Making their case: NL Cy Young edition
With new rules that favored the hitter not only in the batter's box but also on the base paths, the 2023 season was tough on pitchers. But some were able to adjust to these changes on the fly and had dominant performances this season.
With the finalists for the 2023 National League Cy Young Award now set, let's take a look at each player's case for the award.
Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks, pitcher
2023 stats: 17-9. 3.47 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 220 SO in 210 innings pitched
Owner of a 28-inning scoreless streak this season, Gallen was the workhorse for the rotation in Arizona and played a major role in their run to the World Series.
While he did have rough stretches where he struggled that led toward his slightly inflated ERA, Gallen was able to make his first All-Star team and broke 200 strikeouts for the first time in his career.
With a promising young team in the desert, Gallen looks to be the leader of the rotation for years to come.
The 28-year-old's season was very respectable, but it might not be enough to overcome the performance of a fellow Cy Young finalist, and Gallen will likely be the runner-up in 2023.
Blake Snell, San Diego Padres, pitcher
2023 stats: 14-9, 2.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 234 SO in 180 innings pitched
Snell put together one of the wildest Cy Young-worthy seasons in MLB history in 2023, leading MLB in both ERA and H/9 but also in walks allowed.
Snell was lights out post-All-Star break, going 8-2 with a 1.54 ERA and striking out 102 hitters in 82 innings pitched.
Looking to win his second Cy Young Award, Snell would be just the seventh player in MLB history to win the award in both the AL and NL.
Set to become a free agent this offseason, Snell is likely going to command a big payday after shining for the Padres and proving he can stay healthy.
A virtual lock to win the Cy Young Award, Snell should be making history when the winner is announced on Wednesday.
Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants, pitcher
2023 stats: 11-13, 3.25 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 194 SO in 216 innings pitched
The MLB leader in innings pitched with 216, Webb continued to be the workhorse the Giants have desperately needed since 2021.
Ranking sixth in WHIP at 1.07, Webb rarely ever made the mistake that hurt himself and his 31 walks allowed were good enough for the third-fewest in the MLB.
While the case could be made that Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele was more deserving of the finalist nomination, Webb's availability is a huge key for him.
Webb will more than likely have to watch along with Gallen as Snell takes home the honors.
The NL Cy Young Award winner will be announced live on MLB Network at 6 p.m. ET on Nov. 15, 2023.
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