The race for the 2024 Cy Young award is in high gear as the MLB season heads into its final stretch. With just over five and a half weeks of play remaining, several pitchers are making compelling cases, fueled by stellar performances and eye-popping statistics.
Skubal's Dominance
Leading the conversation is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal commands attention with his league-best ERA and ERA+. The left-hander isn't just leading in one category; he tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, making him a formidable presence on the mound. Although Skubal's individual record stands at an impressive 14-4, the Tigers have struggled overall, holding a 44-56 record when he isn't pitching. Skubal’s war figures prominently in both Baseball Reference's and FanGraphs' leaderboards, showcasing his value to the team. Remarkably, he has set a new career high in innings pitched this season.
Other Contenders
Meanwhile, Seth Lugo has made his mark, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record. Lugo’s 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP are commendable, but a recent slump shows his vulnerabilities; he has posted a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts.
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners also deserves mention. Gilbert has a 2.96 ERA and leads the league with a 0.88 WHIP. Second only to Lugo in innings pitched, he has been a consistent performer. However, the Mariners have seen a considerable dip in their form, stumbling dramatically after holding a ten-game lead in June.
Corbin Burnes, with a 12-5 record and a 3.10 ERA, has showcased his skill with 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Yet, Burnes has struggled recently, evidenced by a 9.00 ERA in his last three starts this month.
Emmanuel Clase brings a different flavor to the race with his 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. His microscopic 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings make him a lockdown option in the bullpen.
Veterans and New Faces
Framber Valdez has a 13-5 record along with a 3.20 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. While Valdez's stats are solid, they highlight the depth of competition this year. Chris Sale is another name making waves. The veteran pitcher leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and even FanGraphs' WAR. However, his absence from the top 10 in innings pitched might hurt his candidacy. On the other side, younger talent like Paul Skenes demonstrates the future potential within the league. Skenes boasts a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in just 98 innings, earning a notable 4.0 WAR.
Injuries and Milestones
Hunter Greene has caught attention with his 9-4 record and 2.83 ERA, along with 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Leading the majors in hit batsmen, Greene’s aggressive pitching style comes with risks. Currently, he is dealing with an elbow injury, which could impact his performance down the stretch.
Logan Webb stands out for leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. His 11-8 record combined with a 3.17 ERA illustrates his reliability and endurance, traits highly valued in the Cy Young consideration. Zack Wheeler is another top pitcher vying for the award. With a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, Wheeler showcases a blend of control and power.
In a season filled with notable performances, Ronel Blanco delivered a memorable moment by throwing a no-hitter in his first outing. Accumulating a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings, Blanco’s rookie achievements may garner attention but might fall short in the Cy Young race. Lastly, Reynaldo López, with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, quietly makes his case with a strong ERA but fewer innings pitched compared to other contenders. With such a crowded field of accomplished pitchers, the Cy Young race promises to be one of the most exciting storylines as the 2024 MLB season draws to a close. Each contender brings unique strengths, making the voters' job particularly challenging this year.