The 2024 MLB season is on the cusp of winding down, and while team performances have had their fair share of ups and downs, attention is now squarely on the competition for the coveted Cy Young award. This year, the award sees more intense competition than usual, with just over five and a half weeks remaining in the regular season.
Standout Performances in the American League
Leading the charge in the American League is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal's dominance is underscored by his leading stats in ERA, ERA+, strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. With a sterling record of 14-4, Skubal has undeniably been a beacon of hope for the Tigers, who hold a 44-56 record in games where Skubal does not start. Adding to his accolades, Skubal commands the leaderboard in Baseball Reference's version of WAR and also tops FanGraphs' leaderboard. As he wraps up his final season on normal rest, Skubal has set a new personal best in innings pitched, clearly showcasing his tenacity and endurance.
Meanwhile, Seth Lugo, another prominent AL pitcher, has also put forth an impressive season by logging 166 2/3 innings and maintaining a 14-7 record. Lugo's season ERA stands at 3.02 with a WHIP of 1.09, but his recent form has been shaky with a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. This inconsistency might affect voters' final decisions.
Logan Gilbert’s performance cannot be overlooked either. With a 2.96 ERA and the league’s best WHIP at 0.88, Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched. However, despite the Seattle Mariners' strong start with a ten-game lead in June, they have dramatically stumbled since then, impacting Gilbert’s chances for the award.
Chris Sale, who leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs’ WAR, is a strong contender as well. Nevertheless, his standing could be slightly marred by not being in the top 10 in innings pitched this season.
National League's Heavyweights
In the National League, Corbin Burnes remains a prominent figure with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Despite these solid numbers, his performance this month has notably dipped, with a 9.00 ERA over three starts, raising questions about whether voters will weigh his recent troubles more heavily.
Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler has bolstered his Cy Young candidacy with a superb season featuring a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. Wheeler’s consistent excellence may give him an edge as the voting period nears.
Young sensation Paul Skenes has also made a significant impact in his rookie season, boasting a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings. Skenes has amassed a 4.0 WAR, highlighting his value in his debut season.
Hunter Greene’s campaign is equally noteworthy, with a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and an impressive 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. However, Greene’s role as the league leader in hit batsmen and his current elbow injury might influence voters’ perceptions.
Dark Horses
Emmanuel Clase has been nothing short of a revelation in relief pitching with 37 saves out of 40 save opportunities. Clase’s statistics are dazzling, featuring a minuscule 0.63 ERA and 0.66 WHIP, along with 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. His performance brings a unique storyline to the Cy Young race from the bullpen.
Framber Valdez continues to be a pillar for his team with a record of 13-5, maintaining a 3.20 ERA and a WHIP of 1.14 over 137 2/3 innings. Valdez’s consistency and reliability might make him a sleeper pick in the competition.
Ronel Blanco, who made headlines by throwing a no-hitter in his first outing, holds a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Blanco’s remarkable entry into MLB could sway some opinions.
Reynaldo López, although less heralded, deserves acknowledgment for his outstanding 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, offering another strong but less publicized candidate in the crowded Cy Young field.
Innings Eaters
Logan Webb is a workhorse, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched while managing an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA. His ability to consistently provide innings might resonate with voters looking for steadfast durability.
As the 2024 season hurtles towards its conclusion, the race for the Cy Young award is poised to be one of the most compelling and tightly contested in recent memory. With a diverse array of candidates from seasoned veterans to sensational rookies and steadfast relievers, voters face a challenging task in selecting the top five pitchers on their ballots.