The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year Award

Annual baseball award to recognize the best pitchers From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Sporting News established the Pitcher of the Year Award in 1944 to recognize the most outstanding pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB).[1][2] It was given annually (except in 1946 and 1947) to one pitcher each in the American League and National League. In 2013, the Pitcher of the Year Award was split into the Starting Pitcher of the Year Award and Relief Pitcher of the Year Award, which are given annually to a starting pitcher and relief pitchers in each league, as judged by The Sporting News baseball experts.[3]

SportBaseball
LeagueMajor League Baseball
Awarded forMost outstanding starting and relief pitcher in the American League and National League
CountryUnited States, Canada
Quick facts Sport, League ...
Starting and Relief Pitchers of the Year awards
SportBaseball
LeagueMajor League Baseball
Awarded forMost outstanding starting and relief pitcher in the American League and National League
CountryUnited States, Canada
Presented byThe Sporting News
History
First award
Most recent
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History

By the Second World War, The Sporting News, had been giving Player of the Year and Manager of the Year awards since 1936, and an annual Most Valuable Player Award since 1929.[2][4] In 1944, The Sporting News inaugurated its Pitcher of the Year Award, which has been given each year since to the most outstanding pitcher in each league, with a brief hiatus from 1946 to 1947.[2] Beginning in 2013, Sporting News issues two awards per league—one to the most outstanding starting pitcher, and one to the most outstanding reliever.[5][6][7][8]

This award was established before there was a Cy Young Award, MLB's official honor for the best pitcher in each league.[1][2] The Cy Young Award is voted by baseball writers from each city, and critics claim that the writers who follow a particular team or player throughout a season are naturally inclined to vote for him.[9]

Three knuckleball pitchers have won the award: Joe Niekro, Wilbur Wood and R. A. Dickey.[1][2]

Award firsts

More information Accomplishment, American League ...
Accomplishment American League National League Ref.
Player Age Year Player Age Year
First winner Hal Newhouser †231944 Bill Voiselle251944 [10][11][12][13]
First two-time winner Hal Newhouser †241945 Robin Roberts291955 [10][11][14][15]
First three-time winner Bob Lemon †341954 Warren Spahn †371958 [16][17][18][19]
First four-time winner Roger Clemens361998 Warren Spahn †401961 [20][21][18][19]
First five-time winner Roger Clemens392001   [20][21]
First to win two consecutive Hal Newhouser †241945 Warren Spahn †371958 [10][11][18][19]
First to win three consecutive   Sandy Koufax †291965 [22][23]
First to win four consecutive   Sandy Koufax †301966 [22][23]
First to win in both leagues Vida Blue221971 Vida Blue291978 [24][25]
Youngest winner Vida Blue221971 Dwight Gooden201985 [24][25][26][27]
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In 1946, Hal Newhouser (W-L: 26–9, ERA: 1.94, Ks: 275) could have narrowly won the award or tied with Bob Feller (W-L: 26–15, ERA: 2.18, Ks: 348) based upon his statistics.[10][11][28][29][30][31] It would have been Newhouser's third consecutive win, a feat not yet accomplished by an American League pitcher; however, Sporting News did not issue the award in 1946 or 1947.

In 1981, Fernando Valenzuela won three The Sporting News awards: Pitcher of the Year, Rookie Pitcher of the Year, and Player of the Year.[32][33]

Winners

Key

More information Italics ...
* Also named SN Player of the Year
** Also named SN Rookie Pitcher of the year
† Member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
§ Major League Pitching Triple Crown[34] – Led Majors in Wins, Strikeouts and ERA.
‡ Indicates player won the Warren Spahn Award that season.[35][36][37][38][39][40]
Player is active
Italics Indicates player led the National or American League in Wins, Strikeouts, ERA or Saves.
Italics Indicates player led the Major League in Wins, Strikeouts, ERA or Saves.
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American League

Listed below in reverse chronological order are the American League pitchers chosen by Sporting News as recipients of the Pitcher of the Year Award.[1][2]

American League starting pitchers

Three time winner Verlander.
More information Year, Pitcher ...
Year Pitcher Team Record ERA K References
2025 Tarik Skubal (2) Detroit Tigers 13–6 2.21 241 [41][42][43]
2024 Tarik Skubal (1) Detroit Tigers 18–4 2.39 228 [41][42][44]
2023 Gerrit Cole (3) New York Yankees 15–4 2.63 222 [45][46][47]
2022 Justin Verlander (3) Houston Astros
 18-4 1.75 185 [48][49][50]
2021 Gerrit Cole (2) New York Yankees 16–8 3.23 243 [45][46][51]
2020 Shane Bieber Cleveland Indians 8–1 1.63 122 [52][53][54]
2019 Gerrit Cole (1) Houston Astros 20–5 2.50 326 [45][46][55]
2018 Chris Sale (2) Boston Red Sox 12–4 2.11 237 [56][57][58]
2017 Chris Sale (1) Boston Red Sox 17–8 2.90 308 [56][57][59]
2016 Corey Kluber Cleveland Indians 18–9 3.14 227 [60][61][62]
2015 Dallas Keuchel ‡ Houston Astros 20–8 2.48 216 [63][64][65]
2014 Félix Hernández (2) Seattle Mariners 15–6 2.14 248 [66][67][68]
2013 Max Scherzer (1) Detroit Tigers 21–3 2.90 240 [5][69][70]
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American League relief pitchers

Two-time winner Betances.
More information Year, Pitchers ...
Year Pitchers Team Record ERA Saves References
2025 Aroldis Chapman Boston Red Sox 5–3 1,17 32 [71][72][43]
2024 Emmanuel Clase Cleveland Guardians 4–2 0.61 47 [73][74][44]
2023 Félix Bautista Baltimore Orioles 8–2 1.48 33 [75][76][47]
2022 Emmanuel Clase Cleveland Guardians 3–4 1.36 42 [73][74][50]
2021 Liam Hendriks (3) Chicago White Sox 8–1 2.54 38 [77][78][51]
2020 Liam Hendriks (2) Oakland Athletics 3–1 1.78 14 [77][78][54]
2019 Liam Hendriks (1) Oakland Athletics 4–4 1.80 25 [77][78][55]
2018 Edwin Díaz (1) Seattle Mariners 0–4 1.96 57 [79][80][58]
2017 Craig Kimbrel (3) Boston Red Sox 5–0 1.43 35 [81][82][59]
2016 Zach Britton Baltimore Orioles 2–1 0.54 47 [83][84][85]
2015 Dellin Betances (2) New York Yankees 6–4 1.50 9 [86][87][88]
2014 Dellin Betances (1) New York Yankees 5–0 1.40 1 [86][87][89]
2013 Greg Holland Kansas City Royals 2–1 1.21 47 [6][90][91]
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American League pitchers

Bartolo Colón, 2005 winner, was the MLB leader in BB per 9 IP (1.11) in 2015, while pitching for the Mets.
Johan Santana, two-time winner, was the MLB ERA champ in 2008, while pitching for the Mets.
Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez, three-time winner, reached 3,000 strikeouts while pitching for the Mets.
Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, 1977 winner, won his only World Series pitching for the Mets.
Bob Porterfield, 1953 winner.
Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser, the first and youngest player to win 2 consecutive Pitcher of the Year Awards.
More information Year, Pitcher ...
Year Pitcher Team Record ERA K References
2012 Justin Verlander (2) Detroit Tigers
 17–8 2.64 239 [48][49]
David Price Tampa Bay Rays 20–5 2.56 205 [92][93]
2011 Justin Verlander* (1) Detroit Tigers 24–5 2.40 250 [48][49]
2010 Félix Hernández (1) Seattle Mariners 13–12 2.27 232 [66][67]
2009 Zack Greinke (1) Kansas City Royals 16–8 2.16 242 [94][95]
2008 Cliff Lee Cleveland Indians 22–3 2.54 170 [96][97]
2007 CC Sabathia † Cleveland Indians 19–7 3.21 209 [39][40]
2006 Johan Santana §‡(2) Minnesota Twins 19–6 2.77 245 [37][38]
2005 Bartolo Colón Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 21–8 3.48 157 [98][99]
2004 Johan Santana ‡(1) Minnesota Twins 20–6 2.61 265 [37][38]
2003 Roy Halladay † (1) Toronto Blue Jays 22–7 3.25 204 [100][101]
2002 Barry Zito Oakland Athletics 23–5 2.75 182 [102][103]
2001 Roger Clemens (5) New York Yankees 20–3 3.51 213 [20][21]
2000 Pedro Martínez † (3) Boston Red Sox 18–6 1.74 284 [104][105]
1999 Pedro Martínez † (2) Boston Red Sox 23–4 2.07 313 [104][105]
1998 Roger Clemens (4) Toronto Blue Jays 20–6 2.65 271 [20][21]
1997 Roger Clemens (3) Toronto Blue Jays 21–7 2.05 292 [20][21]
1996 Pat Hentgen Toronto Blue Jays 20–10 3.22 177 [106][107]
1995 Randy Johnson † Seattle Mariners 18–2 2.48 294 [108][109]
1994 Jimmy Key (2) New York Yankees 17–4 2.48 177 [110][111]
1993 Jack McDowell Chicago White Sox 22–10 3.37 158 [112][113]
1992 Dennis Eckersley † Oakland Athletics 7–1 1.91 93 [114][115]
1991 Roger Clemens (2) Boston Red Sox 18–10 2.62 241 [20][21]
1990 Bob Welch Oakland Athletics 27–6 2.95 127 [116][117]
1989 Bret Saberhagen (2) Kansas City Royals 23–6 2.16 193 [118][119]
1988 Frank Viola Minnesota Twins 24–7 2.64 193 [120][121]
1987 Jimmy Key (1) Toronto Blue Jays 17–8 2.76 161 [110][111]
1986 Roger Clemens* (1) Boston Red Sox 24–4 2.48 238 [20][21]
1985 Bret Saberhagen (1) Kansas City Royals 20–6 2.87 143 [118][119]
1984 Willie Hernández Detroit Tigers 9–3 1.92 112 [122][123]
1983 LaMarr Hoyt Chicago White Sox 24–10 3.66 148 [124][125]
1982 Dave Stieb Toronto Blue Jays 17–14 3.25 138 [126][127]
1981 Jack Morris † Detroit Tigers 14–7 3.05 97 [128][129]
1980 Steve Stone Baltimore Orioles 25–7 3.23 149 [130][131]
1979 Mike Flanagan Baltimore Orioles 23–9 3.08 190 [132][133]
1978 Ron Guidry* New York Yankees 25–3 1.74 248 [134][135]
1977 Nolan Ryan † California Angels 19–16 2.77 341 [136][137]
1976 Jim Palmer †(3) Baltimore Orioles 22–13 2.51 159 [138][139]
1975 Jim Palmer † (2) Baltimore Orioles 23–11 2.09 193 [138][139]
1974 Catfish Hunter † Oakland Athletics 25–12 2.49 143 [140][141]
1973 Jim Palmer †(1) Baltimore Orioles 22–9 2.40 158 [138][139]
1972 Wilbur Wood Chicago White Sox 24–17 2.51 193 [142][143]
1971 Vida Blue (1) Oakland Athletics 24–8 1.82 301 [24][25]
1970 Sam McDowell Cleveland Indians 20–12 2.92 304 [144][145]
1969 Denny McLain (2) Detroit Tigers 24–9 2.80 181 [146][147]
1968 Denny McLain* (1) Detroit Tigers 31–6 1.96 280 [146][147]
1967 Jim Lonborg Boston Red Sox 22–9 3.16 246 [148][149]
1966 Jim Kaat Minnesota Twins 25–13 2.75 205 [150][151]
1965 Mudcat Grant Minnesota Twins 21–7 3.30 142 [152][153]
1964 Dean Chance Los Angeles Angels 20–9 1.65 207 [154][155]
1963 Whitey Ford †(3) New York Yankees 24–7 2.74 189 [156][157]
1962 Dick Donovan Cleveland Indians 20–10 3.59 94 [158][159]
1961 Whitey Ford †(2) New York Yankees 25–4 3.21 209 [156][157]
1960 Chuck Estrada Baltimore Orioles 18–11 3.58 144 [160][161]
1959 Early Wynn* † Chicago White Sox 22–10 3.17 179 [162][163]
1958 Bob Turley* New York Yankees 21–7 2.97 168 [164][165]
1957 Billy Pierce (2) Chicago White Sox 20–12 3.26 171 [166][167]
1956 Billy Pierce (1) Chicago White Sox 20–9 3.32 192 [166][167]
1955 Whitey Ford †(1) New York Yankees 18–7 2.63 137 [156][157]
1954 Bob Lemon †(3) Cleveland Indians 23–7 2.72 110 [16][17]
1953 Bob Porterfield Washington Senators 22–10 3.35 77 [168][169]
1952 Bobby Shantz Philadelphia Athletics 24–7 2.48 152 [170][171]
1951 Bob Feller † Cleveland Indians 22–8 3.50 111 [29][30]
1950 Bob Lemon †(2) Cleveland Indians 23–11 3.84 170 [16][17]
1949 Ellis Kinder Boston Red Sox 23–6 3.36 138 [172][173]
1948 Bob Lemon †(1) Cleveland Indians 20–14 2.82 147 [16][17]
1945 Hal Newhouser* †§(2) Detroit Tigers 25–9 1.81 212 [10][11]
1944 Hal Newhouser †(1) Detroit Tigers 29–9 2.22 187 [10][11]
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National League

Listed below in reverse chronological order are the National League pitchers chosen by Sporting News as recipients of the Pitcher of the Year Award.[1][2]

National League starting pitchers

Three (3) time winner, Jacob deGrom, pitching with the Mets. Jacob led MLB with a 1.70 ERA in 2018
More information Year, Pitchers ...
Year Pitchers Team Record ERA K References
2025 Paul Skenes Pittsburgh Pirates 10–10 1.97 216 [174][175][43]
2024 Chris Sale (3) Atlanta Braves 18–3 2.38 225 [56][57][44]
2023 Blake Snell ‡ San Diego Padres 14–9 2.25 234 [176][177][178]
2022 Sandy Alcántara Miami Marlins 14–9 2.28 207 [179][180][181]
2021 Max Scherzer (4) Washington Nationals/Los Angeles Dodgers 15–4 2.46 236 [69][70][51]
2020 Jacob deGrom (3) New York Mets 4–2 2.38 104 [182][183][184]
2019 Jacob deGrom (2) New York Mets 11–8 2.43 255 [182][183][185]
2018 Jacob deGrom (1) New York Mets 10–9 1.70 269 [182][183][186]
2017 Max Scherzer (3) Washington Nationals 16–6 2.51 268 [69][70][59]
2016 Max Scherzer (2) Washington Nationals 20–7 2.96 284 [69][70][187]
2015 Zack Greinke (2) Los Angeles Dodgers 19–3 1.66 200 [94][95][188]
2014 Clayton Kershaw* ‡ (3) Los Angeles Dodgers 21–3 1.77 239 [35][36][178][189]
2013 Clayton Kershaw ‡ (2) Los Angeles Dodgers 16–9 1.83 232 [7][35][36]
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National League relief pitchers

Edwin Diaz, Two (2) time winner, had a 1.31 ERA and averaged almost 2 strikeouts per inning in 2022.
More information Year, Pitchers ...
Year Pitchers Team Record ERA Saves References
2025 Edwin Díaz (3) New York Mets 6–3 1.63 28 [79][80][43]
2024 Ryan Helsley St. Louis Cardinals 7–4 2.04 49 [190][191][44]
Raisel Iglesias Atlanta Braves 6–2 1.95 34 [192][193][44]
2023 Devin Williams (2) Milwaukee Brewers 8–3 1.56 36 [194][195][47]
2022 Edwin Díaz (2) New York Mets 3–1 1.31 32 [79][80][179]
2021 Josh Hader (2) Milwaukee Brewers 4–2 1.23 34 [196][197][51]
2020 Devin Williams (1) Milwaukee Brewers 4–1 0.33 0 [194][195][184]
2019 Kirby Yates San Diego Padres 0–5 1.19 41 [198][199][185]
2018 Josh Hader (1) Milwaukee Brewers 6–1 2.43 12 [196][197][186]
2017 Kenley Jansen (2) Los Angeles Dodgers 5–0 1.32 41 [59][200][201]
2016 Kenley Jansen (1) Los Angeles Dodgers 3–2 2.20 47 [202][200][201]
2015 Mark Melancon Pittsburgh Pirates 3–2 2.23 51 [203][204][205]
2014 Craig Kimbrel (2) Atlanta Braves 0–3 1.61 47 [178][81][82][206]
2013 Craig Kimbrel (1) Atlanta Braves 4–3 1.21 50 [8][81][82]
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National League pitchers

R. A. Dickey, 2012 NL winner and last knuckleballer to win award, pitching for the Mets.
Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, two-time NL winner, won his 300th game while pitching for the Mets.
Dwight Gooden, 1985 NL winner and youngest player to win Pitcher of the Year Award, pitching for the Mets.
Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, two-time NL winner at Shea Stadium, 1974. Tom is one of two players to have 300 wins, 3,000Ks and a sub 3.00 career ERA.
More information Year, National League Pitchers ...
Year National League Pitchers Team Record ERA K References
2012 R. A. Dickey New York Mets 20–6 2.73 230 [207][208]
2011 Clayton Kershaw ‡(1) Los Angeles Dodgers 21–5 2.28 248 [35][36]
2010 Roy Halladay † (2) Philadelphia Phillies 21–10 2.44 219 [100][101]
2009 Tim Lincecum (2) San Francisco Giants 15–7 2.48 261 [209][210]
2008 Tim Lincecum (1) San Francisco Giants 18–5 2.62 265 [209][210]
2007 Jake Peavy San Diego Padres 19–6 2.54 240 [211][212]
2006 Chris Carpenter (2) St. Louis Cardinals 15–8 3.09 184 [213][214]
2005 Chris Carpenter (1) St. Louis Cardinals 21–5 2.83 213 [213][214]
2004 Jason Schmidt San Francisco Giants 18–7 3.49 206 [215][216]
2003 Éric Gagné Los Angeles Dodgers 2–3 1.20 137 [217][218]
2002 Curt Schilling (2) Arizona Diamondbacks 23–7 3.23 316 [219][220]
2001 Curt Schilling (1) Arizona Diamondbacks 22–6 2.98 293 [219][220]
2000 Tom Glavine †(2) Atlanta Braves 21–9 3.40 152 [221][222]
1999 Mike Hampton Houston Astros 22–4 2.90 177 [223][224]
1998 Kevin Brown San Diego Padres 18–7 2.38 257 [225][226]
1997 Pedro Martínez † (1) Montreal Expos 17–8 1.90 305 [104][105]
1996 John Smoltz † Atlanta Braves 24–8 2.94 276 [227][228]
1995 Greg Maddux †(4) Atlanta Braves 19–2 1.63 181 [229][230]
1994 Greg Maddux †(3) Atlanta Braves 16–6 1.56 156 [229][230]
1993 Greg Maddux †(2) Atlanta Braves 20–10 2.36 197 [229][230]
1992 Greg Maddux †(1) Chicago Cubs 20–11 2.18 199 [229][230]
1991 Tom Glavine †(1) Atlanta Braves 20–11 2.55 192 [221][222]
1990 Doug Drabek Pittsburgh Pirates 22–6 2.76 131 [231][232]
1989 Mark Davis San Diego Padres 4–3 1.85 92 [233][234]
1988 Orel Hershiser* Los Angeles Dodgers 23–8 2.26 213 [235][236]
1987 Rick Sutcliffe (2) Chicago Cubs 18–10 3.68 174 [237][238]
1986 Mike Scott Houston Astros 18–10 2.22 306 [239][240]
1985 Dwight Gooden § New York Mets 24–4 1.53 268 [26][27]
1984 Rick Sutcliffe a (1) Chicago Cubs 16–1 2.69 155 [237][238]
1983 John Denny Philadelphia Phillies 19–6 2.37 139 [241][242]
1982 Steve Carlton †(4) Philadelphia Phillies 23–11 3.10 286 [243][244]
1981 Fernando Valenzuela* ** Los Angeles Dodgers 13–7 2.48 180 [32][33]
1980 Steve Carlton †(3) Philadelphia Phillies 24–9 2.34 286 [243][244]
1979 Joe Niekro Houston Astros 21–11 3.00 119 [245][246]
1978 Vida Blue (2) San Francisco Giants 18–10 2.79 171 [24][25]
1977 Steve Carlton †(2) Philadelphia Phillies 23–10 2.64 198 [243][244]
1976 Randy Jones San Diego Padres 22–14 2.74 93 [247][248]
1975 Tom Seaver † (2) New York Mets 22–9 2.38 243 [249][250]
1974 Mike Marshall Los Angeles Dodgers 15–12 2.42 143 [251][252]
1973 Ron Bryant San Francisco Giants 24–12 3.53 143 [253][254]
1972 Steve Carlton †(1) Philadelphia Phillies 27–10 1.97 310 [243][244]
1971 Ferguson Jenkins † Chicago Cubs 24–13 2.77 263 [255][256]
1970 Bob Gibson †(2) St. Louis Cardinals 23–7 3.12 274 [257][258]
1969 Tom Seaver †(1) New York Mets 25–7 2.21 208 [249][250]
1968 Bob Gibson †(1) St. Louis Cardinals 22–9 1.12 268 [257][258]
1967 Mike McCormick San Francisco Giants 22–10 2.85 150 [259][260]
1966 Sandy Koufax †§(4) Los Angeles Dodgers 27–9 1.73 317 [22][23]
1965 Sandy Koufax* †§ (3) Los Angeles Dodgers 26–8 2.04 382 [22][23]
1964 Sandy Koufax †(2) Los Angeles Dodgers 19–5 1.74 223 [22][23]
1963 Sandy Koufax* †§(1) Los Angeles Dodgers 25–5 1.88 306 [22][23]
1962 Don Drysdale* † Los Angeles Dodgers 25–9 2.83 232 [261][262]
1961 Warren Spahn †(4) Milwaukee Braves 21–13 3.02 115 [18][19]
1960 Vern Law Pittsburgh Pirates 20–9 3.08 120 [263][264]
1959 Sam Jones San Francisco Giants 21–15 2.83 209 [265][266]
1958 Warren Spahn †(3) Milwaukee Braves 22–11 3.07 150 [18][19]
1957 Warren Spahn †(2) Milwaukee Braves 21–11 2.69 111 [18][19]
1956 Don Newcombe Brooklyn Dodgers 27–7 3.06 139 [267][268]
1955 Robin Roberts †(2) Philadelphia Phillies 23–14 3.28 160 [14][15]
1954 Johnny Antonelli New York Giants 21–7 2.30 152 [269][270]
1953 Warren Spahn †(1) Milwaukee Braves 23–7 2.10 148 [18][19]
1952 Robin Roberts* †(1) Philadelphia Phillies 28–7 2.59 148 [14][15]
1951 Preacher Roe Brooklyn Dodgers 22–3 2.93 146 [271][272]
1950 Jim Konstanty Philadelphia Phillies 16–7 2.66 56 [273][274]
1949 Howie Pollet St. Louis Cardinals 20–9 2.77 108 [275][276]
1948 Johnny Sain Boston Braves 24–15 2.60 137 [277][278]
1945 Hank Borowy Chicago Cubs 11–2 2.12 47 [279][280]
1944 Bill Voiselle New York Giants 21–16 3.02 161 [12][13]
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Players

Multiple wins

Four (4) time winner Max Scherzer with the Mets in 2023. Scherzer led MLB with a 0.864 WHIP in 2021

Several players have won the Pitcher of the Year Award more than once:[1][2]

  • Bob Lemon was the first player to win the award 3 times.
  • Warren Spahn was the first to win the award 4 times and won his last award at the age of 40.
  • Roger Clemens was the first to win the award 5 times.
  • Sandy Koufax (1963–1966) and Greg Maddux (1992–1995) won the award 4 consecutive years.
  • Pedro Martínez, Roy Halladay, Vida Blue, Zack Greinke, and Edwin Díaz won the award in the National League and American League.
  • Max Scherzer won the award 4 times, once in AL and three times in NL.
More information Rank, Pitcher ...
Rank Pitcher # of Awards Years
1 Roger Clemens 5 1986, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001
2 Steve Carlton † 4 1972, 1977, 1980, 1982
Sandy Koufax † 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966
Greg Maddux † 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Warren Spahn † 1953, 1957, 1958, 1961
Max Scherzer 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021
7 Whitey Ford † 3 1955, 1961, 1963
Bob Lemon † 1948, 1950, 1954
Pedro Martínez † 1997, 1999, 2000
Jim Palmer † 1973, 1975, 1976
Gerrit Cole 2019, 2021, 2023
Jacob deGrom 2018, 2019, 2020
Edwin Díaz 2019, 2022, 2025
Liam Hendriks 2019, 2020, 2021
Clayton Kershaw 2011, 2013, 2014
Craig Kimbrel 2013, 2014, 2017
Chris Sale 2017, 2018, 2024
Justin Verlander 2011, 2012, 2022
19 Bob Gibson † 2 1968, 1970
Tom Glavine † 1991, 2000
Roy Halladay † 2003, 2010
Hal Newhouser † 1944, 1945
Robin Roberts † 1952, 1953
Tom Seaver † 1969, 1975
Vida Blue 1971, 1978
Chris Carpenter 2005, 2006
Zack Greinke 2009, 2015
Jimmy Key 1987, 1994
Denny McLain 1968, 1969
Billy Pierce 1956, 1957
Bret Saberhagen 1985, 1989
Johan Santana 2004, 2006
Curt Schilling 2001, 2002
Rick Sutcliffe 1984, 1987
Tim Lincecum 2008, 2009
Dellin Betances 2014, 2015
Josh Hader 2018, 2021
Félix Hernández 2010, 2014
Kenley Jansen 2016, 2017
Tarik Skubal 2024, 2025
Devin Williams 2019, 2023
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MLB Triple Crown

Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, 4-time consecutive NL winner (1963-1966), only pitcher to have won three Major League pitching Triple Crowns (1963, 1965–1966)
Dwight Gooden 1985 Major League Triple Crown winner with an era of 1.53. Last triple crown winner to have a lower era was Walter Johnson in 1918.

Only five Pitcher of the Year Award winners have led the major leagues in wins, ERA and strikeouts which is commonly called the Pitching Triple Crown.[34] Below is a complete list including individuals before the award was created.

  • Sandy Koufax is the only player to achieve it more than once. Koufax achieved it three times in a four-year period.[22]
  • Hal Newhouser, age 24 and Dwight Gooden, age 20 were the youngest individuals.[10][26]
  • Shane Bieber, age 26 was the last player to achieve this feat.[52]
  • Johan Santana, age 27, is the fifth individual.[37]
  • Walter Johnson and Lefty Grove achieved it twice before the award began.[34]
More information Year, Player ...
Year Player Team League ERA W K Rating Ref(s)
1913 Walter Johnson†(1) Washington Senators AL 1.14* 36* 243* 12.71 [281]
1915 Grover Cleveland Alexander† Philadelphia Phillies NL 1.22* 31* 241* 12.62 [282]
1918 Walter Johnson† (2) Washington Senators AL 1.27* 23* 162* 10.00 [283]
1924 Dazzy Vance† Brooklyn Robins NL 2.16* 28* 262* 9.80 [284][285]
1930 Lefty Grove† (1) Philadelphia Athletics AL 2.54* 28* 209* 8.47 [286][287]
1931 Lefty Grove† (2) Philadelphia Athletics AL 2.06* 31* 175* 9.09 [288][289]
1945 Hal Newhouser† Detroit Tigers AL 1.81* 25* 212* 9.62 [290][291]
1963 Sandy Koufax† (1) Los Angeles Dodgers NL 1.88* 25* 306* 10.41 [292]
1965 Sandy Koufax† (2) Los Angeles Dodgers NL 2.04* 26* 382* 11.39 [293]
1966 Sandy Koufax† (3) Los Angeles Dodgers NL 1.73* 27* 317* 11.15 [294]
1985 Dwight Gooden New York Mets NL 1.53* 24* 268* 9.88 [295][296]
2006 Johan Santana Minnesota Twins AL 2.77* 19* 245* 6.96 [297][298]
2020 Shane Bieber Cleveland Indians AL 1.63* 8* 122* 3.32 [299][300]
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MLB Hall of Fame predictor

Hall of Famer Warren Spahn, 4-time NL winner, holds the major league record for wins (363) by a left-handed pitcher
Hall of Famer Bob Lemon, three-time AL winner

Winning three or more Pitcher or Starting Pitcher of the Year Awards has been seen as a strong indicator of future admission to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame (as active players are not eligible for the Hall of Fame). All of the eligible pitchers with three or more awards have been elected to the Hall of Fame, with one exception:[301] Roger Clemens has the most (five) Pitcher of the Year Awards, is in the top ten for all-time wins and strikeouts, and is considered to be one of the best pitchers of all time.[302] Clemens' alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs is the major stumbling block to be elected to the Hall of Fame.[303]

Starting pitchers that have won three or more Pitcher of the Year Awards and the year they were inducted into Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.[304] Active player statistics are through the 2023 season.

More information Pitcher, # of Awards ...
Pitcher # of Awards Years HOF Year Wins ERA Ks References
Steve Carlton † 4 1972, 1977, 1980, 1982 1994 329 3.22 4,136 [243][244]
Sandy Koufax † 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 1972 165 2.76 2,396 [22][23]
Greg Maddux † 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 2014 355 3.16 3,371 [229][230]
Warren Spahn † 1953, 1957, 1958, 1961 1973 363 3.09 2,583 [18][19]
Max Scherzer 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021 Active-Not Eligible 221 3.22 3,489 [69][70]
Whitey Ford † 3 1955, 1961, 1963 1974 236 2.75 1,956 [156][157]
Bob Lemon † 1948, 1950, 1954 1976 207 3.23 1,277 [16][17]
Pedro Martínez † 1997, 1999, 2000 2015 219 2.93 3,154 [104][105]
Jim Palmer † 1973, 1975, 1976 1990 268 2.86 2,212 [138][139]
Gerrit Cole 2019, 2021, 2023 Active-Not Eligible 153 3.18 2,251 [45][46]
Jacob deGrom 2018, 2019, 2020 Active-Not Eligible 96 2.57 1,851 [182][183]
Chris Sale 2017, 2018, 2024 Active-Not Eligible 145 3.01 2,579 [56][57]
Clayton Kershaw 2011, 2013, 2014 Active-Not Eligible 223 2.53 3,052 [35][36]
Justin Verlander 2011, 2012, 2022 Active-Not Eligible 266 3.32 3,553 [48][49]
Roger Clemens 5 1986, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001 – 354 3.12 4,672 [20][21]
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MLB Hall of Famers

Hall of Famer Robin Roberts won the award in 1952 and 1953.
Hall of Famer Bob Gibson won the award in 1968 and 1970.

MLB Hall of Famers that won the SN Pitchers of the Year award.[304]

More information Pitcher, # of Awards ...
Pitcher # of Awards Years References
Steve Carlton † 4 1972, 1977, 1980, 1982 [243][244]
Sandy Koufax † 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 [22][23]
Greg Maddux † 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 [229][230]
Warren Spahn † 1953, 1957, 1958, 1961 [18][19]
Whitey Ford † 3 1955, 1961, 1963 [156][157]
Bob Lemon † 1948, 1950, 1954 [16][17]
Pedro Martínez † 1997, 1999, 2000 [104][105]
Jim Palmer † 1973, 1975, 1976 [138][139]
Bob Gibson † 2 1968, 1970 [257][258]
Tom Glavine † 1991, 2000 [221][222]
Roy Halladay † 2003, 2010 [100][101]
Hal Newhouser † 1944, 1945 [10][11]
Robin Roberts † 1952, 1953 [14][15]
Tom Seaver † 1969, 1975 [249][250]
Don Drysdale † 1 1992 [261][262]
Dennis Eckersley † 1962 [114][115]
Bob Feller † 1951 [29][30]
Catfish Hunter † 1974 [140][141]
Ferguson Jenkins † 1971 [255][256]
Randy Johnson † 1995 [108][109]
Jack Morris † 1981 [128][129]
Nolan Ryan † 1977 [136][137]
CC Sabathia † 2007 [39][40]
John Smoltz † 1996 [227][228]
Early Wynn † 1959 [162][163]
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300 and 3,000 club members

Tom Seaver at his 2011 Hall of Fame induction parade. Tom is one of two players to have 300 wins, 3,000Ks and a career ERA below 3.00.

Ten pitchers have recorded 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts. A list of these elite pitchers with the years they won the Pitcher of the Year Award is below. Only two pitchers, Walter Johnson and Tom Seaver, have a career ERA below 3.00. Four pitchers have more than 4,000 career strikeouts. Walter Johnson is the best in wins, complete games, shutouts, ERA and WHIP. Nolan Ryan has the most strikeouts.

More information Pitcher, SN Pitcher of the Years ...
Pitcher SN Pitcher of the Years Wins ERA Ks WHIP CG SHO War for Pitchers War per Year Career Rating Rating per Year T Ref(s)
Steve Carlton † 1972, 1977, 1980, 1982 329 3.22 4,136 1.247 254 55 84.13 3.501 120.70 5.029 L [243]
Roger Clemens 1986, 1991, 1997, 1998, 2001 354 3.12 4,672 1.173 100 38 138.7 5.78 128.34 5.35 R [20]
Randy Johnson † 1995 303 3.29 4,875 1.171 100 37 103.53 4.71 114.41 5.20 L [108]
Walter Johnson † - 417 2.17 3,508 1.061 531 110 152.36 7.26 160.48 7.64 R [305]
Greg Maddux † 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 355 3.16 3,371 1.143 109 35 104.78 4.56 115.29 5.01 R [229]
Phil Niekro † - 318 3.35 3,342 1.268 245 45 96.97 4.04 109.81 4.58 R [306]
Gaylord Perry † - 314 3.11 3,534 1.181 303 53 93.03 4.29 117.30 5.33 R [307]
Nolan Ryan † 1977 324 3.19 5,714 1.247 222 61 83.6 3.10 138.29 5.12 R [136]
Tom Seaver † 1969, 1975 311 2.86 3,640 1.121 231 61 106.07 5.31 118.68 5.93 R [249]
Don Sutton † - 324 3.26 3,574 1.142 178 58 68.28 2.97 114.10 4.96 R [308]
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Battle of Pitchers of the Year

It is a rare occurrence when reigning Pitcher of the Year winners face off against each other.

  • A pitching duel occurred on August 28, 1989, when Frank Viola (WP: 10–15, 9IP, 5K, 3H, 0BB, 0R) of New York Mets pitched a complete-game shutout defeating Orel Hershiser (LP:14-10, 8IP, 4K, 8H, 1BB, 1ER) of the Dodgers 1–0.[309]
  • On May 9, 2013, Toronto's R. A. Dickey (6IP, 5K, 5H, 5BB, 2ER) pitched against David Price (8IP, 8K, 7H, 1BB, 2ER) of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays won in 10 innings, 5–4, and neither starting pitcher got a decision.[310]
  • Arizona's Zach Greinke (WP:7-3, 11K, 7IP, 4H, 0BB, 0R) bested (3–0) Houston's Dallas Keuchel (LP:3-7, 6IP, 6K, 6H, 1BB, 3 ER) on June 2, 2016.[311]

The lost years

Hall of Famer "Bullet Bob" Feller, 1951 winner, could have won in 1946 and 1947.

The award was suspended for 1946–1947. A list of the lost year's top two pitchers in each league based on a pitcher rating composed of wins, ERA and strikeouts is below. A pitcher rating of 6.0 is considered very good. A rating of 9.00 (1.5*6) is rare. Bob Feller and Hal Newhouser in 1946 AL had a rating above 9.

More information Year, League ...
Year League Pitcher Team Record ERA K WHIP Rating Ref(s)
1947 AL Bob Feller † Cleveland Indians 20–11 2.68 196 1.194 7.43 [29][30]
1947 AL Phil Marchildon Philadelphia Athletics 19–9 3.22 128 1.334 5.65 [312][313]
1946 AL Bob Feller † Cleveland Indians 26–15 2.18 348 1.158 11.32 [29][30]
1946 AL Hal Newhouser † Detroit Tigers 26–9 1.94 275 1.069 9.83 [10][11]
1947 NL Ewell Blackwell Cincinnati Reds 22–8 2.47 193 1.179 7.59 [314][315]
1947 NL Warren Spahn † Boston Braves 21–10 2.33 123 1.136 7.20 [18][19]
1946 NL Howie Pollet St. Louis Cardinals 21–10 2.10 107 1.180 7.03 [275][276]
1946 NL Johnny Sain Boston Braves 20–14 2.21 129 1.177 6.99 [277][278]
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Organizations

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the only organization whose pitchers have won the Pitcher of the Year Award in 5 consecutive years: 1962–1966 (Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax) and 2013–2017 (Kershaw, Greinke and Jansen). Los Angeles (Brooklyn) Dodgers pitchers have won the award 18 times b; Atlanta (Boston and Milwaukee) Braves pitchers have won the award 13 times. The following three (3) organizations have never had a pitcher win the award: Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, and Texas Rangers.

The Detroit Tigers have three pitchers who have won consecutive awards — Hal Newhouser (1944–1945), Denny McLain (1968–1969) and Justin Verlander (2011–2012). Each was also Player of the Year and AL MVP at least once while being Pitcher of the Year.[1][2]

The Atlanta (Boston and Milwaukee) Braves also have three pitchers who have won consecutive awards — Warren Spahn (1957–1958), Greg Maddux (1992–1995) and Craig Kimbrel (2013–2014).

More information Rank, Team ...
Rank Team # of Awards Years
1 Los Angeles/Brooklyn Dodgers
18
 1951, 1956, 1962–1966, 1974, 1981, 1988, 2003, 2011, 2013–2017, 2021
2 Atlanta/Milwaukee/Boston Braves
15
 1948, 1953, 1957–1958, 1961, 1991, 1993–1996, 2000, 2013–2014, 2024(2)
3 Cleveland Indians/Guardians 12 1948, 1950–1951, 1954, 1962, 1970, 2007–2008, 2016, 2020, 2022, 2024
4 Detroit Tigers 11 1944–1945, 1968–1969, 1981, 1984, 2011–2013, 2024-2025
New York Yankees 1955, 1958, 1961, 1963, 1978, 1994, 2001, 2014–2015, 2021, 2023
6 Boston Red Sox 10 1949, 1967, 1986, 1991, 1999, 2000, 2017(2), 2018, 2025
7 New York Mets 9 1969, 1975, 1985, 2012, 2018–2020, 2022, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies 1950, 1952, 1955, 1972, 1977, 1980, 1982–1983, 2010
San Francisco/New York Giants 1944, 1954, 1959, 1967, 1973, 1978, 2004, 2008–2009
10 Baltimore Orioles 9 1960, 1973, 1975–1976, 1979–1980, 2016, 2023
Oakland/Philadelphia Athletics 1952, 1971, 1974, 1990, 1992, 2002, 2019–2020
12 Chicago White Sox 7 1956–1957, 1959, 1972, 1983, 1993, 2021
13 Houston Astros 6 1979, 1986, 1999, 2015, 2019, 2022
Minnesota Twins/Washington Senators 1953, 1965–1966, 1988, 2004, 2006
San Diego Padres 1976, 1989, 1998, 2007, 2019, 2023
St. Louis Cardinals 1949, 1968, 1970, 2005–2006, 2024
Toronto Blue Jays 1982, 1987, 1996–1998, 2003
17 Chicago Cubs 5 1945, 1971, 1984, 1987, 1992
19 Kansas City Royals 4 1985, 1989, 2009, 2013
Milwaukee Brewers 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023
Washington Nationals/Montreal Expos 1997, 2016, 2017, 2021
Pittsburgh Pirates 1960, 1990, 2015, 2025
Seattle Mariners 1995, 2010, 2014, 2018
24 Los Angeles (California) Angels (of Anaheim) 3 1964, 1977, 2005
25 Arizona Diamondbacks 2 2001–2002
26 Miami Marlins 1 2022
Tampa Bay Rays 2012
28 Cincinnati Reds 0 none
Colorado Rockies none
Texas Rangers none
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See also

Notes

a Sutfliffe statistics are for the NL only. His AL win–loss: 4–5, era: 5.15 and 58 strikeouts are not included.
b Max Scherzer was traded in July 2021 from Washington National to Los Angeles Dodgers. His award is credited to both teams.

References

External References

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