The 2024 Major League Baseball season is approaching its climax, and the race for the coveted Cy Young Award is as intense as ever. With just over five and a half weeks of the season remaining, various pitchers are making strong cases to claim this prestigious accolade. The Cy Young Award voters will have a tough time ranking the top five pitchers on their ballots this year, given the fierce competition showcasing the best arms in the league.
Tarik Skubal Dominates AL Stats
Leading the charge is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who is putting up a phenomenal season. Skubal tops the majors with the lowest ERA and ERA+, while also dominating the American League (AL) in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate. With a stellar record of 14-4, Skubal significantly outshines his team's overall performance; the Tigers hold a poor 44-56 record in games where Skubal doesn’t start. Additionally, Skubal boasts a commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's and FanGraphs' versions of Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Significantly, Skubal has set a new career high in innings pitched for the season and has recently taken his last turn on normal rest, marking a crucial milestone in his career. His impressive stats certainly position him as a top contender for the Cy Young Award.
Seth Lugo’s Strong Season Marred by Recent Slump
Seth Lugo of the San Diego Padres is another top performer, having pitched 166 2/3 innings with a 3.02 ERA and an impressive 1.09 WHIP. However, Lugo's recent form raises concerns; he has struggled with a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. Despite this dip, his record stands strong at 14-7, showing his resilience throughout the season.
Logan Gilbert and the Mariners’ Midseason Collapse
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners is making waves with a 2.96 ERA and the best WHIP in the league at 0.88. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched this season. Nevertheless, the Mariners' dramatic midseason collapse—after leading by ten games in June—paints a stark picture, potentially affecting Gilbert's overall candidacy.
Corbin Burnes’ Mixed Bag
Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers has also had a noteworthy season with a record of 12-5, 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, and a 3.10 ERA. However, his form has dipped this month, posting an alarming 9.00 ERA in his last three starts. Such erratic performance could influence voters' perception of his Cy Young worthiness.
Closers and Starters Shining Alike
Among relievers, Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians stands out with 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, an astonishing 0.63 ERA, and a 0.66 WHIP in 57 1/3 innings. His dominance in the closing role will undoubtedly warrant some consideration.
The Houston Astros' Framber Valdez has also had an impressive campaign, boasting a record of 13-5, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Chris Sale remains a pivotal figure, leading in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, though he falls outside the top 10 in innings pitched—a metric that might hinder his Cy Young pursuit.
Consistency and Special Milestones
Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants leads the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched, showing remarkable durability. Webb holds an 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA, solidifying his consistency throughout the season.
Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies could also make a significant impact in the Cy Young race with a record of 12-5, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and a remarkable 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
Rookies and Comebacks
Rookie sensation Paul Skenes has put up an impressive 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in just 98 innings, accumulating a 4.0 WAR. His rapid rise showcases a bright future ahead. Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds, despite dealing with an elbow injury, has achieved a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. However, leading the majors in hit batsmen might affect his standing. Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros made headlines by throwing a no-hitter in his first outing and currently holds a commendable 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Meanwhile, Reynaldo López has quietly put together a stellar season with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings.
With an array of talented pitchers all making compelling cases, this year’s Cy Young voting promises to be one of the most challenging and intriguing in recent memory. Each candidate has demonstrated moments of brilliance and resilience, ensuring that the final rankings will be scrutinized for years to come.