The 2024 MLB season is rapidly approaching its final stretch, and the competition for the coveted Cy Young award is heating up, with just over five and a half weeks remaining. This season stands out due to the impressive performances of several pitchers across the league, each making a compelling case for the prestigious honor.
Tarik Skubal's Dominance in the AL
Leading the majors in ERA and ERA+, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has emerged as a frontrunner for the Cy Young award. Skubal has also established dominance within the American League, topping the charts in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate. With a 14-4 record, he has proven to be a potent force on the mound. The Tigers' overall performance starkly contrasts in games where Skubal doesn't start, holding a 44-56 record.
Skubal's consistency is highlighted by his lead in Baseball Reference’s version of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and FanGraphs' leaderboard. He has also achieved a new career high in innings pitched, capping off an impressive season. However, Skubal has taken his last turn on normal rest this year, which makes his final numbers even more significant.
Notable Performances Across the League
The competition isn't limited to Skubal. Seth Lugo has had a remarkable season as well, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a solid 14-7 record and a 3.02 ERA. However, Lugo's recent form has raised concerns, as he has posted a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners has also placed himself in the spotlight with a 2.96 ERA and a league-best WHIP of 0.88. Although the Mariners held a ten-game lead in June, their dramatic stumble since then has overshadowed Gilbert's individual success. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched.
The National League Contenders
In the National League, Corbin Burnes of the Brewers has compiled a 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Burnes, however, has struggled this month, posting a 9.00 ERA in his last three starts.
Emmanuel Clase has been stellar in the closing role, converting 37 out of 40 save opportunities and maintaining a microscopic 0.63 ERA and 0.66 WHIP, complemented by 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings.
Framber Valdez adds to the list of candidates with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, Chris Sale has been spectacular, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, despite not ranking in the top 10 in innings pitched.
Additional Contenders and Performances
Logan Webb's durability has been his hallmark this season, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. Webb has a respectable 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA. Zack Wheeler has also been formidable on the mound, boasting a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP, along with 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
Rookie sensation Paul Skenes has made quite an impact with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, posting an impressive 4.0 WAR. Hunter Greene has showcased his talent with a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, although he leads the majors in hit batsmen and is currently nursing an elbow injury.
Ronel Blanco burst onto the scene with a no-hitter in his first outing and has maintained a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Reynaldo López has also had a stellar year, recording a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings.
This year's Cy Young race is marked by a blend of dominant pitching, breakout stars, and seasoned veterans, each with a unique story contributing to their compelling campaigns. As the season narrows to its final games, these pitchers will be keenly aware that every inning matters in their pursuit of baseball's highest pitching honor.