As the 2024 MLB season reaches its climax, the race for the prestigious Cy Young award intensifies. Voters are poised to rank their choices on a 1-5 scale, but with just over five and a half weeks remaining, the competition remains wide open.
One of the standout pitchers this season has been Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal has emerged as a dominant force, leading the majors in ERA and ERA+. Additionally, he tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. His impressive record of 14-4 speaks volumes, especially when contrasted with the Tigers' 44-56 record in games where Skubal hasn’t taken to the mound. Notably, Skubal has a commanding lead in Baseball Reference's version of WAR and sits atop FanGraphs' leaderboard as well. With his last start on normal rest this season and a new career high in innings pitched, Skubal's contributions have been monumental.
However, Skubal isn’t the only pitcher making headlines. Seth Lugo has also enjoyed a standout season, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record. While his 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP are commendable, Lugo has struggled in recent outings, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. Logan Gilbert, with a 2.96 ERA and league-leading WHIP of 0.88, has been another key contender. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched, painting a picture of endurance and consistency.
But it's not all rosy for all pitchers. Corbin Burnes, despite holding a solid 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA, has faltered recently, recording a 9.00 ERA in his last three starts. This downturn could significantly impact his Cy Young candidacy.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Clase has showcased remarkable prowess as a closer with 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. Clase's 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings underscore his dominance in tight situations.
Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros has also been impressive, with a 13-5 record, 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Chris Sale, who leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, has nonetheless failed to rank in the top 10 for innings pitched, an anomaly for such a highly decorated pitcher.
On the other hand, Logan Webb has been a workhorse for the Giants, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. His 11-8 record and 3.17 ERA highlight his resilience and effectiveness. Zack Wheeler has also put forth a sterling season, boasting a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
In a promising rookie season, Paul Skenes has posted a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, contributing a significant 4.0 WAR. Hunter Greene’s 9-4 record, 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings have been compelling, despite leading the majors in hit batsmen and currently being hampered by an elbow injury.
Furthermore, Ronel Blanco's remarkable performance has also drawn attention, particularly after throwing a no-hitter in his first outing. Blanco has compiled a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings, showcasing his potential. Reynaldo López has quietly been effective with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, making him a reliable asset.
The drama of the season isn't confined to individual accolades. The Seattle Mariners' season has been a rollercoaster, from holding a ten-game lead in June to a dramatic stumble as the season progressed. Such team dynamics add another layer of complexity to the Cy Young race as voters consider the broader context in which these pitchers have performed.
As we enter the final stretch of the 2024 MLB season, the various contenders will need to maintain their form and perhaps even dial it up a notch to solidify their claims. Whether it's the gritty endurance of Tarik Skubal or the closing prowess of Emmanuel Clase, each player brings a unique narrative to an awards race full of intrigue and high stakes.