2019 AL Cy Young Finalists: Who was the best pitcher in the AL?
The 2019 AL Cy Young award is down to three MLB pitchers: Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton, and Justin Verlander. Who takes home the hardware? Let’s take a closer look.
With the season over and the World Series winner crowned, it’s time to take a look at the wonderful things which happen in the off-season. First off is one of my favorite parts, the award season.
I love seeing the hardware handed out at the end of the year to the players who truly deserved the accolades. With this particular piece, we are going to look specifically at the AL Cy Young race.
All three players will be looking to add to their legacy with the award. The chance to have your name next to pitching greats Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Sandy Koufax, and Whitey Ford to name a few.
Now one of these candidates has won the award before, one hasn’t finished better than fourth and the other hasn’t even been in the running before. Either way, all three had incredible seasons and they will be fun to watch as they continue their careers. Two of these guys are headed towards the twilight of their careers and the other seems to just be coming into his own.
We’re now going to take a look at all three players’ seasons and then at the end I will pick who I think will win the award and add their name to the other greats who have won the award. If you don’t like my pick, let me know, I’d love to hear your feedback.
Who wins the 2019 AL Cy Young?
Houston Astros Justin Verlander
2019 stats: 21-6 in 34 starts, 2.58 ERA, 300 strikeouts, .803 WHIP, 7.8 WAR
Well, the ageless wonder proved once again he should never be counted out. He had an amazing season at the age of 36 years old in his 15th season. Somehow he seems to be getting more durable as the years go on.
He led the league in starts at 34 and WAR for pitchers at 7.8, was second in ERA at 2.58 and strikeouts with 300 and he was also second in ERA+ at 179. I have no idea how this guy is still dealing this far into his career.
How he is still leading the league in starts and innings pitched at 223 is simply incredible. Not only that but leading the league in so many other categories as mentioned above. It brings back memories of how durable Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens were towards the end of their careers. I can’t wait to see where he finishes his career because I’m pretty sure statistically he will be up there with some of the greats
The only question remaining is: did he do enough this season to take home another Cy Young. Let’s take a look at the other two finalists
Who wins the 2019 AL Cy Young?
Houston Astros Gerrit Cole
2019 stats: 20-5 in 33 starts, 2.50 ERA, 326 strikeouts, .895 WHIP, 6.9 WAR
Wow, did Cole have a great season! He has always been a good solid pitcher, but this year he took the leap to an elite pitcher. He was one of two aces on his team and led the league in several key categories.
He led the league in ERA at 2.50 and in strikeouts with 326, 26 more than the closest pitcher. He was fourth in WAR at 6.9 and was second in wins and third in innings pitched at 212 1/3. He also led the league in ERA+ at 185 and this was his third All-Star season.
All of his statistics this year were career highs and the 29-year-old is just entering his prime. I feel like we can expect many more seasons like this from Cole. The only question is which team will it be for next year as he enters free agency after two seasons with the Houston Astros. Regardless of what team he pitches for, you can almost expect him to have another season like this, barring any unforeseen injury.
Our next finalists also had a great season for his team in a very competitive division, the AL East.
Who wins the 2019 AL Cy Young?
Tampa Bay Rays Charlie Morton
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2019 stats: 16-6 in 33 starts, 3.05 ERA, 240 strikeouts, 1.084 WHIP, 5.0 WAR
Morton had a surprisingly good season this year. He set career highs in ERA at 3.05, strikeouts with 240 and ERA+ at 146. All at the age of 35 in his 12th season. He may not have the flashy strikeout numbers, but he was solid all season long for a competitive Tampa Bay Rays team.
He had some pretty highly ranked numbers in the AL as well. He ranked 7th in the AL with a 5.0 WAR, 3rd in ERA, tied for 5th in wins, 9th in innings pitched at 194 2/3 and 3rd in ERA+. He led the Rays to a Wild Card win and took the Astros to 5 games, pitching exceptionally well. He garnered only his 2nd All-Star award and will finish in the top three in this Cy Young race.
Unfortunately with the seasons both Verlander and Cole had, he will finish third. The other two were simply more dominant, despite the great season from Morton. He has nothing to hang his head over though.
Next. Phillies: Simplifying the off-season priorities. dark
Now for my pick to win the AL Cy Young. Without question, Gerrit Cole will be your 2019 AL Cy Young award winner. He had the best season, led in ERA and struck out an insane amount of batters. He is the most deserving and will absolutely walk away with the hardware.