HARDWARE FOR ARMS

Evan Davis

A little over a month or so ago, I gave out my top 5 potential NL/AL Cy Young candidates. With the season slowly but surely winding down, I am narrowing down my list to my top 3 candidates for their respective leagues.

National League

3.) Sandy Alcantara (MIA)

I had Alcantara as #1 on my last list but I think Alcantara has taken a major step back in the Cy Young debate as of late. He has been pumped for 6 runs by the Braves and Dodgers, and he just gave up 5 runs to the Phillies.

In his last 3 starts, he has given up 11 earned runs. His stuff is still nasty and has incredible movement, but I don’t view him as the same “lock” as I did before. He still has had a few dominant starts, but I am not seeing them as frequently as I used to. He still has a 2.43 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP to go along with 181 K’s, but due to the downfall as of late, he has fallen on my list.

2.) Julio Urias (LAD)

I know I am a Dodger fan but after an underwhelming start to the season, Urias has recorded a win in 11 of his last 13 starts. He has given up 2 or less runs in his last 10 starts and has slowly become the new ace for the Dodgers. Urias has definitely carried the load as of late with both Buehler and Gonsolin out, allowing for the Dodgers to clinch the NL West in mid September.

He is tied for 2nd in the MLB in wins, 1st in the NL in ERA, 2nd in the NL in WHIP, 2nd in the NL in BAA, with his only defeat being innings pitched (158.2). After being used as a bullpen pitcher during the 2020 postseason run that saw the Dodgers win the World Series, Urias has turned into one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Dare I say he’s been underrated to say the least, given all the talent on the Dodgers roster. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him win given his dominant second half, but one guy has stood out in particular.

1.) Zac Gallen (ARI)

Zac Gallen is playing better than my created pitcher in MLB the Show. 41 ⅓ innings of scoreless baseball is utterly absurd and having only 2 losses as a pitcher for the Diamondbacks is unheard of. Gallen has soared to the top of the NL Cy Young debate after being mediocre to say the least for a majority of the season. I honestly struggled with Urias and Gallen for the #1 and #2 spots, but I ultimately caved into giving it to Gallen because of that insane scoreless streak.

Gallen isn’t whipping the board with his win total (12), but he is 1st in the NL in WHIP, 3rd in the NL in ERA, and opponents are batting .185 against him. After a disappointing 4-10 season last year with a 4.30 ERA, Gallen has had a complete turnaround. With Gallen entering his prime at the age of 27, the Diamondbacks can be a scary team in the future. Ladies and gentlemen, your NL Cy Young winner, Zac Gallen.

American League

3.) Alek Manoah (TOR)

Manoah was #3 on my last list and I am keeping him at the same spot on this list. Currently tied for 3rd in the AL in wins, Alek Manoah has had to carry a load for the Blue Jays this season, lining himself up for a huge pay day in the future.

Manoah has surrendered two or less runs in each of his last 5 starts, as the Blue Jays continue for a push to October. He is top 10 in K’s in the AL, while finding himself 2nd in the AL in innings pitched. Carrying a WHIP of 1.00, opponents are batting .207 against him. I can see him winning the Cy Young, but right he is #3 on my list.

2.) Dylan Cease (CWS)

Cease has been dealing the entire season, posting a 2.16 ERA and a whopping 214 strikeouts. In the midst of a career year, Cease has a career high in WHIP (1.08), ERA (2.16) and WAR (5.7). Tied with Manoah in wins, Cease’s domination has allowed for the White Sox to somewhat stay afloat given all the injuries to the team. Opponents are batting .187, which would smash his previous career high (.223). Again, I wouldn't be surprised if he won the Cy Young, but I believe there is someone pitching better than these two guys right now.

1.) Framber Valdez (HOU)

I am sticking with a Houston Astros pitcher to win the Cy Young, but this time it is Framber Valdez. Leading the league in Quality Starts (25), Valdez is smashing all his previous career highs as he is currently 15-5 with a 2.50 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 179.2 innings pitched.

With Verlander being out of the rotation, someone has had to step up to the plate and Valdez has done just that. He has surrendered just 9 home runs in 27 games, with opponents slashing .213/.290/.289/.580. Ladies and gentlemen, your AL Cy Young winner, Framber Valdez.