Cy Young 2014: Predictions and Analyzing Contenders for MLB Award

The MLB postseason is just two series away from the World Series, but the regular-season awards are still being debated.

One of the most coveted awards every season in both the National League and American League is the Cy Young Award. Though just one of the likely contenders on either side remains in the playoffs, some of the top names in the game are at the top of the list.

In the NL, Clayton Kershaw has the award tied up and is even tabbed as an MVP candidate. On the AL side, it's a much more controversial debate between Corey Kluber and Felix Hernandez after outstanding seasons.

Prior to the award being announced, let's take a look at the candidates and breakdown for the prestigious award.

AL Contenders

Prior to 2014, Kluber was far from a household name outside of Ohio. But with the season he put together for the Cleveland Indians, the right-hander did nearly everything necessary to win a Cy Young.

That staggering turnaround for Kluber saw him shine even more in the final three months of the season. From July through September, the Indians hurler went 11-3 with a 1.90 ERA and 142 strikeouts to enter his name in the chase.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona spoke about Kluber's chances of winning the award, per the Indians' official Twitter account:

Along with Kluber, a previous winner might be able to steal the award away.

Hernandez posted numbers that are great for even his standards, but he didn't have the same finish as his competitor. King Felix already won the award in 2010 after he led the AL in ERA. Ironically enough, he did the same in 2014 with a 2.14 mark.

Below is a full look at the breakdown of the two players' statistics during the regular season.

Pitcher	GS	Inn	Runs	K	BB	SO	Record	ERA	WHIP	BA
Felix Hernandez	34	236	56	248	46	0	15-6	2.14	0.915	.200
Corey Kluber	34	235.2	64	269	51	1	18-9	2.44	1.095	.233

Either way, the American League race is a much tighter one than the National League. Neither candidate ran away with the award, but it was Kluber who made a stronger case late in the season.

Despite never being named an All-Star or winning over 15 games prior to this year, Cleveland's ace has earned the right to put a Cy Young Award on his mantle.

Prediction: Corey Kluber wins his first AL Cy Young.

NL Contenders

Before getting to the obvious winner in the NL, let's take a look at the one pitcher who might potentially steal away a few votes—if any.

Adam Wainwright put together one of the best seasons of his career, winning 20 games for the second time. The St. Louis Cardinals ace also finished with a 2.38 ERA, also the best of his career—better than when he finished second in the Cy Young vote in 2010.

Much like Kershaw, Wainwright struggled in the first playoff series after a phenomenal close to the season, as ESPN Stats & Info notes:

Wainwright's team might have advanced to the National League Championship Series, but he likely won't get much love against Kershaw from Cy Young voters.

Already a two-time winner of the award, Kershaw is going for his third in the last four seasons. Even after missing time at the beginning of the season, he was able to tie his career high in wins (21), ERA (1.77) and nearly equaled his WAR from last year with 7.5 on the mound.

As for the historic implications of Kershaw's recent seasons, Ace of MLB Stats notes just how dominant he's been:

Due to the season Wainwright put together, his name deserves to be mentioned in any Cy Young talks. Unfortunately, he was overshadowed by Kershaw in nearly every category even in one of his best years.

Also considered an MVP candidate in the National League, there might be riots in the streets of L.A. if Kershaw doesn't win his third award. That's just how one-sided the race is this season.

Prediction: Kershaw unanimously wins the NL Cy Young.

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