Rosenthal: Why the NL Cy Young ballot was a trap, plus a potential sleeper in Ohtani’s free agency

As a National League Cy Young voter, my biggest challenge wasn’t choosing the top pitcher. Despite Blake Snell’s league-high walk rate and low innings, his 2.25 ERA was the best and the fewest runs he allowed in a century. I was OK with Snell, despite him throwing fewer innings than previous Cy Young winners. My struggle came when ranking Spencer Strider, who led in wins, but had a mediocre ERA.

In 2018, before Snell won his first Cy Young with the Rays, I stressed to value innings. Snell’s 180 innings were less than Webb’s and Gallen’s and fewer than Strider’s, but his dominance was undeniable.

The rest of the ballot was much trickier, I couldn’t get over Strider’s ERA. Since the Cy Young began, the winner with the highest ERA was LaMarr Hoyt with a 3.66 mark. To support his candidacy, Strider had to overcome his five poor starts where he allowed 30 earned runs, which doomed his chances.

Snell received 28 of 30 first-place votes with Webb and Gallen receiving another two. I found it difficult, as did others, as only Snell was named on every ballot. Changes in coaching staffs are common throughout the sport, and Holt at times struggled to communicate with his pitchers, according to major-league sources who spoke on condition of anonymity in exchange for their candor.

The Orioles’ goal is to provide different messaging to their younger pitchers as they mature. Whatever issues existed with Holt and Holmes, they did not show up in the team’s performance. The Orioles’ success stories last season included starters Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez, both of whom had sub-2.60 ERAs after the All-Star break, and relievers such as Yennier Cano and Danny Coulombe, both of whom joined the club in minor trades. Bradish finished fourth for the AL Cy Young award. The Yankees, seeking to add a center and left fielder, have engaged in multiple conversations with the Rays this offseason.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.