Cy Young Race Heats Up as 2024 MLB Season Winds Down
Cy Young Race Heats Up as 2024 MLB Season Winds Down
As the 2024 MLB season approaches its dramatic conclusion, the competition for the coveted Cy Young Award is reaching a fever pitch. With just over five and a half weeks left in the regular season, several pitchers have emerged as frontrunners, each making a strong case for why they deserve to be recognized as the best pitcher in baseball.
Skubal's Dominance
Leading the pack is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who has been nothing short of phenomenal this year. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, key indicators of a pitcher's effectiveness. He tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching), and strikeout rate, underlining his dominance on the mound. With a record of 14-4, he has provided a rare bright spot for a Tigers team that struggles when he isn't starting, holding a 44-56 record in non-Skubal starts.
Adding to his impressive résumé, Skubal has a commanding lead in Baseball Reference's version of WAR (Wins Above Replacement) as well as on FanGraphs’ leaderboard. He has also set a new career high in innings pitched this season, solidifying his place as a workhorse in the Tigers' rotation.
Close Contenders
While Skubal sets the pace, several other pitchers are making their mark. Logan Gilbert of the Mariners has been exceptional, posting a 2.96 ERA and leading the league in WHIP at 0.88. Gilbert ranks second only to Seth Lugo in innings pitched, although the Mariners have seen a significant decline since June when they had a ten-game lead.
Seth Lugo, with 166 2/3 innings under his belt, maintains a 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Despite a recent rough patch, where he posted a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, Lugo’s season record stands strong at 14-7.
Corbin Burnes of the Brewers also merits attention. Though he recently struggled with a 9.00 ERA in three starts this month, his overall numbers—12-5 record, 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings—are impressive.
Outstanding Relievers
In the bullpen, Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians has been a game-changer. With 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, a minuscule 0.63 ERA, and a WHIP of 0.66, Clase has been nearly untouchable, striking out 49 batters over 57 1/3 innings.
Valdez’s Value
Framber Valdez has also had a notable season. With a record of 13-5, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings, Valdez has been a key player for his team, contributing consistently throughout the year.
Giants and Phillies Standouts
Logan Webb of the Giants leads the league in innings pitched with 164 2/3, boasting an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA. Webb's durability and consistency make him a cornerstone of the Giants' rotation.
Zack Wheeler of the Phillies also shines, with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP. Wheeler's 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings demonstrate his ability to overpower hitters.
Rising Stars and Veteran Presence
Paul Skenes is a rising star, showcasing a 7-2 record, a dominant 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts over 98 innings, contributing a notable 4.0 WAR in his young career.
Hunter Greene offers a mixed bag of brilliance and concern. Leading the majors in hit batsmen, Greene has a 9-4 record with a 2.83 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. However, an elbow injury currently sidelines him, raising questions about his durability.
Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter in his first outing, has followed up with a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. His early spark has translated into consistent performance throughout the season.
Reynaldo López continues to impress with a sterling 2.06 ERA over 104 2/3 innings, adding depth and reliability to his team’s pitching staff.
Sale’s Strikeouts
Among these competitive contenders, Chris Sale stands out, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. However, his omission from the top 10 in innings pitched might weigh against him in the final voting.
As the season enters its final stretch, the race for the Cy Young Award remains wide open. Each of these pitchers has exhibited excellence, and it will be the voters’ difficult task to rank them 1-5 on their ballots. With several outstanding candidates and strong closing performances likely to sway opinions, this year's Cy Young race promises to go down to the wire.
