2019 MLB Season: September NL Cy Young race update

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 29: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets in action against the Chicago Cubs during a game at Citi Field on August 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 29: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets in action against the Chicago Cubs during a game at Citi Field on August 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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(Photo by David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

2019 MLB Season: September NL Cy Young race update

4. Mike Soroka, SP, ATL

Mike Soroka is possibly the most surprising starting pitcher in baseball this season. The rookie has been dominating for the Atlanta Braves and is a huge reason why they will the National Least East. Through 31 starts, he is 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA, which is third in the NL and 1.11 WHIP.

He is a dominant groundball pitcher. He leads the NL for the most grounded into a double play. Being able to successfully pitch to contact at such a young age has already made him a prominent starter in the league but will propel him into a superstar.

He will fall short of 200 innings because he missed a few starts. He will most likely still pitch over 170 innings in his first full season in the big leagues. He is not a strikeout pitcher in any means yet but has shown potential improvement.

Already third in the NL in ERA, he has a good chance to lower it and higher his ranking in the category, which most voters deem as the most important.

At 22, Soroka will finish high on NL Cy Young ballots, but not take home the hardware. He is another player who will be an early-season favorite to win the award next season.