Atlanta Braves Predictions: CY Young
The Braves pitching staff in 2020 was held together by Max Fried, Ian Anderson, and prayer. Thankfully, it looks like the staff will be much improved in 2021 barring injury.
Here are our predictions for the Braves “CY Young.”
Andrew: Ian Anderson
Alan: Max Fried
Edgar: Charlie Morton
Josh: Mike Soroka
Sam: Max Fried
Jake: Charlie Morton
Steven: Charlie Morton
Seth: Max Fried
Matt: Ian Anderson
James: Max Fried
Kyle: Max Fried
Trent: Ian Anderson
Charlie Morton target practice 🎯 pic.twitter.com/koukTRf3vY
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 28, 2021
A tight race for the Braves CY Young award prediction. Max Fried wins with five votes, Charlie Morton and Ian Anderson pick up three votes each, and Mike Soroka picks up a single vote.
Max Fried gets the win from the staff here off the back of a strong 2020 season where he was the Ace of the Braves rotation. After a Cy Young-type performance in 2020, the staff predicts he takes the next step forward in 2021.
Charlie Morton gets some love for his veteran presence.
Here is what Edgar had to say about why he picked Morton, “We all know how good Charlie Morton can be and I believe that he will be the ace in this rotation. Not to say Fried or Anderson will be bad, but rather Morton will be leading the pack. A good arm to have for the playoffs!”
Morton does have the 13th highest WAR among starting pitchers over the last four seasons. If he continues at that pace, he could easily be the Braves Ace in 2021.
I personally was split between Max Fried and Ian Anderson but went with Anderson because I think he has the highest ceiling of any Braves pitcher. For those that know me, they know I am a huge Max Fried fan, so it was hard to pick against him. I think he has another great season, but Anderson might be able to take this rotation to another level.
Finally, Mike Soroka would have gotten more votes if we knew more about his status. Most of the staff said they would probably lean Soroka if he was fully healthy coming into the season.
With this many great pitching options, I think the Braves are in for a great season from their starting rotation. It can only improve from last year.
Now, it is time for some bold predictions.