The 2024 MLB season is edging towards its final act, and the race for the prestigious Cy Young award is as heated as ever. With just over five and a half weeks left in the regular season, a host of pitchers have staked their claims, each making compelling cases for why they should be awarded baseball's highest pitching honor. This year, voters will rank pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, adding an extra wrinkle to the selection process.
Standout Performances
Leading the charge in the American League is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal has been nothing short of sensational, topping the majors in both ERA and ERA+. He also leads the AL in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate, showcasing his dominance across multiple pitching metrics. With a sterling record of 14-4, Skubal has been a beacon of consistency for a Tigers team that struggles when he's not on the mound, evidenced by their 44-56 record in games he doesn’t start. His commanding lead in WAR, according to both Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, further cements his place as a frontrunner.
Skubal's excellence is underscored by his career-high in innings pitched this season, indicating his durability and reliability. However, he's now taken his last turn on normal rest for the season, a factor that may influence voters' perceptions given the stretch run's critical importance.
Contenders in the Mix
Over in San Diego, Seth Lugo has been putting up a strong case himself, hurling 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record, a 3.02 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. However, Lugo has encountered some turbulence of late, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. This recent form dip might be a crucial factor come voting time.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners is another formidable contender, boasting a 2.96 ERA and leading the league with an impressive 0.88 WHIP. Second in innings pitched only to Lugo, Gilbert’s performance would typically be a central storyline. However, the Mariners' mid-season collapse after holding a ten-game lead in June may overshadow his individual achievements.
Corbin Burnes has also been noteworthy with a 12-5 record accompanied by a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Despite his strong overall stats, Burnes has struggled recently, evident from a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month. His late-season performance could significantly impact his Cy Young chances.
Relievers Aiming for Recognition
The Cy Young race isn't solely a starters' affair. Emmanuel Clase is making a strong case from the bullpen, amassing 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, with an astonishing 0.63 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP over 57 1/3 innings. His 49 strikeouts add another layer to his dominance, making him one of the most effective closers in the league.
More Names to Watch
Framber Valdez has been quietly effective for the Astros, posting a 13-5 record with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, Chris Sale stands out in several key categories, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. However, his absence from the top 10 in innings pitched might be a downside come voting time.
Logan Webb leads all pitchers with 164 2/3 innings under his belt, paired with an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA. Zack Wheeler's remarkable season includes a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, making him another strong candidate.
Youngster Paul Skenes, although with a modest 7-2 record, boasts a stellar 2.30 ERA and 121 strikeouts in just 98 innings, backed by a solid 4.0 WAR. His limited innings might work against him, but his performance is hard to ignore.
Hunter Greene, despite leading the majors in hit batsmen, has put together a commendable season with a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts over 143 1/3 innings. However, an elbow injury could impact his Cy Young case.
Ronel Blanco grabbed headlines with a no-hitter in his first outing and has since compiled a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts over 134 innings.
Finally, Reynaldo López quietly boasts a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, providing a stable force from the mound.
The diversity of pitching talent and accomplishments this season makes the 2024 Cy Young race one of the most competitive in recent memory. As the season draws to a close, each of these pitchers will be making their final bids to sway the voters in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the year.