As the 2024 MLB season approaches its final stretch, the race for the Cy Young award remains intensely competitive. With just over five and a half weeks left in the regular season, voters are preparing to rank their top five pitchers on their ballots, and several arms are making strong cases for the prestigious honor.
Tarik Skubal’s Exceptional Season
Leading the charge is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who has been nothing short of dominant this season. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, demonstrating his ability to stifle opposing offenses consistently. Additionally, he tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, further showcasing his prowess on the mound.
Skubal boasts an impressive record of 14-4 in his starts, a stark contrast to the Tigers' 44-56 record when he isn’t on the mound. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he has a commanding lead in Baseball Reference's version of WAR and also tops FanGraphs' leaderboard. Skubal has set a new career high in innings pitched this season, making his case even stronger for Cy Young consideration.
Key Contenders in the Mix
However, Skubal is not the only pitcher delivering stellar performances. Seth Lugo has turned in a solid campaign with 166 2/3 innings pitched and a record of 14-7. Lugo maintains a commendable 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, though his recent seven starts, which include a 5.24 ERA, might impact his standing among voters.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners is also having a standout season with a 2.96 ERA and league-leading 0.88 WHIP. Gilbert’s durability is evident as well, as he is second only to Lugo in innings pitched. However, the Mariners' dramatic stumble since June, despite holding a ten-game lead earlier, has raised some doubts about their overall performance.
Corbin Burnes, with a 12-5 record and a 3.10 ERA, has accumulated 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Yet, his recent struggles, including a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month, might influence his Cy Young candidacy.
Outstanding Performances Across the League
Among relievers, Emmanuel Clase has been a force with 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. Clase has maintained a minuscule 0.63 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP, striking out 49 batters in 57 1/3 innings—a remarkable feat in the closer role.
Framber Valdez has shown consistency with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, Chris Sale remains a significant figure, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. Despite not being in the top 10 in innings pitched, Sale’s dominance is clear.
Logan Webb, the league leader in innings pitched with 164 2/3, has compiled an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA, underscoring his workhorse mentality and effectiveness.
Rising Stars and Challenges
Zack Wheeler’s consistent performance, reflected in his 12-5 record, 2.72 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, makes him another contender for the Cy Young award. Paul Skenes has also been impressive with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, posting a solid 4.0 WAR.
Hunter Greene, despite leading the majors in hit batsmen, has a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. However, his season is currently clouded by an elbow injury, which may affect his Cy Young chances.
In a remarkable feat, Ronel Blanco threw a no-hitter in his first outing, and his season stats include a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Reynaldo López has also made a significant impact with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings pitched.
As the season winds down, these pitchers will have a few more opportunities to make their final case for the Cy Young award. With so many exceptional performances, the voters will have their work cut out for them in deciding who deserves the honor in 2024.