The 2024 MLB season is approaching its finale, and the competition for the coveted Cy Young award is intensifying. With just over five weeks remaining, pitchers across the league are showcasing their best performances, each making a strong case for the prestigious accolade.
Skubal's Standout Season
Leading the charge is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal has established himself as a dominant force on the mound, boasting an impressive record of 14-4. He leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, and he also tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. Skubal has not just been a pillar of consistency but a beacon of excellence in an otherwise challenging season for the Tigers, who have held a 44-56 record in games where he doesn't start.
Skubal's commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's version of WAR and FanGraphs' leaderboard only further solidifies his bid for the Cy Young award. Remarkably, he has set a new career high in innings pitched, indicative of his resilience and stamina throughout the season. With his last pitch thrown on normal rest, Skubal’s season performance stands as a testament to his growth as an elite pitcher.
Contenders in The Mix
While Skubal might be a frontrunner, Seth Lugo of the San Diego Padres is not far behind. Lugo has delivered strong performances with a 14-7 record and a 3.02 ERA over 166 2/3 innings. However, his recent struggles, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, could cast a shadow over his Cy Young aspirations. Consistency in the final stretch will be crucial for Lugo if he hopes to clinch the award.
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners also finds himself in the conversation, leading the league in WHIP with an impressive 0.88 and maintaining a 2.96 ERA. Gilbert has pitched the second-most innings, trailing only behind Lugo. The Mariners, who had a significant ten-game lead in June, have experienced a dramatic stumble, mirroring Gilbert's need for a robust finish to stay in contention.
Other Standout Performers
Milwaukee Brewers' Corbin Burnes, with a record of 12-5 and a 3.10 ERA, faces a similar predicament. While his season stats are commendable with 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, his recent form—a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month—could impact his Cy Young bid. Burnes, much like Lugo, will need to regain his dominant form as the season concludes.
On the other hand, Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians has been a dominant force out of the bullpen. Recording 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, Clase has an astounding 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. His performance has set a new standard for relievers and makes a compelling, albeit unusual, case for Cy Young consideration.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros boasts a solid 13-5 record with a 3.20 ERA over 137 2/3 innings, while the Boston Red Sox's Chris Sale leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, despite not being in the top ten for innings pitched. These pitchers have all delivered significant contributions, further highlighting the competitive nature of this year's Cy Young race.
Logan Webb, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched, holds an 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA. Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies has also been exceptional with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings pitched. Hard-throwing Hunter Greene, despite dealing with an elbow injury, has a 9-4 record and a 2.83 ERA with 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, although he leads the majors in hit batsmen.
Not to be overlooked, Paul Skenes, with his 7-2 record and a 2.30 ERA over 98 innings, and Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter in his first outing and holds a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA, have added to the rich tapestry of pitching performances this season.
Finally, Reynaldo López has impressed with a 2.06 ERA over 104 2/3 innings, further exemplifying the depth of talent in the league this year. As the 2024 MLB season nears its end, the Cy Young award race remains wide open, promising a thrilling conclusion with multiple deserving candidates in the spotlight.