2019 MLB season: AL CY Young Awards Predictions

AL CY Young Awards Predictions

Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole

It is clear that these two are the above and beyond favorites to win this trophy. They are teammates seeking to claim postseason glory before they disband- Gerrit Cole is a free agent in the offseason- yet they are competitors in this category.

I am not suggesting that there is even a remote chance that either would find this competition more important than the greater goal of a championship, it could be a fun wager of sorts between the two.

In terms of the stats, Justin Verlander has a lower ERA and WHIP, while hurling more innings and notching two complete games- including a no-hitter- to Cole’s 0. However, Cole has the upper hand in strikeouts and FIP. Verlander leads all of MLB in ERA+ and Cole in punchouts.

The staggering FIP of Cole could easily be disregarded, however, 0.54 is significant for this category. 0.54 of course being the difference between the two aces. Cole’s strikeout rate is not drastically higher than Verlander’s to cause such a disparity.

This could lead some to speculate that Cole is inducing more soft contact when the ball is put into play. Some evidence includes the six more home runs Verlander has surrendered in 16 extra innings.

In the end, it is a tough call, Verlander likely will win the award- perhaps a repayment from years past. Yet there is a legitimate argument to be made that Cole, in fact, is more deserving of it.

All in all, this race will go down to the wire, it leaves room for opinions to change in the final two weeks of 2019.