Who was the most recent Cy Young Award winner? The Cy Young Award, which is given annually to the best pitcher in each league in Major League Baseball, has been a prestigious honor since its inception in 1956. The most recent winner, as of my last update, was Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, who claimed the honor in 2021. Ohtani’s exceptional performance on the mound and at the plate made him a standout candidate for the award.
Shohei Ohtani’s journey to becoming the Cy Young Award winner was a remarkable one. The Japanese pitcher/first baseman made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and quickly established himself as a two-way star. In 2021, Ohtani was unstoppable on both sides of the ball, leading the Angels to a surprising Wild Card spot in the American League.
On the pitching side, Ohtani compiled a 9-2 record with a 2.31 ERA, striking out 158 batters in 130 innings. His performance was highlighted by a perfect game against the Texas Rangers, which made him the first pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game and hit a home run in the same season. Ohtani’s ability to pitch at an elite level while also providing significant offensive contributions made him a standout candidate for the Cy Young Award.
The offensive side of Ohtani’s game was equally impressive. In 2021, he hit .326 with 28 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 111 runs scored. His combination of power and contact skills made him one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. Ohtani’s ability to excel in both pitching and hitting categories made him a rare and invaluable asset to the Angels.
The Cy Young Award is often a closely contested race, with many candidates vying for the top spot. In 2021, Ohtani’s exceptional season helped him edge out other top pitchers like Max Scherzer and Corbin Burnes. Scherzer, who won the award in 2013 and 2016, had another strong season with the Washington Nationals, posting a 15-4 record and a 2.47 ERA. Burnes, on the other hand, was dominant for the Milwaukee Brewers, going 12-3 with a 2.12 ERA.
Ohtani’s victory in the 2021 Cy Young Award marks the first time a player has won the award since it was split into the American and National Leagues in 1969. His performance was a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft. As the most recent Cy Young Award winner, Ohtani has set a high bar for future pitchers and has proven that he is one of the best players in the history of Major League Baseball.
