As the MLB season moves into the thick of the dog days of August, prominent award candidates are beginning to solidify themselves.
Pitching trends in major league baseball have become absurdly distinct. The National League unquestionably demolishes the American Leagues with regards to quality starting pitching.
With that being the case, ranking the best of the best becomes substantially more intriguing.
For instance, Jake Arrieta came away with the Cy Young award last year due to an inhumane second half. While he earned the hardware, Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw were just as, if not more, worthy.
In fact, the race from a year ago was one of the more enticing and stacked bunches in recent history. With that said, the potential candidates for the 2016 award have a different look.
Nonetheless, National League pitching has not taken a step back by any stretch. Currently, 14 starting pitchers throughout the league possess a sub-3.00 ERA. In the American League, there are five starters of that caliber.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at how the top NL Cy Young candidates would stack up if the season were to conclude today.
Next: Honorable Mentions
Honorable Mentions
Clayton Kershaw
Current 2016 stats: 11-2, 1.79 ERA, 0.73 WHP, 121 IP, 79 H, 9 BB, 145 K, .185 BAA
Yes, those are “video game numbers.” Everything about Clayton Kershaw’s line pops out at you.
The man who struck out 300 batters last year was on pace to have a historically dominant year this year. However, a back injury severely derailed his campaign. Being that he has not pitched since June 26, including doubts about a potential return, he will be taken out of consideration.
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It is truly unfortunate for the 28-year-old, who would have absolutely demolished any 2016 competition.
With that said, despite not pitching for a month and a half, he still ranks seventh in the NL in strikeouts and leads in ERA, WHIP, complete game shutouts, and BAA (batting average against).
Give the man some credit. His midseason numbers almost qualify.
Noah Syndergaard
Current 2016 stats: 9-6, 2.64 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 129.1 IP, 123 H, 27 BB, 157 K, .252 BAA
Syndergaard’s sensational start to his 2016 campaign results in immediate consideration, and it was merely a bone spur in his right elbow that sent him on a downturn.
The 23-year-old — pitching in his sophomore season — has simply not been the same since. Over his last seven starts, he is 1-4 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.57 WHIP. Furthermore, multiple abbreviated outings have been sprinkled in there.
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Nonetheless, his overall line indicates that he has been stellar for a vast majority of the season. With numbers that stack up against the rest of the pack, he will certainly be considered.
If the recent mediocrity does not substantially improve, he will end up being an afterthought.
Next: Candidate #5
5. Jose Fernandez
Current 2016 stats: 12-6, 2.87 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 131.1 IP, 103 H, 39 BB, 192 K, .217 BAA
Projected: 18-9, 2.87 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 195.2 IP, 153 H, 58 BB, 285 K, .217 BAA
This just in: Jose Fernandez is back. With his early career derailed by dreaded Tommy John surgery, he has not missed a beat upon return. The 24-year-old is dynamite and, out of the whole pack, might be the most filthy when on his game.
Anchoring Miami’s staff and helping the team stay in contention all year long, the Marlins have to wonder where they would be without him. As one of the more prized commodities in baseball, the right-hander ranks second in the NL in strikeouts and third in wins.
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His K/9 rate is also off the charts as he leads the league with a 13.1 clip.
Expect the organization to be wary of how much they push him in the late stages of the season but, as long as he is in there, expect him to dominate his way to Cy Young contention.
Next: Candidate #4
4. Johnny Cueto
Current 2016 stats: 13-3, 2.73 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 155 IP, 134 H, 31 BB, 141 K, .233 BAA
Projected: 19-4, 2.73 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 230 IP, 199 H, 46 BB, 210 K, .233 BAA
Without a doubt, Johnny Cueto was the steal of the offseason. Despite the money he is earning, too many teams passed up on his services given his regular season struggles with the Royals last year.
With that said, his World Series dominance has carried over as he shifted leagues once again.
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Whether it is shimmying on the mound or pausing mid-windup, he puts on a show whenever he takes the mound. Putting that aside, he gets the job done seemingly every time he takes the ball.
Also serving as a horse, he is on pace for six complete games when it is all said and done. In today’s day and age, you just don’t see that enough.
Next: Candidate #3
3. Max Scherzer
Current 2016 stats: 12-6, 2.87 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 156.2 IP, 107 H, 38 BB, 198 K
Projected: 18-9, 2.87 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 232.2 IP, 159 H, 56 BB, 294 K
When you sign someone to a seven-year/$210 million deal, disappointment usually comes about in some way, shape, or form. It is simply too much money to put firm expectations on.
In an extremely unusual case, Max Scherzer has been worth every penny. Well, maybe because he is a straight monster.
A threat to toss a no-no every time he toes the rubber, watching the 32-year-old on his game is a sight to see. This year, opponents have almost been ensured a long day at the office when they go up against him.
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His game log this year includes an absolutely brilliant performance against Detroit on May 11 in which he fanned 20 Tigers, tying a big league record held by Kerry Wood and Roger Clemens.
Leading baseball in strikeouts (198), Scherzer has arguably the best put-away stuff in the game. Additionally, with his absolutely exceptional hits to innings comparison, he ranks second in the league in WHIP (0.93).
Next: Runner-Up
2. Stephen Strasburg
Current 2016 stats: 15-1, 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 133.2 IP, 93 H, 38 BB, 161 K, .194 BAA
Projected: 22-1, 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 198.2 IP, 138 H, 56 BB, 239 K, .194 BAA
After signing a contract extension to remain in the nation’s capital long-term, Strasburg has re-emerged into what everyone hoped he could be.
Every five days, the Nats can rely on Strasburg to be an ace, a stopper, an intimidating and formidable presence. The 1-2 punch of him and Scherzer anchoring the rotation is a large reason Dusty Baker’s squad sits atop the NL East and, come playoff time, will be an asset for a franchise looking reach its first Fall Classic.
Analyzation of the 26-year-old’s campaign is simply wasted time. His numbers across the board are downright fantastic.
He currently leads the National League in wins, ranks fourth in strikeouts, WHIP, and BAA, and sits fifth in the chase for the ERA title. In fact, a late-season surge can potentially propel him from merely being a runner-up, to being a Cy Young award winner.
Current NL Cy Young
1. Madison Bumgarner
Current 2016 stats: 10-6, 2.25 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 155.2 IP, 122 H, 38 BB, 174 K, .211 BAA
Projected: 15-9, 2.25 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 230.2, 181 H, 56 BB, 259 K, .211 BAA
Without the presence of Clayton Kershaw dominating the National League in every category, MadBum is the clear favorite for this year’s NL Cy Young honors.
The recently turned 27-year-old, and already three-time world champion, is having his best statistical year in the show. With all of his accomplishments, he has become one of the more consistent southpaws the game has seen and is on a fast track to Cooperstown if his profile continually grows.
The task definitely will not be easy, and Bumgarner will have to duplicate his first half performance at a nearly identical rate. However, if this pace indicates his final outcome, he should be able to edge Strasburg based on sheer effectiveness.
Edging a more than dominant opposition by nearly half a run in earned run average would be the ultimate difference maker.
Moreover, if the Giants have another impressive tear in them, the seven-year veteran should be able to pick up a few more victories than expected.
Emmanuel Berbari covers the New York Yankees & Major League Baseball for ESNY. Interact with him and view his daily work by “liking” his facebook page and following him on twitter. He invites you to email any questions, comments, or concerns as well.