Jul 9, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; National League pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) of the New York Mets throws against the American League during the third inning in the 2019 MLB All Star Game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets‘ ace Jacob deGrom has been named a Cy Young finalist for the third time in a row, according to an announcement made by MLB on Monday night. He won the award in the previous two seasons, and has a very good chance of taking it home for the third consecutive year.
If he wins, the Mets’ ace will join a select group of hurlers with three consecutive Cy Youngs: Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson. Yes, they are both in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The “Big Unit” won it four years straight from 1999-2002.
The Mets’ righty will have some fierce competition this year, in the form of Cincinnati Reds (now a free agent) pitcher Trevor Bauer and Chicago Cubs’ frontline starter Yu Darvish.
In 12 starts with the New York Mets, deGrom went 4-2 with a 2.38 ERA and 104 strikeouts. He was as dominant as ever, with 13.76 strikeouts per nine innings and only 2.38 walks per nine frames. He had an excellent 2.26 FIP and was second in the National League in fWAR with 2.6.
Bauer made one less start than deGrom, but compiled a 5-4 record and an NL-leading 1.73 ERA. However, he benefited quite a bit from the luck factor (2.88 FIP and .215 BABIP) and if voters pick up on that, deGrom should earn some votes.
The Mets’ hurler also has a formidable foe in Darvish. The talented Cubs’ ace went 8-3 (which could convince some of the more traditional voters) and also had a better ERA (2.01) and fWAR (3.0, top of the league.)
To the contrary of what it happening in the American League, in which Shane Bieber has a clear advantage over the other two nominees, the National League will likely be a much closer race.
The winner will be announced on Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. Will the Mets have one reason to celebrate after a rather disappointing 2020?
This post was published on 2020-11-03 12:52
