Dallas Keuchel as 2017 American League Cy Young Award winner
This one could happen.
Dallas Keuchel suffered a Cy Young Award hangover in 2016. The 29-year-old had just finished winning the prestigious award with the Houston Astros the previous season and struggled the year after. He lowered his K/9 ratio from 8.39 to 7.71 and with that came an increase in his walk rate. In 168 innings pitched last season he had a 4.55 ERA, which was almost double what he garnered previously.
It’s understandable he was unable to repeat a phenomenal season, but he was a completely different pitcher. He seems to have a better mentality this time around.
Despite a slight drop in velocity, his first two starts have resulted in positives.
He pitched seven innings in both outings and has faced 49 batters so far. He’s throwing a lot of ground balls and has only given up one home run.
His numbers are great, but it’s still a bit early to tell what will happen. All we know so far is this is the season he needs to prove himself. Even if he’s not good enough to win another Cy Young Award, he’s part of a team that still stands a chance at a strong postseason outing.