Love Letters From Pronk is an ongoing series where Pronk shares his love for somebody connected to the Cubs. Sometimes funny, sometimes weird, Pronk likes to make 100% sure people know that they are loved, and best expresses that through gushing letters. Today's pick: Ryan Tepera
Ryan Tepera was a trade pickup for the Cubs before the 2020 season. After a few good years on the Blue Jays, he had a tough 2019 and was given a change of scenery. In 2020, he had a solid year. He received an MVP vote, allegedly by mistake. This year, he's hungry and proving that he deserved that vote, pitching to a 2.02 ERA and a microscopic .673 WHIP. He won RP of the month for may, and had an 18 game/20 inning appearance streak where he did not give up a run. He allowed an OPS of .119 during that span. Hitters are OPS'ing just .405 off of him for the year. If he keeps this up, he will have earned MVP votes for the year.
Dear Ryan,
Congratulations on your MVP vote, and on winning RP of the month. You have earned both honors. It's been very enjoyable watching you become a lockdown reliever. While closers get all the glory, the middle men are the ones who have to come in and put out the fire with the heart of the order up. Arguably, it's a more important job than a closer, and it's been a job that you've excelled at in a Cubs uniform. Thank you for locking down a ton of situations, and we look forward to many more!
Congrats on being a part of the combined no hitter! You keep earning these merit badges for your career, and should be proud. Glad to have you in Chicago. Hope to see you around in 2022 and beyond!
XOXO
-Pronk