It’s always entertaining to watch Major League Baseball’s individual award competitions.
The races are intriguing and exciting, even in the early part of the season when there isn’t a clear favorite to win any prize.
The National League Cy Young Award race is already taking an intriguing turn.
A few pitchers were anticipated to take the lead in the Cy Young competition.
Right now, two pitchers that are in the middle of it are Zac Gallen and Spencer Strider.
There are a few pitchers on the list, though, that fans might not have anticipated.
MLB published a list of the top five National League Cy Young contenders on Twitter.
Some surprising contenders for NL Cy Young.
Do you agree with https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39‘s ranking? pic.twitter.com/gTEAgwVp9S
MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2023
Strider and Gallen occupy the first two positions.
Things start to become dicey in the bottom three positions.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Clayton Kershaw has earned three Cy Young Awards.
Over the past few years, he hasn’t exactly been the ace he once was.
The veteran left-hander’s season this year is different, though, as he is pitching like his old self once more.
Additionally, Mitch Keller has shown himself to be a reliable member of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting rotation.
Justin Steele, a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is ranked fifth.
In the Cubs’ rotation, the youthful left-hander has been a force, emerging as a surprise ace next to seasoned right-hander Marcus Stroman.
The competition for the NL Cy Young should still be exciting to watch even if a lot can change over the coming months.