MLB power rankings: Ranking the Cy Young candidates without leagues
By Sam Peebles
4. player. 6. . SP. Philadelphia Phillies. Aaron Nola
Aaron Nola has been excellent for the Phillies this year. In fact, he leads all MLB pitchers in fWAR with 5.3. Unfortunately for him, in recent history, Cy Young voters lean heavily towards rate stats like ERA, WHIP, etc.
Of the 10 pitchers on this list Nola has pitched the second most innings, which has helped his accumulative stats like fWAR, strikeouts, etc. As mentioned earlier, he is first in fWAR. He is also tied for third in total strikeouts.
From a pure value standpoint he would be higher on the list, but because some of his rate stats like ERA (3.35) do not stack up with other players, it hurts his Cy Young chances. Although, it should be said that his FIP os much lower than his ERA at 2.77.
For what it is worth, it is not like his rate stats are bad. He has 8.33 K/BB ratio, which is best in league for starters. He also has the best walk rate in the league for walks at 1.2 walks per 9 innings
21. . SP. Tampa Bay Rays. Shane McClanahan. 3. player
Much like Gausman, McClanahan’s lack of innings has hurt his ranking. With only 24 starts and 147.1 innings, it has hurt ability to accumulate counting stats.
Even though he is 8th in MLB in fWAR, his rate stats have been some of the best in the league. He leads the league in hits allowed per 9 innings with 5.9, 3rd in ERA with 2.20 (164 ERA+), and tied for first in MLB in WHIP at 0.86.
If the votes were placed on rate stats alone, and not counting stats, then McClanahan would have a legitimate chance to win the Cy Young. But, some voters like strikeouts, and McClanahan is eighth in MLB.
McClanahan has some time to catch up to his competitors, but his lack of innings and counting stats in comparison to his peers, is why he is not higher on the list. Like stated earlier, some voters lean heavily on rate stats, so if he can keep up the same rate of production, he has a shot at winning the award.