Ranking the Top 5 Starting Pitchers in the AL Central for 2015

3. Corey Kluber, Cleveland Indians

Aug 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) walks back to the dugout after the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins win 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Kluber had an incredible 2014. It was a season in which he captured the AL Cy Young Award, led the American League with 18 wins, and posted a 2.44 ERA. 2014 really was a defining year for the 28 year-old righty, and he looks as though he can be a legitimate ace. So why is he only number three on the list?

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Because of the doubt that lingers over Kluber’s future, that’s why. It is highly unlikely that he is able to replicate, or even come close to is Cy Young season.

Let this be clear, Corey Kluber was the fiercest pitcher in the entire land for a few months, even managing to rack up up the 2nd most strikeouts in the AL with 269. But his numbers before last season were nothing to speak of; the first three seasons of his career he only logged 214 innings. In 2012, his ERA ballooned to 5.14, while heading into 2014 Spring Training Kluber was competing for a rotation spot. Until he is an established pitcher who has multiple good seasons under his belt, suspicion and hesitation will surround him.

And he is well aware of that:

"“It’™s a nice accomplishment, but my focus now is on 2015, because it doesn’™t mean anything, this upcoming season, what happened last season.”"