PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez had one of the best seasons of his career in 2026, finishing seventh in National League Cy Young Award voting.
NL Cy Young voting: https://t.co/tPvQ6c2X55
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) November 12, 2026
The award was announced Wednesday night, with Milwaukee Brewers flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski taking home the honor — the first of his career. Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez finished second, followed by Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale. Rodriguez’s seventh-place finish came with two fifth-place votes, putting him ahead of San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller and Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo.
Although the Arizona southpaw didn’t take home the award, his seventh-place finish doesn’t tell the full story of the impact he had on the Diamondbacks in 2026.
Jun 12, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) walks to the dugout after being pulled from the game against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
After posting an ERA north of five in each of his first two seasons in the desert, Rodriguez bounced back in a big way, pitching to a career-best 2.89 ERA with a 16-7 record and 1.24 WHIP.
The veteran left-hander also delivered one of the most consistent seasons of his career, making 32 starts and logging 189.2 innings while striking out 143 batters. His 2.89 ERA ranked fifth among qualified National League pitchers, while his 16 wins were the second-most in the league.
Rodriguez’s success wasn’t limited to the regular season either.
Mar 11, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Venezuela pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (52) delivers a pitch against the Dominican Republic during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
He helped lead Venezuela to a World Baseball Classic championship, throwing 4.1 scoreless innings against Team USA in the title game. He carried that momentum into the MLB season, earning his first career All-Star selection.
His importance to Arizona became even more evident as the D-Backs dealt with injuries throughout their starting rotation. Rodriguez provided a dependable presence every fifth day, leading the team in innings pitched and giving the club a consistent veteran presence when it needed one most.
Ultimately, Rodriguez’s seventh-place Cy Young finish reflected a season that may have been overlooked in the award race but was anything but ordinary.
Jun 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
After two difficult years in Arizona, he delivered the kind of performance Arizona envisioned when it signed him, reestablishing himself as one of the team’s most important pieces heading into 2027.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
