The Race for the 2024 MLB Cy Young Award Intensifies
The Race for the 2024 MLB Cy Young Award Intensifies
As the 2024 MLB season nears its close, the competition for the Cy Young award remains intensely contested. With mere weeks left in the regular season, pitchers across the league are making their final cases for the most coveted pitching accolade in baseball.
Skubal Leads the Pack
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has emerged as a front-runner in this heated race. Skubal currently leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, metrics highly regarded in evaluating pitching prowess. Additionally, he tops the American League in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate, demonstrating his dominance on the mound.
Skubal’s statistical achievements underline his prowess. With a 14-4 record, he has provided a stark contrast to the Tigers' struggles in games he hasn't started, where they hold a 44-56 record. Commanding both Baseball Reference’s and FanGraphs’ versions of WAR, Skubal’s contribution to his team has been monumental. Notably, he has set a new career high in innings pitched this season and has taken his last turn on normal rest—a testament to his durability and consistency.
Contenders in Pursuit
Seth Lugo of the San Diego Padres has also made a strong case, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record and a 3.02 ERA. Yet, his performance has recently dipped, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. Meanwhile, Logan Gilbert has been a model of consistency for the Seattle Mariners, boasting a 2.96 ERA and leading the league with a 0.88 WHIP. Despite his individual success, the Mariners' dramatic stumble after a ten-game lead in June has cast a shadow over his season.
Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers, with a 12-5 record, 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, entered August as a strong contender. However, a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month may have dented his Cy Young hopes. On the other hand, Emmanuel Clase, the closer for the Cleveland Guardians, has been nearly untouchable. With 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, a 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings, Clase's dominance from the bullpen is undeniable.
Veterans and Newcomers
Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros continues to be a reliable force with a 13-5 record, 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Chris Sale, despite not being in the top 10 in innings pitched, leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. His status as a perennial Cy Young contender remains unchallenged.
There is also a rising star among the ranks—Paul Skenes, who, in his rookie season, has achieved a 7-2 record with a remarkable 2.30 ERA and 121 strikeouts in just 98 innings. Posting a 4.0 WAR, Skenes' immediate impact has been felt across the league. Meanwhile, Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds, though dealing with an elbow injury, has shown flashes of brilliance with a 9-4 record, 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, albeit leading the majors in hit batsmen.
Outstanding Performances
Ronel Blanco’s no-hitter in his first outing remains one of the standout moments of the season. Currently, Blanco is 9-6 with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings, showcasing his potential for greatness. An under-the-radar performer, Reynaldo López, has excelled with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, further underscoring the depth of elite pitching talent in the league.
As the season draws to a climax, these pitchers will be looking to make their final statements on the mound. With voters ranking pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, every performance, every strikeout, and every inning pitched will be scrutinized. The conclusion to this Cy Young race promises to be as thrilling as the season itself.
