2020 Superlatives: Who will be the best pitcher?

For those of you who have been around these parts for a while, you’ll recognize these superlatives as something we’ve been doing for a few years now. For those of you who are new, it’s really not all that complicated. There are going to be six categories on which every staff member will make a pick as will readers with a poll on the bottom of this page. The categories are: Team MVP, Best Pitcher, Defensive Wizard, Biggest Surprise, Biggest Disappointment, and Unsung Hero. We’ll have votes on two a day before wrapping things up with the results on Friday. All polls will close at midnight on Friday.

Based on the state of the Red Sox’s current rotation and bullpen, it is highly unlikely that anyone on the roster will challenge for the Cy Young Award, even during this shortened 2020 season. However, it is also unlikely that not a single pitcher will stand out and have a good, if not exceptional, year. Even if everyone on the staff falls short of that, at least someone will have to be considered the best pitcher on the team.

In 2019, you could make an argument for a few different guys. Eduardo Rodriguez seemingly became the ace of the staff and nearly won 20 games. Brandon Workman was a revelation at closer and Matt Barnes quietly put together a very solid season. In addition, Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello were all on the roster, although they each struggled. However, none of those three will be contributing this year as Price was traded to the Dodgers, Porcello left in free agency and Sale is out for the year.

Therefore, the candidates this year will likely lean toward the bullpen, with Barnes and Workman both back and expected to play major roles once more. For someone from the rotation — which will be without Rodriguez for the time being — to rise above everyone else, we’ll have to see a major bounce-back from Nathan Eovaldi or surprising mid-career turnarounds/breakouts from the likes of Martin Perez, Ryan Weber or Brian Johnson.

I’ll have a bunch of options in the poll below, but if you think someone else should be there, do let me know in the comments.