MLB Awards: Top Contenders for 2017 NL Cy Young Award
By David Hill
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.