The culmination of the 2024 MLB season brings an intense battle for the prestigious Cy Young award. With just over five and a half weeks remaining, pitchers across the league are making their final bids for the coveted honor. Voters will rank their top five pitchers this year, and the competition is fierce, highlighting an array of standout performances from both seasoned veterans and emerging stars.
Standout Performers: Tarik Skubal’s Dominance
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has cemented his place as a front-runner for the Cy Young award. Leading the majors in ERA and ERA+, Skubal has been a beacon of consistency on the mound. His dominance extends to the American League, where he tops the charts in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. Boasting a 14-4 record, his impact on the Tigers is undeniable, given the team’s 44-56 record when he’s not the starting pitcher.
Skubal’s season has reached new heights as he sets a career high in innings pitched. He also leads in Baseball Reference's version of WAR and FanGraphs' leaderboard, further solidifying his claim to the Cy Young. However, having taken his last turn on normal rest, the Tigers will need to carefully manage his workload as the season draws to a close.
Challengers to Skubal
While Skubal stands out, several other pitchers have also made compelling cases. Seth Lugo has logged an impressive 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record and a 3.02 ERA. Despite a rocky stretch with a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, his overall contributions, including a 1.09 WHIP, keep him in the conversation.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners boasts a 2.96 ERA and leads the league with a 0.88 WHIP. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched. However, the Mariners’ dramatic stumble since their ten-game lead in June may hinder his Cy Young aspirations.
Corbin Burnes, another strong contender, holds a 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Yet, his recent 9.00 ERA over three starts in August raises questions about his endurance as the season wears on.
Consistent Relievers and Veterans
In the bullpen, Emmanuel Clase has been nothing short of sensational. With 37 saves out of 40 opportunities and a remarkable 0.63 ERA, Clase's contributions are pivotal for his team. His 0.66 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings exemplify his dominance in save situations.
Veteran pitchers have also made their mark. Framber Valdez’s 13-5 record, 3.20 ERA, and 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings reflect a season of reliable efficiency. Meanwhile, Chris Sale, despite not featuring in the top 10 for innings pitched, leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, showcasing his elite skills.
Rising Stars and Memorable Performances
Young talent like Paul Skenes and Hunter Greene is also shining brightly. Skenes holds a 7-2 record with a 2.30 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, highlighted by a 4.0 WAR, marking an impressive season. Greene, despite currently dealing with an elbow injury, has a 9-4 record, 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Notably, he leads the majors in hit batsmen, adding a unique aspect to his profile.
Ronel Blanco etched his name in the history books by throwing a no-hitter in his first outing. With a 9-6 record, 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings, Blanco’s debut season is one to remember. Reynaldo López has also been a revelation, boasting a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, demonstrating his value as a reliable arm.
As the season approaches its final stretch, the competition for the Cy Young award intensifies. With an array of remarkable performances and compelling narratives, the ultimate decision for voters will undeniably be challenging. Whether it's Skubal’s commanding presence, the consistency of veterans, or the promise shown by rising stars, this season will be remembered for its extraordinary pitching talents. The final weeks will determine who stands atop the mound as baseball’s best.