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MLB Awards Watch: Mike Trout and Josh Donaldson battle for AL MVP

By Brad Rowland

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) leaps but can't reach a home run hit by Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (not pictured) in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) leaps but can't reach a home run hit by Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (not pictured) in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Cy Young

  1. Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers – Kershaw is just obscene. He leads the NL in innings (177), strikeout rate (11.29 K/9), FIP (2.12) and fWAR (6.2), and most of those advantages are by a significant margin. Yes, his teammate leads the league in ERA, but Kershaw’s overall package of dominance can’t be ignored, and since what was a “rocky” start for him, the league has been his playground.
  2. Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers – Greinke’s ERA (1.67) speaks for itself, but it is the only indication that places him ahead of Kershaw. For me, that doesn’t fully hold up over the long haul. The control (1.51 BB/9) is encouraging in keeping the ERA low, and it is nice to see Greinke dominating into late August, but I’ll take Kershaw’s upside each and every time.
  3. Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs – Remember when Jake Arrieta was an afterthought? Now, he’s an ace. Chicago may have a pitcher with a higher profile in Jon Lester, but Arrieta is the workhorse, posting a 2.30 ERA over 25 starts this season. He is a high-end strikeout pitcher (9.11 K/9) with strong control and durability, and Arrieta is a name that should be rising to the surface when discussing the best young arms in the game.

Next: AL Cy Young

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