
AL Cy Young: Zach Britton
65.1 IP, 2-1, 0.55 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 47/47 SV
There are some glamorous choices for people simply looking for a starter to win the AL Cy Young award. J.A. Happ and Rick Porcello have each eclipsed 20 wins. Justin Verlander has been straight dominant in a comeback season. Chris Sale has been dynamite in Chicago — not to mention his ridiculous jersey cutting stunt as a cherry on top.
All of these, however, are backup plans. It takes an outlandishly tremendous season from a relief pitcher to claim an award generally dominated by starting pitchers, or guys who have a much broader body of work.
Zach Britton has had that season.
Perfect in save opportunities with an ERA you just do not see, the left-handed sinkerballer has had a season that outweighs what any AL starter has done.