The 2024 MLB season is reaching its culmination, and the competition for the Cy Young award is as fierce as ever with just over five weeks of play remaining. As voters prepare to rank pitchers from 1 to 5 on their ballots, several names have emerged prominently in this tight race.
Top Contender: Tarik Skubal
Leading the charge is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal has been nothing short of sensational this season. He leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, showcasing his dominant presence on the mound. He also tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. Boasting a 14-4 record, Skubal remains a beacon of hope for the Tigers, who have a less impressive record of 44-56 in games where he doesn't start. His performance has earned him a commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's version of WAR and FanGraphs' leaderboard.
Skubal has already clocked a career-high in innings pitched, adding to his impressive credentials. With his final start on normal rest this season behind him, all eyes will be on whether his remarkable consistency can carry him to the coveted Cy Young title.
Challengers: Lugo, Gilbert, and More
While Skubal’s numbers are staggering, several challengers are eager to stake their claim. Seth Lugo has quietly amassed a strong case with 166 2/3 innings pitched, a 14-7 record, a 3.02 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. However, his recent struggles, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, might hinder his chances.
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners is another standout, maintaining a 2.96 ERA and leading the league in WHIP at 0.88. Gilbert is only second to Lugo in innings pitched. But the Mariners, who had a ten-game lead in June, have stumbled dramatically since then, potentially affecting Gilbert’s candidacy.
Other Notable Performances
Corbin Burnes follows close with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. However, his 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month could be a cause for concern.
On the closer front, Emmanuel Clase has been phenomenal with 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, a 0.63 ERA, a 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. While closers often face an uphill climb to win the Cy Young, Clase's numbers speak volumes about his dominance.
The Impact of Injuries and Surprises
Injuries have also played a role in this year’s Cy Young race. Hunter Greene, despite his impressive 9-4 record, 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, is currently affected by an elbow injury. Greene, who leads the majors in hit batsmen, has had to contend with this setback at a crucial juncture.
Ronel Blanco provided one of the season's most memorable moments by throwing a no-hitter in his first outing. With a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings, Blanco’s performance has marked a remarkable debut year.
Strong Contenders from Different Angles
Chris Sale, who leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, is certainly a candidate to watch, despite not being in the top 10 in innings pitched. Logan Webb, with the highest number of innings pitched at 164 2/3, holds an 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA, making him a consistent presence on the mound.
Zack Wheeler and Framber Valdez are also strong contenders. Wheeler’s 12-5 record, 2.72 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings underscore his ace status. Valdez, with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings, has been a reliable workhorse.
As the season draws to a close, the race for the Cy Young award remains open and thrilling. With multiple pitchers delivering career-defining performances, the final weeks promise to offer more drama, making this one of the most hotly contested Cy Young races in recent memory. The voters face a tough task ahead, balancing impressive statistics, consistency, and impact on their teams. Baseball fans everywhere eagerly await their decision.