Baseball season is back! Since it’s the start of a new season, people love predicting awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and the Cy Young award. Here are 10 under-the-radar candidates for the Cy Young award in the upcoming season.
American League
Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles
*After showing flashes of potential in 2017, Bundy was given the opening day start for an Orioles team with a seemingly underwhelming rotation. Bundy did not disappoint on opening day as he threw seven innings of shutout ball with seven strikeouts.
*Bundy has a four pitch repertoire with a very effective slider. If he can perform the way he did last Thursday on a consistent basis, look for him to be in the mix for Cy Young.
Charlie Morton, Houston Astros
*Morton was the hero last season for Astros, throwing the final four innings in game seven of the World Series to bring a championship to Houston.
The Astros signed the pitcher in he 2017 off-season, after Morton suffered a season-ending injury the previous year with Philadelphia. Injuries have been a problem for Morton as he has spent a stint on the DL in each of the last three seasons.
*If he can stay on the field, he’ll have a chance at a major breakout season and possible Cy Young.
David Price, Boston Red Sox
*Price knows his 2017 season was a complete disaster. Between injuries, poor performance, and issues within the clubhouse, 2017 was a year to forget for Price. *However, remember: Price won the Cy Young back in 2012 and is in a new situation this season with a new manager and lower expectations.
Following a strong spring training, Price performed well in his first start, throwing seven shutout innings. Now in a better situation, Price could be in the conversation for both Cy Young and Comeback Player of the Year.
Jose Berrios, Minnesota Twins
*Berrios had a very good campaign in 2017 after being beaten out for a final roster spot in spring training.
*He pitched very well in Minnesota last season, holding opponents to a .197 batting average and having a 2.41 ERA.
*The right-hander had a great first start last week, throwing a complete-game shutout, so look for him to continue performing at a high level and contend for the Cy Young award in 2018.
Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
*Similar to Price, Felix Hernandez is a former Cy Young winner who has tailed off over the past few seasons.
*Battling injuries for much of the season, Hernandez only threw 86.2 innings in 2017, a career-low since his rookie season as his fastball dropped to a career-low velocity.
*So,he’s a Cy Young candidate? Well, Justin Verlander proves that even as a pitcher’s velocity decreases, they can make up for it with good control and stuff. Why else would Bartolo Colon still be in the MLB? Hernandez is capable of regaining his all-star form and could compete for another Cy Young award.
National League:
Chase Anderson, Milwaukee Brewers
*After several underwhelming seasons, Anderson had the best season of his career in 2017, going 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA.
*Anderson has a five pitch repertoire and can use all of his pitches effectively. He looked strong in his first outing, allowing one hit and no runs over six innings.
*The Brewers will compete for a playoff spot and Anderson could be in line for a major breakout season.
Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies
*Coming into the MLB as a highly rated prospect, Nola showed flashes of excellence in 2017 with a 3.54 ERA and 9.86 K/9. As shown there, he gets a lot of strikeouts with his lively fastball and filthy breaking ball.
*Nola can throw his curveball and slider from different arm slots to make it difficult for the hitter to pick up.
*If he can keep the ball in the ballpark, he’ll have a lot of success this season.
Luis Castillo, Cincinnati Reds
*After over 5 seasons in the minors, Castillo broke into the majors last June, posting a 3.12 ERA in 15 starts. 2018 will be Castillo’s first full season in the majors.
*He has great velocity for a starter as his fastball hits 98 MPH and his slider hits 84 MPH.
Castillo’s velocity and K/9 of 9.9 make it easy to imagine Castillo as a candidate for a breakout season and possible Cy Young candidate.
Tyler Chatwood, Chicago Cubs
*After two seasons in Colorado, Chatwood signed a three-year contract with the Cubs this offseason to be the team’s fifth starter.
*Colorado is a tough place to play as proven by Chatwood’s 6.01 ERA last season in Coors Field. However when on the road, Chatwood’s ERA lowered to 3.49.
*Chatwood does a good job of limiting damage with runners on base; his opponents’ batting average with runners on base last season was .212. Wrigley Field is another hitters’ ballpark but if Chatwood can manage he could be in line for an enormous breakout season.
Jameson Taillon, Pittsburgh Pirates
*Last but not least on the list is Jameson Taillon of the Pittsburgh Pirates. A top prospect at one time, Taillon has been held back by injuries including Tommy John surgery from 2014.
*Taillon looked good in his first start, allowing 2 runs and 4 hits on 5.1 innings with 9 strikeouts.
*For the most part, Taillong only uses two pitches: his fastball and curveball. Now starting a new season, Taillon has a chance to reach the Cy Young level potential he had when coming into the MLB.
