Astros: Should Verlander or Cole win Cy Young? How about both!
Houston Astros starters Justin Verlander and GerritCole have had tremendous seasons, but only one can win the AL Cy Young award right? Here’s why this year should be the first Co-Cy Young winners.
The Houston Astros have been spoiled by their two aces the entire 2019 season, but on most occasions, only one starter can win the American League Cy Young award.
But not this year.
Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole have matched each other every start this season, and if the voters were to pick either of the two they would be splitting hairs.
Verlander might have the edge because he has started two more games, but I think that could easily be matched by the pressure that Cole had on him considering it was his final season before entering free agency.
Just look how close these stats are from each other.
Justin Verlander Gerrit Cole
Wins 21 19
Hits Allowed 138 138
Earned Runs 65 58
Strikeouts 300 316
Walks 42 46
ERA 2.62 2.52
WHIP 0.81 0.89
No-Hitter 1 0
As I said, you would be doing a disservice to either Gerrit Cole or Justin Verlander if you voted for one over the other. Verlander led in wins and WHIP with the no-hitter, and Cole leads in strikeouts, earned runs, and ERA.
If there is no co-Cy Young, then I think it will be the closest Cy Young race in the history of Major League Baseball.
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Both Verlander and Cole have been such huge pieces of the Astros success this season and both deserve to win the Cy Young.
Gerrit Cole had the potential to be an ace with the Pittsburgh Pirates but never became a bonified frontline starter until Jeff Luhnow acquired him to come pitch for the Houston Astros.
The transformation that has occurred has been amazing and Cole should not just be awarded the huge payday he will receive in free agency but with the Cy Young as well.
And with Verlander, he seems to get better with age. For the first time in his career, he has reached 300 strikeouts and has thrown another no-hitter.
He has only improved his Cooperstown resume since landing in Houston and also deserves to win the Cy Young award this.
Next. Best Washington Nationals lineup in Wild Card Game. dark
A Co-MVP is the best route to go for both starters to be rewarded for their tremendous seasons.