Finding Betting Value in the Odds for the 2018 National League Cy Young Award
Mike Foltynewicz, Atlanta Braves
Odds: 25/1
It appears as though Atlanta Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz is starting to put it all together. In his last start, he pitched a complete-game shutout against the Nationals, and he looked pretty spectacular in doing so.
Mike Foltynewicz is just the 3rd Braves player since 2000 to pitch a shutout while also striking out at least 10, joining Tim Hudson in 2008 and Greg Maddux in 2001. pic.twitter.com/vjUXUMKmCw
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 2, 2018
Foltynewicz has been shoving all season, with a 2.22 ERA that is fourth-best in the NL, and an fWAR of 1.6 that ranks ninth. His 10.43 strikeouts per nine ranks ninth in the NL, with a strikeout rate of 28.2% that sits eighth. His biggest improvement has been against left-handed hitters, who had a .375 wOBA against him last year. This season, that number is down to .298.
Mike Foltynewicz last 5 starts: 0.56 ERA, 32.0 IP, 17 Hits, 13 BB, 37 K, 0.938 WHIP #Braves
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) June 2, 2018
He doesn't have the name recognition of the players ahead of him on Vegas' boards just yet, but if he keeps this up, he will soon.
