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?

Miles Mikolas, St. Louis Cardinals

Odds: 33/1

Outside of Jake Arrieta, Miles Mikolas has been the best free agent starter signed by any team this off-season. The St. Louis Cardinals showed great wisdom in signing Mikolas out of Japan to a two-year deal this winter, with the young right-hander putting up an fWAR of 1.5 that is tied for 10th in the NL, and ERA of 2.49 that is 8th-lowest and a FIP of 3.18 that is 11th-best.

Mikolas is not a strikeout pitcher, with a strikeout rate of 18.5% that is 38th out of 45 qualified NL starters. Mikolas' secret is his impeccable control and command, with a 2.8% walk rate that is the lowest in the league, resulting in an opponents' average against of .232 and a WHIP of 1.00. He's also a high ground-ball guy, with a grounder rate of 50.5% that is 12th-highest in the NL.

Mikolas probably isn't winning the Cy Young, but his inclusion is at least a recognition of the outstanding season he's having -- proof pitchers don't need to strike out everybody if they have superb control.

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