Finding Betting Value in the Odds for the 2018 National League Cy Young Award
Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers
Odds: 33/1
The Milwaukee Brewers' Josh Hader is the only relief pitcher on this list, and if this was a down year for NL starters, then perhaps Hader would have a really strong case. But it's not, so his inclusion in this list by Vegas is more of a courtesy and a fun speculative bet, at best.
Nevertheless, Hader has been one of the most ridiculous pitchers in baseball this season.
Josh Hader has faced 123 batters this season. He's struck out 69 of them. (56.1%) #Brewers
— Diane Firstman (@dianagram) June 2, 2018
Among all NL pitchers in 2018, starters and relievers, his 69 strikeouts rank 15th. Every single pitcher ahead of him is a starter. For comparison, Nick Pivetta, a good starter, has 70 strikeouts in 62 innings, Hader has one fewer strikeout in 34.1 innings pitched. He's allowed 10 hits all season and has an ERA of 1.05.
Josh Hader's 3 Strikeouts today. All Fastballs. 9 pitches. Shoving. pic.twitter.com/3hLV3pY1tq
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 2, 2018
He's currently hands-down the best relief pitcher in baseball, but unfortunately for him, he's not much of a threat to win the Cy Young at the moment.
