The Race for the Cy Young: A 2024 MLB Season Recap
The Race for the Cy Young: A 2024 MLB Season Recap
As the 2024 MLB season approaches its final stretch, the battle for the prestigious Cy Young award is intensifying. With just over five and a half weeks remaining, several pitchers are making strong cases for why they should be considered the best in the business this year.
Tarik Skubal: Leading the Pack
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has emerged as a front-runner, leading the majors in ERA and ERA+. Skubal also tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, boasting an impressive 14-4 record. Despite the Tigers' overall struggles—holding just a 44-56 record in games that Skubal hasn't started—Skubal has been a beacon of excellence. His commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's and FanGraphs' WAR leaderboards further cements his dominance this season. Having set a new career high in innings pitched and taken his last turn on normal rest this season, Skubal's contributions can't be overstated.
Challenges and Contenders
However, the competition remains stiff. Seth Lugo, having pitched 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record, shows consistency with his 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Yet, a recent downturn—posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts—may threaten his standing.
The Seattle Mariners’ Logan Gilbert is another significant contender, maintaining a 2.96 ERA and leading the league with a 0.88 WHIP. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched, making him a reliable innings eater and a key player for the Mariners, who despite holding a ten-game lead in June, have stumbled significantly since.
Corbin Burnes and Other National League Highlights
Turning to the National League, Corbin Burnes presents a strong case with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts over 153 2/3 innings. However, Burnes has struggled recently, allowing a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month, potentially weakening his bid for the Cy Young.
Emmanuel Clase, often dominating from the bullpen, has an exceptional 0.63 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP, accumulating 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. His 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings demonstrate his efficiency and reliability in closing games.
Framber Valdez is also in the discussion with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings pitched. Additionally, Logan Webb’s robust performance of 11-8 with a 3.17 ERA over a league-leading 164 2/3 innings keeps him in the spotlight.
American League Stalwarts
Chris Sale continues to astound, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. Despite not ranking in the top 10 for innings pitched, Sale's dominance is unquestionable, making him a strong candidate for yet another Cy Young award.
Zack Wheeler is another pitcher worth noting. With a 12-5 record, a stellar 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, Wheeler’s resilience and consistency shine brightly.
Paul Skenes and Hunter Greene further add depth to the competition. Skenes, posting a 7-2 record with a 2.30 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, has accumulated a notable 4.0 WAR. Greene, despite leading the majors in hit batsmen, maintains an impressive 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. However, an elbow injury currently sidelines him, casting doubt on his chances.
Remarkable Performance and Future Promises
One of the season’s most remarkable moments was Ronel Blanco’s no-hitter in his first outing, contributing to his 9-6 record and a 2.89 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Reynaldo López’s strong performance with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings also can’t be ignored.
As the season winds down, these extraordinary pitchers provide plenty of storylines for baseball aficionados. The final weeks of the season will be crucial, as every pitch, strikeout, and decision could sway the votes for who will ultimately take home the Cy Young award. Given the current standings and performances, there is no shortage of deserving candidates, each bringing their own flair and strengths to the mound.
