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MLB 2016 Season: 5 Bold Predictions

By Parker Hurley

Apr 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) against the Philadelphia Phillies during opening day at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) against the Philadelphia Phillies during opening day at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Gerrit Cole will win the NL Cy Young

It shouldn’t feel like too bold of a call considering that he finished in fourth in the voting in 2015, but a quick scan of the 2016 odds and he ranks in a tie for ninth-best in the National League at 20/1 odds.

It seems odd that this would be the case for a former No. 1 overall pick that pitched 200 innings for the first time in his career at age 25, with a 2.60 ERA and peripherals to match. Cole has a career 3.07 ERA and has improved his walk rate every year. It seems like a no-brainer that as he is entering his prime at age 26 that you can get 200 innings out of him again with strikeout ability and control.

He isn’t getting the buzz because the Pirates as a team are not getting publicity. They were somewhat quiet this offseason while division rivals like the Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals were further established as contenders. The Pirates are still a team with a great pitching coach in Ray Searage, and a team that uses analytics and defensive shifting to help their pitchers.

Cole plays right to that style with his command, and if he can get better than last season, than what are we expecting? The Pirates don’t have a deep staff, but if they are contending this summer it is because Cole is putting in work, and is more than likely in discussion to start the All-Star Game. If the Pirates are in playoff contention, this year it will be Cole carrying the staff and getting recognition with a Cy Young.

Next: Mookie Betts will win AL MVP

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