Several pitchers dazzled for one season, becoming Cy Young contenders in otherwise unremarkable careers. Many others established long, successful careers but never came close to winning a Cy Young Award.
Here are the pitchers who had the best career results without ever placing in the top five of Cy Young Award voting (since 1970 voting system was introduced).
- Chuck Finley 57.9
- Tom Candiotti 41.1
- Al Leiter 40.0
- Danny Darwin 39.8
- Jon Matlack 39.4
- Chuck Finley 48.7
- Jon Matlack 38.1
- Tom Candiotti 37.5
- Al Lieter 36.2
- Danny Darwin 33.5
Wins
- Charlie Hough 216
- Chuck Finley 200
- Risk Wise 188
- Mike Torrez 185
- Livan Hernandez 178
It’s clear from these measures that Chuck Finley is the best pitcher since 1970 to never finish in the top five of Cy Young Award voting.
Finley was a 6-foot-6 lefty who was an All-Star five times. His only season receiving votes for the Cy Young Award was 1990. He went 18-9 for the Angels with a 2.40 ERA and 7.7 WAR.
He placed seventh in Cy voting. Bob Welch won the A.L. Cy in 1990 by winning 27 games for Oakland. Roger Clemens deserved the award but finished second. Finley had a strong claim for more support. His WAR was second to Clemens’ 10.4. Finley’s ERA+ was also second to Clemens, among starting pitchers.