The 2024 MLB season is rapidly approaching its climax, and the race for the prestigious Cy Young award is as intense as ever. With just over five and a half weeks left in the season, pitchers are leaving everything on the mound in hopes of clinching this coveted honor. The voters this year will rank pitchers from 1 to 5 on their ballots, adding an extra layer of competitiveness to an already fierce battle.
Leading the charge in the American League is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal has been nothing short of phenomenal, boasting the majors' best ERA and ERA+. Not only that, he leads the AL in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate. With a stellar 14-4 record, Skubal has undeniably been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the Tigers, who have a dismal 44-56 record in games where he doesn’t start. His dominance is further highlighted by commanding leads in both Baseball Reference's version of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and FanGraphs' leaderboard. Having recently set a new career high in innings pitched, Skubal's consistency and resilience make him a formidable contender for the Cy Young award.
In the National League, Seth Lugo of the Padres has been a workhorse. Lugo has pitched 166 2/3 innings and compiled a strong 14-7 record with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. However, his recent form has dipped slightly, posting a concerning 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. This late-season slump could impact his standing among voters, but his overall statistics still place him among the top contenders.
Another standout is Logan Gilbert of the Mariners. With a 2.96 ERA and a league-leading WHIP of 0.88, Gilbert has proven to be one of the toughest pitchers to hit against. He is second only to Lugo in innings pitched, underscoring his importance to the Mariners' rotation. Despite leading the league by ten games in June, the Mariners have stumbled dramatically since then, affecting Gilbert’s chances to shine in a team context.
Meanwhile, Corbin Burnes of the Brewers, a former Cy Young winner, has put up solid numbers with a 12-5 record and a 3.10 ERA. Burnes has struck out 144 batters in 153 2/3 innings but has struggled this month with a dismal 9.00 ERA over his three starts. Consistency will be key for Burnes if he hopes to remain in the running.
The bullpen has its standout as well, with Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians making an impressive case. Clase has successfully converted 37 of 40 save opportunities, showcasing incredible poise under pressure. His 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings present a compelling argument for his consideration.
The Contenders to Watch
Framber Valdez of the Astros has had another strong season, compiling a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. While these numbers are commendable, Valdez will need to continue performing at a high level to sway voters his way.
Red Sox ace Chris Sale also demands attention, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. Despite these accolades, Sale's innings pitched are not among the top 10, which might factor into voters' decisions.
On the flip side, Logan Webb of the Giants has displayed endurance, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. With an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA, Webb is a workhorse who could appeal to voters who value durability and consistency.
Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler has also made his mark with a 12-5 record, an impressive 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. His overall performance places him squarely in the conversation for the Cy Young award.
Rookie sensation Paul Skenes has also been turning heads with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, amassing a commendable 4.0 WAR. Despite being a newcomer, Skenes' impact cannot be overlooked.
Hunter Greene of the Reds has a 9-4 record and a 2.83 ERA with an impressive 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. However, Greene leads the majors in hit batsmen and is currently grappling with an elbow injury, which could hinder his chances for the award.
Dark Horse Candidates
An intriguing storyline is the emergence of Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter in his first outing. Blanco has been solid with a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. His memorable debut and consistent performance might sway some voters.
Another player to watch is Reynaldo López, who boasts an impressive 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. López's effectiveness out of the bullpen has provided a vital lifeline for his team and injected some unpredictability into the Cy Young race.
As the 2024 season reaches its final stretch, the battle for the Cy Young award promises to be as unpredictable and thrilling as the games themselves. With a diverse pool of candidates each bringing unique strengths to the table, the final weeks will be crucial in determining who will emerge victorious and etch their name in baseball history.