MLB Awards: Top Contenders for 2017 NL Cy Young Award

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With the end of the MLB season, the focus is now on the playoffs and the upcoming award announcements. Let us take a look at the National League Cy Young race.

This season, there have been a number of great pitching performances throughout MLB. We saw the only no hitter of the 2017 campaign come out of the National League, with Edinson Volquez throwing an emotional gem on what would have been former teammate Yordano Ventura‘s 26th birthday. It was a fitting tribute to not only his fallen comrade, but to late Marlins ace Jose Fernandez as well.

While the American League saw a number of surprising performances this season, that was not the case in the National League. Yes, there were players that came out of nowhere to establish their major league credentials, but the class of the league still numbered the typical elite of the game.

The Cy Young award is given to the best pitcher in each league. That could be a pitcher who had an excellent month, or even half of the year, provided they finish out the season with a strong performance. This year, there have been a few of great seasons in the National League.

Let us travel around the National League and see who deserves consideration for the Cy Young award.

5. Aaron Nola: Philadelphia Phillies

On the surface, Aaron Nola may not seem like the typical Cy Young candidate. However, he had a solid 2017 campaign, establishing himself as one of the top young MLB arms going forward.

Nola had struggled last year, posting a 6-9 record with a 4.78 ERA in his 20 starts for the Phillies in 2016. Even with those issues, he showed a good deal of potential, striking out over a batter per inning while issuing less than 2.5 walks per nine. His FIP was nearly two runs lower than his actual ERA, giving hope as to the pitcher he could develop into.

That next step forward came this season. Toiling for a miserable Phillies squad, he made a case as one of the better starters in the game. His 12-11 record was misleading, particularly given the Phillies performance this year. Ignoring the record, Nola still had a solid 3.54 ERA and a 1.208 WHiP, striking out 184 batters against 49 walks in 168 innings.

As the Phillies look to return to contention in the next few years, Nola will be a key part of that resurrection. He already looks like a future ace despite being just 24 years old and only having four seasons as a professional. Given his production this year, Nola’s time as a Cy Young candidate may only be starting.

Aaron Nola was easily the best pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was also one of the best MLB pitchers last year, albeit under the radar.

4. Zack Greinke: Arizona Diamondbacks

After a miserable first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Zack Greinke rediscovered his form this season.

Expected to be the ace that could push Arizona to the playoffs, Greinke faltered. A year after leading the National League in ERA and WHiP, he was not even close to the same pitcher. Greinke’s 13-7 record belied his mediocre 4.37 ERA and 1.273 WHiP, the poster child for the Diamondbacks struggles in 2016.

This year was a different story. Just as the Diamondbacks climbed up the standings, Greinke rediscovered his form. He posted a solid 17-7 record, along with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.072 WHiP. In his 202.1 innings, he struck out 215 batters while issuing just 45 walks. Not only did Arizona advance to the postseason, but Greinke reestablished himself as an ace going forward.

One has to wonder if this is going to be the the new normal for Greinke moving forward. He will 34 years old at the end of the month, and already has over 2500 innings on his arm if one counts the postseason. While he may remain a solid pitcher, this could be one of his last hurrahs as an ace.

If so, Zack Greinke picked a great time to turn back the clock. The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the postseason, and Greinke is a big part of why.

3. Stephen Strasburg: Washington Nationals

In a year when every MLB player was hitting home runs, Stephen Strasburg proved quite adept at keeping the ball in the yard.

Over the course of his 175.1 innings, Strasburg allowed just 13 home runs, three of which came in one outing. In his final seven starts of the year, Strasburg did not allow a single homer, while posting a 0.57 ERA. Although the Nationals had the NL East pretty well wrapped up, he was at his best down the stretch.

Overall, Strasburg had an excellent season. Buoyed by his ability to keep the ball in the yard, he posted a 15-4 record for the second consecutive year. He threw his second career shutout, while posting a 2.58 ERA and a 1.015 WHiP. In his 175.1 innings, Strasburg struck out 204 batters while issuing only 47 walks. This was the type of season that Nationals fans had been waiting for since he was drafted.

Given his reputation, it is surprising that Strasburg has only received Cy Young votes in only one season. Not only should that change this year, but we may be starting to see his ascension to becoming a true ace. Strasburg has the weapons; now, he may be ready to take that next step forward.

Health has always been a concern for Stephen Strasburg. Healthy this year, the Washington Nationals starter proved why he is one of the best pitchers in baseball.

2. Max Scherzer: Washington Nationals

Since 2012, Max Scherzer has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the game. This year was no different.

A year removed from winning the National League Cy Young award, Scherzer was even better than he had been last year. Despite the Nationals strong rotation, he was still the top pitcher on in Washington, making over 30 starts and throwing more than 200 innings for the fifth consecutive year.

That workload has done nothing to slow Scherzer down. His season, he posted a solid 16-6 record, along with a career best 2.51 ERA and a 0.902 WHiP. In his 200.2 innings, Scherzer had a league leading 268 strikeouts, while issuing only 55 walks. He was close to untouchable, with only 126 hits allowed.

And yet, even with that excellent performance, the regular season does not matter. The Nationals are still searching for their first World Series appearance in franchise history, unable to get over the hump. With Scherzer, Strasburg, and Gio Gonzalez firing on all cylinders at once, and an improved bullpen, this may be the year they break through.

If so, Max Scherzer will play a key part. His stellar 2017 campaign certainly helped the Nationals dominate the NL East.

1. Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers

Health issues are starting to be a concern for Clayton Kershaw. However, he is still the best that the game has to offer, and his performance this year only proves it.

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Despite missing nearly six weeks due to back issues, Kershaw continued his dominant performance. He already has the lowest ERA of any active MLB pitcher, and this season, he lowered his career ERA for the ninth consecutive year. If he was to retire today, one could make a strong case for his induction into the Hall of Fame.

This season only added to his legacy. Although he made only 27 starts, Kershaw led the National League with a 18-4 record and 2.31 ERA, while ranking second with a 0.941 WHiP. In his 175 innings, Kershaw struck out 202 batters with just 30 walks. He just dominated the National League, doing so in the familiar way we are accustomed to.

At this point, there is little more to add when it comes to Kershaw’s legacy. However, a Cy Young award this season would be his fourth, tying Kershaw with Greg Maddux and Steve Carlton for the third most all time. If he stays healthy, it would not be a surprise for the Dodgers star to challenge Roger Clemens‘ seven Cy Young awards in his career.

Next: 2017 AL Cy Young Contenders

Clayton Kershaw may have missed nearly a month this season, but he was still the top pitcher in the National League. He may well walk away with yet another Cy Young award.

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