Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers: 14-6, 2.12 ERA
The MLB leader in strikeouts (264), Kershaw has a legitimate chance to win his fourth Cy Young award. After a record-breaking 2014 season, which resulted in being named the NL CY Young winner and MVP, he has been nothing short of dominate in 2015.
To date, Kershaw has a 2.12 ERA (third in the MLB) and a 0.89 WHIP (second in the MLB). No doubt the lefty is proving he is worth his hefty $31 million per year salary, but is he worthy of winning his third Cy Young in a row?
Judging by statistics alone, the short answer would be no. But luckily for Kershaw, there is no strict voting criteria for Cy Young winners as voted by the Baseball Writers Association of America. One writer might value Kershaw’s impressive strikeouts more than he value’s an ERA or win total — it all depends.
But one thing is certain: With the game on the line in the playoffs, Kershaw is getting the ball, no doubt. He has proven his consistency and value in the playoffs, but his biggest competition for winning the Cy Young may come from his teammate, Zack Greinke.