In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Detroit Tigers' left-hander Tarik Skubal has captured the 2024 American League Cy Young Award, securing all 30 first-place votes in the Baseball Writers Association of America balloting. This unanimous decision marks the third consecutive year that the prestigious accolade has been awarded unanimously in the American League, following the footsteps of Justin Verlander in 2022 and Gerrit Cole in 2023.
A Season to Remember
Skubal's 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Posting an impressive 18-4 record, he led the American League with a stellar 2.39 earned run average (ERA). Complementing his ERA, he topped the league charts in Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) with a 2.50 and registered an ERA+ of 170. Such dominance on the mound—he relentlessly outpitched his opponents—was instrumental in his winning the Cy Young.
Adding to his season highlights, Skubal's wins above replacement (WAR) was an outstanding 6.3, the highest among all pitchers in the league. His ability to dominate hitters was further evidenced by his 228 strikeouts—a figure that left opposing batters bewildered game after game.
Consistency Under Pressure
Skubal didn't just shine in the regular season; he was equally formidable in the postseason. Over three starts, he produced a 2.37 ERA, where he allowed no unearned runs and chalked up 20 strikeouts. Demonstrating exceptional control, he walked only one batter unintentionally in 19 innings, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer who thrives under pressure.
A key ingredient in his 2024 recipe for success was the addition of a changeup to his already potent pitching repertoire, which expanded his arsenal and kept hitters off balance consistently. This strategic evolution contributed to his dominance, allowing him to average over six innings per start and achieve 22 quality starts in 31 appearances—a true testament to his reliability and endurance throughout the season.
Stifling Opposition
Opposing hitters found themselves entirely stymied by Skubal’s precise command and effectiveness. They recorded an OPS of just .558 against him, a formidable statistic that showcases his ability to neutralize even the toughest lineups. Skubal's performance included striking out ten or more batters in three separate games and was rewarded with his first All-Star selection, a noteworthy milestone in his career.
A Milestone Birthday
Timing added a unique twist to Skubal's Cy Young victory; the win was announced on his 28th birthday, making the achievement even more memorable for the young pitcher. He becomes part of a cherished lineage of Detroit Tigers pitchers, with Max Scherzer having also secured the Cy Young Award in 2013.
Thus, as Detroit fans celebrate Skubal's remarkable season and resplendent future, the baseball world has recognized yet another extraordinary chapter in the storied history of the American League's elite pitchers—a testament to commitment, hard work, and undeniable talent on the mound.