Cole Ragans Dominates TABL Voting to Claim 2025 National Conference Pitcher of the Year

In a season defined by electric arms and razor-thin margins, Cole Ragans of the Chicago Black Steers emerged as the overwhelming choice for the 2025 TABL National Conference Pitcher of the Year.

Ragans earned eight of nine first-place votes, finishing with a commanding 69 total points, far ahead of runner-up Corbin Burnes (30 points) and veteran workhorse Charlie Morton (20 points).

🔥 Ragans’ Rise to the Top

Cole Ragans delivered a breakout campaign that blended power, precision, and poise.His performance was nothing short of dominant:

• 135 strikeouts – best in TABL

• 2.29 ERA – lowest in the National Conference

• 117.2 innings pitched

• Only 65 hits and 30 earned runs allowed

• Finished the season with a complete-game no-hitter
  

Despite a modest 7–7 record, voters focused on the metrics that mattered. Ragans’ ability to miss bats—averaging more than 10 K/9—made him one of the most fearsome starters in the league and a foundational piece of the Black Steers rotation.

⚔️ Burnes and Morton Hold Their Ground

Corbin Burnes – Boston Bruins

Burnes continued to cement his reputation as one of TABL’s most reliable arms:

• 2.70 ERA

• 92 strikeouts

• 106.2 innings

• Just 18 walks
  

His five second-place votes reflect a deep respect for his consistency and leadership on a pennant-winning Bruins squad.

Charlie Morton – Pittsburgh Hornets

At 41 years old, Morton continued to defy age:

• 9–4 record

• 110 strikeouts

• 100 innings pitched
  

He didn’t dominate a single category, but his across-the-board steadiness earned him votes in every tier.

🌟 Depth of the Field

The National Conference showcased one of its deepest pitching groups in years:

• Dylan Cease & Freddy Peralta both topped 95 innings and 95 strikeouts.

• Michael Wacha quietly posted a sub-3.00 ERA.

• Tyler Anderson and Tanner Houck logged quality innings for Miami and Boston.

• Cade Smith impressed as a late-inning weapon:2.33 ERA, 24 saves, 57 K in 38.2 IP.

• Raisel Iglesias anchored the Friars with a brilliant relief season:1.59 ERA and 19 saves.
  

📈 Voters Reward Dominance Over Wins

The results reinforce a clear trend in TABL voting: ERA, strikeouts, and advanced performance metrics matter more than traditional win–loss records.

Ragans’ middling 7–7 record didn’t stop voters from recognizing excellence. Burnes and Morton, with stronger win totals, fell short in overall dominance.

🏆 Final Word

In a year overflowing with pitching talent, Cole Ragans stood tallest. His combination of velocity, swing-and-miss stuff, and late-season heroics made him the undeniable choice for 2025 TABL National Conference Pitcher of the Year.

If this season is any indication, the Chicago Black Steers have found their ace of the future.