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NY Mets ace Jacob deGrom’s Cy Young competitors for 2021

By Mason Smoller

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets pitches against the Washington Nationals during game 1 of a double header at Nationals Park on September 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets pitches against the Washington Nationals during game 1 of a double header at Nationals Park on September 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 23: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on September 23, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

SP Trevor Bauer – Los Angeles Dodgers

Last but not least, deGrom’s top 2021 Cy Young competitors would not be complete without the reigning winner – Trevor Bauer.

The longtime Cleveland Indians starter was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds in 2019, where he had a 6.39ERA in ten starts. It appeared as a lost trade, at least until he settled in during the shortened season.

Bauer was unhittable this past season, leading the league with only 5.1 hits per nine innings to go with a 1.73ERA and 0.795WHIP. While it may be only 12 starts, deGrom had 6.3 hits per nine innings with a 0.912WHIP to go with his 1.70ERA during his amazing Cy Young season in 2018.

Ultimately, Bauer finished the 2020 season having won the National League Cy Young award in his first full season out of the American League, as well as placing tenth in MVP voting.

Prior to his 2020 season, Bauer was a solid starting pitcher, with only one other elite season, being his All-Star campaign in 2018. At the same time, it did not affect his market once so ever as he was a free agent this off-season.

The New York Mets were one of two finalists for Bauer, as they hoped to pair him with deGrom. Instead, Bauer headed to the Dodgers, joining Kershaw and Buehler to form a terrifying three-headed-monster of starters. Thus, leaving the Mets now looking at what could have been with their own starting rotation.

While it may be brutal to watch Bauer pitch for the Dodgers for Mets fans knowing he could have been in Queens, it would be even worse to watch Bauer take another Cy Young from deGrom this season.

Next. Which free agent did the Mets need most?

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In the end, who knows who will win the 2021 National League Cy Young Award, but one thing for sure is that Jacob deGrom will have plenty of competition.