The 2024 MLB season is charging towards its grand finale, and with just over five and a half weeks remaining, the competition for the coveted Cy Young award is intensifying. This year, voters have the challenging task of ranking pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, a reflection of the extraordinary talent vying for the award.
Top Performers Emerges
Leading the charge is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who has been a standout this season. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, and boasts a commanding presence atop the AL in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. His record stands at an impressive 14-4, a stark contrast to the Tigers' overall 44-56 record in games where he hasn’t started. Notably, Skubal also holds a commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's version of WAR and FanGraphs' leaderboard. This season has seen Skubal set a new career high in innings pitched, making his mark as one of the most formidable pitchers in the league.
Seth Lugo has also made headlines, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record. His season ERA sits at a solid 3.02 with a 1.09 WHIP. However, Lugo's performance has seen a dip over his last seven starts, posting a 5.24 ERA in that span. Another strong contender, Logan Gilbert of the Mariners, maintains a 2.96 ERA and leads the league in WHIP at 0.88. Gilbert's consistency is evidenced by his second-place rank in innings pitched, just behind Lugo.
Competitive Landscape
The Mariners' season has been a tale of two halves. They held a commanding ten-game lead in June but have since stumbled, casting doubts on their postseason aspirations. Another pitcher to watch is Corbin Burnes, who has a 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. However, Burnes’ performance this month has been subpar, with a staggering 9.00 ERA in his three starts.
Relievers are also making their mark in this year’s race. Emmanuel Clase has been nearly flawless with 37 saves out of 40 save opportunities, showcasing a minuscule 0.63 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP. His dominance is further highlighted by his 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings.
Framber Valdez of the Astros is another name on voters' minds, with a 13-5 record and a 3.20 ERA over 137 2/3 innings. Not to be outdone, Chris Sale leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs’ WAR, although his innings pitched do not place him in the top 10.
Impressive Rookies and Resilient Veterans
Among the emerging talents, Paul Skenes has been a revelation. Boasting a 7-2 record with a 2.30 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, Skenes has posted an impressive 4.0 WAR this season, marking him as a future star. Another promising arm, Hunter Greene, holds a 9-4 record with a 2.83 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, even as he leads the majors in hit batsmen. Unfortunately, Greene is currently struggling with an elbow injury, adding uncertainty to his prospects.
Also noteworthy is Ronel Blanco, who threw a no-hitter in his first outing. His season record of 9-6 with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings underscores his potential. Meanwhile, Reynaldo López has quietly put together a remarkable campaign with a 2.06 ERA over 104 2/3 innings.
Looking Forward
With the season drawing to a close, the race for the Cy Young award embodies the intense competition and exceptional performances that define MLB. Each pitch, each inning, and each game will carry significant weight as these pitchers vie for recognition and supremacy. The coming weeks promise to offer thrilling baseball and memorable moments, as the best in the game continue to make their case for one of the sport's highest honors.