.48 ERA. He threw an AL-most 232 innings over 33 starts and also twirled a pair of complete game shutouts. His 1.017 WHIP and 162 ERA+ were also league bests.

Many wondered if Keuchel would be able to maintain the success of his breakout 2014, and he answered those questions by being even better. The Astros will pin their postseason hopes on him tonight as he takes the mound against the Yankees in New York.

Next: Player #4