Every big league season there is a few surprise pitchers that make their run at the highly desired Cy Young award. This season is no different as a lot of “no name” players are shocking the baseball world. Below is a list of these players and how they have been fairing to this point in the season.
Hisashi Iwakuma, Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
Who would’ve thought that the best pitcher on the Mariners would not be named King Felix. Well, to this point in the season he has been dominating and looking better than the obvious favorite Felix Hernandez. Iwakuma is 6-1 with a 1.94 ERA and an impressive 79 strikeouts. His 1.94 ERA is the fourth lowest in all of baseball to this point in the season as well. His opponent batting average is also tied for fourth and is tied with the big name Clayton Kershaw and Chris Sale. The exciting thing about this pitcher is that he could be the number two in Seattle for a while. He is obviously a dark horse to win the Cy Young but if he keeps pitching like he has, you never know how the voters will fair. Keep an eye on this guy.
Mike Minor, Starting Pitcher, Atlanta Braves
Most people did not expect Minor to be the best pitcher on the Atlanta Braves squad but to this point in the season has done just that. He has eight wins on the year which is the second most in all of baseball. He only has two losses and a respectful ERA of 2.44. His strikeouts are not at a ridiculously high level as he only has 78 but he seems to be demanding his pitches very well. Trust me I would know because I have watched every single start Minor has made this year as I am a Braves fan. He had his ups and downs last year but is looking great this season. He is going to need to get his ERA down a bit but if he keeps this up could definitely be in the Cy talks come September.
Shelby Miller, Starting Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
The youngster is not necessarily a “dark horse” but is pitching amazing for how young he is and how little experience he has in the league. Matt Harvey will not be on this list as he has already made his name very well known but Miller is also pitching great but seems to not get the same national media attention as the big apple pitcher. His numbers to this point are as follows. A 7-3 record with a 1.91 ERA that is the second best in all of baseball for starting pitchers to this point. He also has 81 strikeouts which isn’t phenomenal but isn’t bad either. I haven’t seen this guy pitch a whole lot which is about to change very soon but from what I have read he is a stud.