MLB
Finding Betting Value in the Odds for the 2018 National League Cy Young Award
Max Scherzer is the clear favorite as of now, but which other players could push for the NL Cy Young?

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies

Odds: 12/1

Slowly but surely, Aaron Nola has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the National League. The Philadelphia Phillies' ace has been incredible in 2018, with the third-highest fWAR (2.4) in the league, behind Scherzer and deGrom.

He has pitched 78.1 innings and has a 2.18 ERA that is third-lowest in the NL and a 2.62 FIP that is fourth-lowest. His strikeout rate is a bit lower this season (24.9%) than last (26.6%), but he's decreased his walk rate from 7.1% to 6.1% and opponents are hitting a microscopic .198 against him, leading to a 0.93 WHIP.

The biggest difference for Nola this year is his ability to get out left-handed hitters. Lefties are batting just .240/.283/.238 against him this campaign, light years better than last year's .255/.325/.415 clip. That's all thanks to an improved changeup, a pitch he's thrown 22.7% of the time, by far a career high.


It is that pitch that has catapulted him into being one of the elite starters in the NL.

Prev Next

Related News

Where to Find Betting Value at the Quarter Pole of the MLB Season

John Stolnis  --  Jun 7th, 2018

Fantasy Baseball: Is It Time to Sell Clayton Kershaw?

John Stolnis  --  Jun 7th, 2018

Fantasy Baseball: How To Take Advantage of This Season's Offensive Decline

John Stolnis  --  Jun 7th, 2018