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5 Under-the-Radar National League Cy Young Candidates For 2015

5 Under-the-Radar National League Cy Young Candidates For 2015

Mat Latos Miami Marlins
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Over the last few seasons it has been hard to debate that anyone other than Clayton Kershaw has been deserving to win the Cy Young. After a season where Corey Kluber came out of nowhere to win the American League Cy Young in 2014, here is a look at five under-the-radar NL Cy Young candidates.

5. Tyson Ross

Tyson Ross San Diego Padres
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5. Tyson Ross

Tyson Ross San Diego Padres
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In his first full season as a starter, San Diego Padres right-hander Tyson Ross was excellent. He started in 31 games, posting a 2.81 ERA, and had the Padres' woeful offense been able to score more runs he would have been much better than his 13-14 record. With a new-look offense, expect Ross to be even better in 2015.

4. Matt Cain

Matt Cain San Francisco Giants
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Matt Cain

Matt Cain San Francisco Giants
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

After the wonderful postseason of Madison Bumgarner, it will be hard for any other Giants pitcher to get attention in 2015. With expectations lowered as he returns from injury, Matt Cain will look to return to his 2012 form where he won 16 games and posted an ERA under three.

3. Gerrit Cole

Gerrit Cole Pittsburgh Pirates
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

3. Gerrit Cole

Gerrit Cole Pittsburgh Pirates
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates have re-signed Francisco Liriano, but over the last two seasons it is hard to argue that anyone has been better than Gerrit Cole. Cole was dominant in college, dominant in the minors and he has been just as good in the big leagues. Through 41 career starts he has 21 wins and a 3.45 career ERA. If the Pirates make another playoff run, Cole will be a major reason why.

2. Mat Latos

Mat Latos Miami Marlins
Getty Images

2. Mat Latos

Mat Latos Miami Marlins
Getty Images

In his six major league seasons, Mat Latos has only had one year where his ERA went above three. Through his last three as a member of the Reds he has gone 33-16 with a 3.31 ERA. Entering a contract year and moving away from Great American Ball Park should help make him even better. With the Marlins' much improved offense, Latos will get a fair share of wins in 2015.

1. Wily Peralta

Wily Peralta Milwaukee Brewers
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

1. Wily Peralta

Wily Peralta Milwaukee Brewers
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers have been known for years to be a team that lacks a true ace. That will all change this year as Wily Peralta is more that ready to take over that role. With one of the fastest average fastballs in baseball and an improving slider, Peralta will put the Brewers on his back this season as he looks to get them back to the postseason. Last year he won 17 games; with better run support, he will win 20 in 2015.

Pete Schwichtenberg is a MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.

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