NL Cy Young: Jose Fernandez
182.1 IP, 16-8, 2.86 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 253 K
Sure, Kyle Hendricks has been put together a masterful season. Additionally, there is a surplus of great starting pitching in the National League.
However, only one man deserves the NL Cy Young award. The tragedy that took place with Jose Fernandez, taking him from this world too soon, is not the sole reason for this. His numbers prior to the accident were more than deserving.
At 16-8 with a 2.86 ERA over 29 starts, the electrifying young arm was mowing through the league. Destined to complete his first full season since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2013, nothing but promise surrounded a top-five pitcher in the game.
He had hurled 182.1 frames, allowed merely 149 hits, walked only 55, and struck out 253 batters in dominating fashion. In the process, his career ERA had dipped to 2.58 while his record improved to 38-17. His career K/9 rate was 11.2. Long story short, looking at early signs, the kid had Hall of Fame stuff, Cooperstown poise, and was destined for baseball immortality — and, of course, his spirit will always live on. – The NL Cy Young Award Belongs To One Man Only – Elite Sports NY
