Making a case for Craig Kimbrel for the Cy Young

Kimbrel has been dominant over the course of his career. But this may be his best year yet.

Craig Kimbrel with his signature arm hang as he peers in intensely for the sign.

In the winter of 2015, the Red Sox solidified the back end of their bullpen, acquiring Craig Kimbrel from the San Diego Padres for four prospects: Manuel Margot, Carlos Asauje, Logan Allen, and Javier Guerra.

Before heading to San Diego, Kimbrel posted a 1.43 ERA with the Atlanta Braves, a 1.52 FIP, and 186 saves. With the Pads, his ERA spiked up to 2.58 with a 2.68 FIP, with 39 saves. In Boston he has a 2.46 ERA, with a 2.11 FIP, and 55 saves. Over the course of his career, Kimbrel has racked up 280 career saves.

This year alone, Kimbrel has a 1.29 ERA with an insane 1.10 FIP. He is posting a 16.29 K/9, which translates to a 49.7 K%. Among American League relievers, Kimbrel leads in WAR at 2.3, and is second in strikeout rate, behind Dellin Betances, all according to Fangraphs. Kimbrel leads the major leagues in FIP at 1.10.

For comparison, Zach Britton last year was perceived as the best reliever in baseball. His FIP was 1.94, with only a 2.5 WAR. Kimbrel is on pace to shatter both of those marks. Taking a look at some of the other potential Cy Young candidates:

• Chris Sale: 6.1 WAR, 1.96 FIP, 12.74 K/9, .289 BABIP, 2.48 ERA.
• Corey Kluber: 3.9 WAR, 2.46 FIP, 12.38 K/9, .288 BABIP, 2.74 ERA.
• James Paxton. Yes, Paxton is a legit Cy Young candidate at this point in the season…just look: 3.6 WAR, 2.42 FIP, 10.39 K/9, .297 BABIP, 2.84 ERA.
• Craig Kimbrel: 2.3 WAR, 1.10 FIP, 16.29 K/9, .231 BABIP, 1.29 ERA.

After looking at the numbers, some things jump out at you. Kimbrel has all those guys beat in BABIP, Ks, FIP, AND ERA; even his own Red Sox teammate, Chris Sale, who is arguably having one of the best seasons ever. That is how dominant this guy has been.

You thought Kenley’s numbers were impressive? Kimbrel has him beat too. Craig Kimbrel is having one of the greatest seasons ever by a reliever, and we need to appreciate that and enjoy watching him dominate hitters some more.