MLB Awards Watch: Here comes Mike Trout (again)

July 26, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) congratulates center fielder Mike Trout (27) after hitting a grand slam home run in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 7

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) delivers in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Cy Young

Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox – Just give me the dominance. Sale doesn’t lead the AL in ERA, but his strikeout performance (11.53 K’s per 9 innings) has been something to see. It isn’t as if he’s been knocked around either (2.85 ERA) and with a minuscule walk rate (1.63), it is easy to see why Sale leads the AL in fWAR (4.4) among pitchers. Every fifth day, the White Sox have a very good chance to win, and that is all that Sale can control.
Dallas Keuchel, Houston Astros – Keuchel is probably the “favorite” to actually win the award right now. His ERA is still sparkling at 2.32 while leading the AL in wins (12) and innings (151) and the fact that the Astros came out of nowhere to hold a 55-45 record at the moment certainly aids in his cause. Keuchel isn’t nearly as dominant as Sale, with fewer than eight strikeouts per nine innings, but he’s been effective in his own right.
David Price, Detroit Tigers – Let’s just agree that it isn’t David Price’s fault in Detroit. The Tigers remain below .500 at 48-51, but their star left-hander continues to produce, posting a 2.31 ERA in 20 starts. His strikeouts are a bit down this season (8.61 K/9) but that is acceptable when you don’t walk anyone (1.74 BB/9), and Price remains an elite arm even if he is firmly on the trade market at the time of this post.

Next: NL MVP

Home/MLB