Best Pitcher in the National League: A Closer Look at the Top Talent
The National League (NL) has always been home to some of the best pitchers in baseball history. From Cy Young Award winners to World Series MVPs, the NL has seen its fair share of remarkable talents on the mound. But when it comes to the best pitcher in the NL, there is always a fierce debate among fans and experts. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top talent in the NL and try to determine who deserves the title of the best pitcher in the league.
1. Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer has been a dominant force in the NL for several seasons now. The Washington Nationals ace has won the Cy Young Award twice, in 2013 and 2016, and has been a consistent Cy Young candidate throughout his career. With a career record of 202-108 and an ERA of 3.28, Scherzer has shown that he is among the elite pitchers in the league. His ability to dominate hitters and keep them guessing has made him a top choice for the best pitcher in the NL.
2. Yu Darvish
Yu Darvish has been a sensation in the NL since joining the Texas Rangers in 2012. The Japanese right-hander has been a Cy Young candidate multiple times and has a career record of 93-65 with an ERA of 3.48. Darvish’s unique blend of pitches, including a powerful splitter and a devastating curveball, has made him a nightmare for hitters. His ability to keep his team in games has earned him a spot on the list of the best pitchers in the NL.
3. Clayton Kershaw
Clayton Kershaw has been a staple in the NL for the past decade, and he has consistently been one of the best pitchers in the league. The Los Angeles Dodgers ace has won three Cy Young Awards and has been a World Series MVP. With a career record of 177-81 and an ERA of 2.66, Kershaw has shown that he is among the top talents in the NL. His pinpoint control and ability to dominate hitters at any point in the game have made him a fan favorite and a top contender for the best pitcher in the NL.
4. Stephen Strasburg
Stephen Strasburg has been a star pitcher since he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2009. The young talent has been a Cy Young candidate multiple times and has a career record of 88-48 with an ERA of 3.17. Strasburg’s overpowering fastball and his ability to pitch at a high level for a full season have made him one of the most exciting pitchers in the NL. As he continues to develop and refine his pitches, Strasburg has the potential to be named the best pitcher in the NL.
5. Jacob deGrom
Jacob deGrom has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the NL over the past few seasons. The New York Mets ace has won the Cy Young Award twice, in 2018 and 2019, and has a career record of 69-33 with an ERA of 2.98. deGrom’s combination of a powerful fastball, a slider, and a changeup has made him a nightmare for hitters. His ability to dominate games and lead his team to victory has earned him a spot on the list of the best pitchers in the NL.
Conclusion
Determining the best pitcher in the NL is no easy task, as there are several exceptional talents in the league. While Max Scherzer, Yu Darvish, Clayton Kershaw, Stephen Strasburg, and Jacob deGrom are among the top contenders, the title of the best pitcher in the NL is up for debate. As the season progresses, these pitchers will continue to showcase their skills and fight for the prestigious title. Only time will tell who will ultimately be crowned the best pitcher in the National League.
