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Ranking Top 10 Early NL Cy Young Candidates Heading Into 2015 MLB Season

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By @nick_villano

10 NL Cy Young Candidates

Clayton Kershaw
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Clayton Kershaw is not only the reigning Cy Young award winning pitcher, but he is also the National League MVP. Some may say that he should be given the award year in and year out. That will drive every other great NL pitcher crazy, as there are a ton of pitchers who believe they are capable of winning the Cy Young. Here are the top 10 candidates for the 2015 season.

10. Cole Hamels

Hamels
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10. Cole Hamels

Hamels
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This one is a long shot of course, but Cole Hamels is really good at throwing a baseball. The problem is he plays for the anemic Philadelphia Phillies. He will most likely get traded before the deadline, and if he does, let's hope it is to a National League team so he is eligible for this award.

9. Gerrit Cole

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9. Gerrit Cole

Cole
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have been winning the NL Wild Card based on Andrew McCutchen and great starting pitching. Gerrit Cole became one of those contributing pitchers last season, and he is only going to get better as the years go on. If he can stay on the field for a full season, then he will be in the conversation for the Cy Young.

8. Stephen Strasburg

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8. Stephen Strasburg

Strasburg
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Every year that Stephen Strasburg is healthy, he is amazing and in the Cy Young conversation. The only issue is the other names on his team doing better than him. There is a chance that any of the five starters in Washington could be the best pitcher in the upcoming season.

7. Michael Wacha

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7. Michael Wacha

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Michael Wacha had a ton of hype going into 2014, but he didn't seem to live up to it. He needs to make a comeback from the terrible season he had, and he could do it to the point that it puts him in the Cy Young conversation.

6. Matt Harvey

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6. Matt Harvey

Harvey
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Matt Harvey is making his triumphant return for the New York Mets this season. Since fans in the biggest media market have been waiting for his comeback, there will be a ton of media attention on him. If his 2015 season can live up to the hype, he will definitely be a Cy Young candidate.

5. Mat Latos

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5. Mat Latos

Latos
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Mat Latos is the dark horse candidate on this list. While his credentials have never had him in serious Cy Young conversations before, this year will be different. The missing Jose Fernandez will be a top of conversation all season long. If he can keep the ship afloat while he is gone, then he will get deserved attention for the award.

4. Jon Lester

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4. Jon Lester

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Jon Lester was the most high-profile pitcher to move this offseason. That is saying something with the utter array of talent that went from team to team. He will be looked upon to save the flailing franchise that is the Chicago Cubs. If he can, he might be one of the favorites to win the award.

3. Max Scherzer

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3. Max Scherzer

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Max Scherzer was the other high-profile free agent to move this offseason. The Detroit Tigers watched as he moved to the other league, and if he was as dominant as he was in the American League, imagine what he will do facing a pitcher once every nine batters.

2. Madison Bumgarner

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2. Madison Bumgarner

Bumgarner
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Madison Bumgarner is a playoff hero. He did more as a starting pitcher than anyone for his team in one postseason in recent memory. If he can do that in the regular season, then he will win the Cy Young.

1. Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw
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1. Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw
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C'mon, who else would be No. 1? Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher in baseball. He is who you should pick when putting in your bets for the NL Cy Young.

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