The 2024 MLB season is nearing its climax, and the race for the prestigious Cy Young award is intensifying as the final weeks of play unfold. With voters preparing to rank pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, a handful of standout performances are shaping the conversation around who might take home the honor this year.
Tarik Skubal's Dominance
One name that stands out is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal leads the majors in both ERA and ERA+ while also topping the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. With a stellar 14-4 record and a commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's WAR and FanGraphs' leaderboard, Skubal's dominance is clearly evident. Notably, the Tigers have struggled significantly in games where he hasn't started, holding a 44-56 record. Skubal has not only taken his last turn on normal rest but also set a new career high in innings pitched, cementing his status as a workhorse for the team.
Other Contenders in the AL
Seth Lugo, with 166 2/3 innings pitched and a 14-7 record, initially looked like a strong contender. However, his recent performances have been less impressive, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. Despite a solid start, this slump might hamper his chances.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners, on the other hand, sports a 2.96 ERA and leads the league in WHIP at 0.88. Gilbert is second to only Lugo in innings pitched. While Gilbert's individual statistics are commendable, the Mariners' dramatic slide since June could influence voters' perception of his overall impact.
Chris Sale, another formidable pitcher in the AL, leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. However, his exclusion from the top 10 in innings pitched could be a critical factor against him in the Cy Young race.
National League Standouts
On the National League front, several pitchers have made compelling cases for themselves. Corbin Burnes, with a 12-5 record accompanied by a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, has been noteworthy. However, his recent form, including a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month, raises questions about his consistency.
Emmanuel Clase has been nearly untouchable as a closer, accumulating 37 saves out of 40 opportunities and boasting a 0.63 ERA with a 0.66 WHIP. His 49 strikeouts over 57 1/3 innings further emphasize his dominance in the bullpen.
Framber Valdez has also turned heads with his 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. His consistent performance throughout the season puts him firmly in the conversation for the Cy Young award.
Young Guns and Surprises
The performance of Logan Webb has been remarkable as he leads the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. Webb holds an 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA, showcasing his durability and effectiveness on the mound.
Zack Wheeler's impressive statistics include a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP, along with 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. These numbers make him a formidable candidate, highlighting both his command and ability to put away hitters.
Paul Skenes has quietly made a name for himself with a 7-2 record, a league-leading 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings. His 4.0 WAR underscores his significant contribution to his team's success.
Hunter Greene, another rising star, has compiled a 9-4 record with a 2.83 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Despite leading the majors in hit batsmen and currently dealing with an elbow injury, Greene’s performance remains noteworthy.
Among the surprises of the season is Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter in his first outing. Blanco has continued to impress with a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings.
Finally, Reynaldo López has been a revelation with a 2.06 ERA over 104 2/3 innings, adding another layer of intrigue to the Cy Young debate.
As the season draws to a close, the race for the Cy Young award remains fiercely competitive. With multiple strong candidates in both leagues, the final weeks of play will be critical in determining who ultimately walks away with this coveted accolade.