MINNEAPOLIS — Pitcher Sonny Gray didn't get much support throughout the 2023 season, finishing with .500 record despite posting one of the league's lowest ERAs, but he's getting some support from baseball writer's across the nation.
On Monday, the Twins' ace was named as one of three finalists for this year's American League Cy Young, joining New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole and Kevin Gausman with the Toronto Blue Jays. The winner, which is voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, will be announced next week.
Gray, who joined the Twins in a trade last March with the Cincinnati Reds, finished with an impressive 2.79 ERA while striking out 183 batters in 184 innings. The 35-year-old righty finished the season with a WHIP of 1.15 and surrendered just eight home runs in the regular season.
The Twins reportedly extended a qualifying offer to Gray, but he doesn't need to make a decision until the Nov. 14 deadline.
Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is a finalist for the AL MVP award, along with teammates Corey Seager and Marcus Semien of the World Series champion Texas Rangers.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. headlines the remaining contenders for the National League prize, joined by Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
In the National League Cy Young race, it's Zac Gallen of the NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks, Blake Snell of the San Diego Padres and Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants.
For AL Rookie of the Year, it's down to Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee, Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas and Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson.
The remaining NL Rookie of the Year candidates are Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, Dodgers center fielder James Outman and New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga.
Still up for AL Manager of the Year are first-year Texas manager Bruce Bochy, Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash and Baltimore's Brandon Hyde.
Finalists in the National League include Milwaukee skipper Craig Counsell, who left his hometown team Monday to manage the rival Chicago Cubs, along with Skip Schumaker of the Miami Marlins and Brian Snitker of the Braves.
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