As the 2024 MLB season nears its end, the competition for the prestigious Cy Young award is intensifying. With just over five and a half weeks remaining, fans and analysts alike are watching closely as top pitchers vie for the honor. This year, voters will rank pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, making every performance crucial as the season heads into the home stretch.
Tarik Skubal's Commanding Season
Leading the pack is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, whose stellar performance has set him apart. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, and has topped the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. With a record of 14-4, his dominance on the mound is evident. The Tigers, however, have struggled significantly in his absence, holding a 44-56 record in games where Skubal doesn't start.
Skubal's impact is underscored by his commanding lead in Baseball Reference's version of WAR and on FanGraphs' leaderboard. He has also set a new career high in innings pitched this season, demonstrating his endurance and consistency.
Consistent Performers and Rising Stars
Seth Lugo has been another standout, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record. His 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP speak to his effectiveness. However, Lugo has hit a rough patch with a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, which could impact his standing in the Cy Young race.
Logan Gilbert has emerged as a formidable contender as well, boasting a 2.96 ERA and leading the league in WHIP at 0.88. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched, showcasing his durability. The Mariners, who had a ten-game lead in June, have stumbled dramatically since then, potentially affecting Gilbert's narrative.
Veterans and Newcomers Making Waves
Corbin Burnes, with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, is another key player in the mix. Yet, his recent struggles, including a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month, could hinder his Cy Young aspirations.
Emmanuel Clase has been nearly untouchable with 37 saves out of 40 save opportunities. His 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings make a compelling case for his inclusion in the conversation, especially for his late-inning heroics.
Framber Valdez continues to impress with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Consistency has been Valdez's hallmark, as he remains a reliable force for his team.
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 dominant metrics are hard to ignore even with less total innings under his belt.
Leading the Charge
Logan Webb has been a workhorse, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. His 11-8 record and 3.17 ERA reflect his resilience and endurance throughout the season. Similarly, Zack Wheeler's 12-5 record, 2.72 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings showcase his formidable talent and consistency.
Rookie Paul Skenes has made a significant impact with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings. His 4.0 WAR suggests that he has been a critical player for his team, despite limited innings compared to some of his counterparts.
Overcoming Adversity
Hunter Greene has displayed impressive skills with a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Despite leading the majors in hit batsmen and dealing with an elbow injury, Greene remains a notable figure in this year's Cy Young discussion.
Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter in his first outing, has maintained a strong presence with a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings.
Reynaldo López’s remarkable 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings cements his role as a reliable arm, contributing significantly to his team's efforts this season.
As the season nears its conclusion, the race for the Cy Young award remains tight. The performances of these pitchers over the next few weeks will ultimately determine who will take home the coveted prize. Each pitch, each inning, and each game will count as they make their final pushes for supremacy on the mound.
