Today, let’s take a look at the top major league pitcher from 2021… who also happens to be a Valley League alumnus!

Previous winners:

2021- Austin Gomber (Luray 2012)
2020- Ryan Yarbrough (Luray 2012)
2019- Emilio Pagan (Harrisonburg 2010)
2018- Ryan Yarbrough (Luray 2012)
2017- Chris Devenski (Woodstock 2011)
2016- Chris Devenski (Woodstock 2011)
2015- Will Harris (Staunton 2003)
2014- David Carpenter (Covington 2004)
2013- David Carpenter (Covington 2004)
2012- Chris Perez (Staunton 2004)
2011- Brandon Beachy (Woodstock 2008)
2010- Chris Perez (Staunton 2004)

We have a repeat winner; the 2021 Major League Pitcher of the Year is Colorado’s Austin Gomber, who went 9-9, 4.53 in 115 1/3 innings, with a 1.24 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9, and 8.8 K/9. Gomber started 23 games for the Rockies, and averaged five innings per start. He was drafted in the fourth round in 2014, and has now spent three years in the major leagues. Overall, he’s 16-12, 4.14, with 207 strikeouts and 88 walks in 219 1/3 innings.

According to my records, Gomber pitched in two games for the 2012 Luray Wranglers, and was rather dominant, going 1-0, 0.00, with 15 strikeouts in nine innings.

Others to Consider

  • Austin Adams, San Diego (Staunton 2010-11): 3-2, 4.10, 1.20 WHIP, 6.0 BB/9, 13.0 K/9 in 52 2/3 innings
  • Chad Kuhl, Pittsburgh (New Market 2012): 5-7, 4.82 in 80 1/3 innings
  • Emilio Pagan, San Diego (Harrisonburg 2010): 4-3, 4.83, 1.17 WHIP in 63 1/3 innings
  • Nate Pearson, Toronto (Staunton 2016): 1-1, 4.20, 20 K’s in 15 innings
  • Ryan Yarbrough, Tampa Bay (Luray 2012- Gomber’s teammate!): 9-7, 5.11, 1.23 WHIP in 155 innings