# ESPN model backs Sanchez over Misiorowski for Cy Young

> AXE ratings favor Sanchez, but Misiorowski's stats edge him for NL Cy Young.
- Title: ESPN model backs Sanchez over Misiorowski for Cy Young
- Summary: AXE ratings favor Sanchez, but Misiorowski's stats edge him for NL Cy Young. ESPN's AXE model ranks Christopher Sanchez higher than Jacob Misiorowski for the…
- Keywords: christopher sanchez, jacob misiorowski, milwaukee brewers, national league cy young award, axe ratings, baseball, mlb, philadelphia phillies, jesus luzardo, ESPN, model, backs
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/mlb/espn-model-backs-surprising-player-for-major-mlb-award-12456307
- Author: Andrew Gould
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: christopher sanchez, jacob misiorowski, milwaukee brewers, national league cy young award, axe ratings, baseball, mlb, philadelphia phillies, jesus luzardo
## Who wins?
ESPN's AXE model ranks sanchez higher than misiorowski for the 2026 nl cy young award.
## Why the gap?
Sanchez has a higher axe score of 154.5 versus misiorowski's 150.9.
## Doolittle's view
Doolittle says Sanchez's bwar lead isn't real and his recent loss hurt his case.

> i favor misiorowski for the award, even if my own metric suggests it should be sanchez
## Misiorowski's stats
Misiorowski has a 1.89 era, 0.81 whip, and 243 strikeouts in 28 starts.
## Sanchez's struggles
Sanchez has a 2.93 era after allowing six runs to the astros and five against the nationals.
## What next?
Misiorowski could lock down the award before milwaukee enters the playoffs.
## Key takeaway

ESPN's AXE model ranks Christopher Sanchez higher than Jacob Misiorowski for the 2026 NL Cy Young Award despite Misiorowski's stronger recent performance.