The simple answer here is yes, as Strider’s currently leading the majors in strikeouts (227), wins (14), & FIP (2.87), while also claiming the 9th best ERA (3.57) in the game. He’s assumed the role of Braves ace in the absence of Max Fried, & he’s pitched well. ESPN’s Cy Young Predictor ranks him 2nd in terms of probability to win this award. Let’s take a look into where Strider’s performance ranks amongst award contenders.
Devin Williams, the Brewers closer, is the current frontrunner in the Cy Young race. Williams has a miniscule of 1.53 ERA with 7 wins and 29 saves on the season so far. He’s been unbelievable for the Brew Crew, but it’s rare that relievers win a Cy Young. Since its inception in 1956, only eight relievers have ever claimed a Cy Young Award. That’s why it’s hard for me to believe that a reliever will accomplish the feat in 2023.
Strider’s other competition consists of four relievers, a Braves teammate (Charlie Morton), and a handful of starters with whom his stats stack up quite well against. For example, his strikeout total of 227 bests Zac Gallen (168) by a wide margin (59), & he’s started more games (25) than both Justin Steele (22) & Clayton Kershaw (18). He’s tied with Steele for the MLB lead in wins (14), with Gallen (13) the runner-up. Spencer has the highest ERA (3.57) among qualifiers, but there’s time to get it right.
My belief is that the best pitcher in baseball playing for the best team in baseball deserves to win the NL’s coveted Cy Young Award, wouldn’t you agree with me? Strider just needs to keep on doing what he’s been doing, & he should win the honor.
The Sports Beacon 