Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Over the last 30 days, there hasn’t been a starting pitcher more dominant than Cleveland Indians pitcher Corey Kluber.
According to ESPN’s Player Rater, Kluber leads all starting pitchers and is almost a full point ahead of Clayton Kershaw. For the full season, Kluber ranks as the fifth-best pitcher. The one thing he has going for him is his ridiculous strike out totals.
Since the beginning of July, Kluber has four games with 10 strikeouts. On the season, Kluber struck out 10 or more batters seven times, including another 10-strikeout performance Saturday against the New York Yankees. In his last four starts, 31.1 innings, Kluber has allowed just one earned run and averages nine strikeouts per start.
He currently sits at 13 wins and has won six of his last seven outings. By my rough count, Kluber has about 10 starts left. Is it possible he wins seven more games? He is that dominant with his control, especially with the curveball that 20 wins is likely. After the win against the Yankees, he holds a 2.46 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, which could continue to drop.
There is no doubt that Kluber is the real deal. Many owners were weary in the first month or so. But we are five months into the 2014 season and nothing has changed. With the way fantasy baseball rankings fluctuate, especially among starting pitchers, Kluber could enter the 2015 season as a top-15 pitcher and no one would be shocked.
If you play in a keeper or dynasty league, Kluber should be in consideration to stay on your team. For someone who wasn’t drafted in a lot of leagues, Kluber could be a pitcher to help win your championship for years to come.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.
