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MLB Awards Watch: All-Star break edition

By Brad Rowland

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) high fives right fielder Bryce Harper (34) after defeating Baltimore Orioles 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) high fives right fielder Bryce Harper (34) after defeating Baltimore Orioles 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Cy Young

  1. Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox – Much like in the NL, the best pitcher in the AL does not lead the league in ERA. Sale has been borderline unhittable for the balance of the season, striking out 11.84 batters per 9 (best in MLB) while issuing only 1.73 walks per 9 innings. That has translated into an AL-leading 4.1 fWAR on the season, and the White Sox are a legitimate threat to beat anyone on the days when Sale takes the hill. Traditional pundits probably won’t lean in his direction at this point, but I’ll take Sale against the field.
  2. Sonny Gray, Oakland Athletics – It has been a brutally unlucky season for the A’s, who have been victimized with a 41-50 record despite a +44 run differential. Gray has been a constant bright spot, however, posting a 2.04 ERA in 18 starts with a 10-3 record. The win-loss mark doesn’t do anything for me, but voters will love it, and Gray has earned the reputation as one of the best young pitchers in baseball.
  3. Dallas Keuchel, Houston Astros – Keuchel leads the AL in innings (137.1) and wins (11), which basically makes him an old-school sportswriter’s dream. In fairness, he has been very good this season, with a 2.23 ERA, but there is some doubt as to whether the left-hander can keep up this level. Still, he is starting the All-Star game for a reason, and Keuchel has put together a tremendous first half that is worthy of praise.

Next: NL MVP

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