Tony Gonsolin NL Cy Young odds: Dodger offers most value despite not being favored

Everyone knew Tony Gonsolin was eventually going to have a bad start this season. And yes, the 11-0 Gonsolin will probably suffer a loss at some point this season. But it won't happen in the first half. Gonsolin recorded a no-decision on Wednesday despite allowing a season-high five runs on seven hits. 

Prior to Wednesday's game against St. Louis, Gonsolin was an MLB best 11-0 in 16 starts and led the majors in WHIP (0.80), opponents' batting average (.157), BABIP (.183), H/9 (4.9), ERA (1.62) and ERA+ (256). Make no mistake about it, Gonsolin was the best pitcher in the National League prior to Wednesday. And guess what? Gonsolin still very well could be. Gonsolin still leads the majors in wins, opponents' batting average, BABIP and H/9. Luck? Maybe a little. But not enough to think Gonsolin isn't for real. 

Some will argue Gonsolin is bound for a subpar second-half due to his inexperience as a starter, high first-half workload or that he's overachieved so far this season. But that's pretty farfetched and definitely doesn't offer enough validity to bet against Gonsolin for the National League Cy Young award. 

Gonsolin is still a minimum of 12-1 on the Cy Young market. Are you kidding? That means $100 wins you $1,200. That's as good as it gets. Especially with how good Gonsolin has been.

Let me remind you Gonsolin led the majors in eight different categories prior to Wednesday. EIGHT. That's no fluke. Yet, Sandy Alcantara (-110), Corbin Burnes (5.5-1) and Joe Musgrove (11-1) were still favored ahead of Gonsolin. Take advantage. The odds are still great on Gonsolin. Not good, great.  

Gonsolin will need a minimum of 10 more starts to qualify for the NL Cy Young award, but that shouldn't be a problem. Sure, Los Angeles might push some of his starts back if they continue to run away with the NL West, but that's not going to happen for at least another six weeks. Which means injury aside, Gonsolin will meet the minimum number of starts without a problem. 

The stats clearly back up his success this season. The 28-year-old right-hander is generating soft contact, missing enough bats and walking few. All recipes for success. He might not have as good of "stuff" as Alcantara or Burnes, but the Cy Young isn't about who has the best stuff. It's about who's pitched the best. And up until Wednesday, Gonsolin was that guy. And more good news, most of his starts in the second half are in pitcher friendly stadiums against teams that aren't named the Yankees, Braves or Red Sox. Advantage Gonsolin.

Gonsolin has a legit shot to win 20 games, lead the majors in a couple of pitching categories and finish in the top five in several others. Those are Cy Young award-winning numbers. That's Tony Gonsolin... Maybe. 

The Play: Bet Tony Gonsolin for NL Cy Young