Clayton Kershaw, undoubtedly one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, has amassed an impressive collection of accolades throughout his illustrious MLB career. However, when it comes to the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, the southpaw hurler has not won one. While he is a three-time recipient of the prestigious NL Cy Young Award (2011, 2013, 2014), a testament to his unparalleled pitching prowess, the league's MVP trophy has historically favored everyday position players. Despite this, his 2014 season stands out as arguably the most "MVP-like" performance by a pitcher in recent memory, sparking considerable debate among fans and analysts.
A Season of Unmatched Dominance
In 2014, Kershaw put together one of the most statistically incredible pitching seasons ever seen. He led the National League in wins (21), ERA (1.77), and strikeouts (239), achieving the rare pitching Triple Crown. His ERA was the lowest by an MLB starter since Pedro Martinez in 2000, and his WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) was an astonishing 0.857. He also famously threw a no-hitter that year against the Colorado Rockies, featuring 15 strikeouts and no walks. This historic display earned him his third Cy Young Award unanimously and placed him eighth in the NL MVP voting, a remarkable achievement for a pitcher in an era where position players typically dominate that ballot.
What made Kershaw so special, particularly during his peak years, was his unique blend of elite control, devastating movement, and a fierce competitive spirit. His curveball, dubbed "Public Enemy No. 1," was legendary, complemented by a blazing fastball and a sharp slider. He consistently minimized baserunners and struck out opponents at an elite rate, establishing himself as a generational talent who could single-handedly dictate the outcome of games. While an NL MVP award might not grace his trophy cabinet, his impact on the game and his remarkable individual seasons firmly cement his legacy as one of baseball's all-time greats, embodying what it means to be an MVP-caliber player.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.