UNC Baseball: Zac Gallen making case for NL Cy Young Award

Is the former UNC Baseball star Zac Gallen able to continue his dominance to help solidify his odds to win the NL Cy Young Award?

Former UNC Baseball ace Zac Gallen has had a very dominant 2023 campaign for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks currently sit in third in the NL West, 13.0 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, but are only a half-game out of the NL Wild Card (as of August 20th).

The Diamondbacks’ ace has posted a 13-5 record with a 3.17 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 168 strikeouts throughout 26 starts this season. Gallen ranks in the top 10 in Major League Baseball in those four statistics and leads the National League WHIP while also ranking in the top five for the other stats.

The MLB regular season will conclude within the first week of October, giving Gallen at least 30 starts and the Diamondbacks a chance to make the NL Wild Card cut. Arizona will face a projected three divisional leaders in a series before their season ends on October 1st.

They will face the Texas Rangers (Aug. 21-22), the Los Angeles Dodgers (Aug. 28-31), and the Baltimore Orioles (Sep. 1-3).  Gallen’s next scheduled start will come against the AL West-leading Rangers on Tuesday, August 22nd.

As of August 15th, Zac Gallen was the betting favorite to win the NL Cy Young Award as he currently sits at +180 odds. Meaning if you were to bet $100.00 down on Gallen to win the Cy Young Award you would win $180.00 having the total payout at $280.00.

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