The 2024 MLB season is nearing its conclusion, and the race for the prestigious Cy Young award remains highly competitive. With just over five and a half weeks left to play, several pitchers are making compelling cases for consideration. Voters this year will face the formidable task of ranking pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, a testament to the tightly contested race.
An MVP-Like Performance from Tarik Skubal
Leading the pack is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who has had an outstanding season. Skubal tops Major League Baseball with his ERA and ERA+, indicators of his dominant pitching. Furthermore, he leads the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, showcasing his all-around superiority on the mound.
Skubal’s record of 14-4 is further bolstered by his commanding presence in advanced metrics; he leads both Baseball Reference's and FanGraphs' WAR leaderboards. Notably, Skubal has set a new career high in innings pitched, even though he has taken his last turn on normal rest for the season. His contributions are underscored by the Tigers' less-than-stellar 44-56 record in games where he doesn’t start, highlighting his crucial role in the team's performance.
Consistent Excellence from Seth Lugo
Another strong contender for the Cy Young award is Seth Lugo, who has pitched a commendable 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record. Lugo’s 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP attest to his reliability throughout the season. However, his recent form has been a bit concerning, as he’s posted a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts.
Logan Gilbert’s Surge
Logan Gilbert has also emerged as a significant player in this year's Cy Young race. With a 2.96 ERA and a league-leading WHIP of 0.88, Gilbert has been a consistent force. He ranks second only to Lugo in innings pitched, demonstrating his durability and effectiveness.
His team, the Mariners, seemed poised for a remarkable season when they enjoyed a ten-game lead in June. Unfortunately, they have stumbled dramatically since then, but Gilbert's individual performance remains a bright spot.
Other Notable Contenders
Corbin Burnes, a stalwart for years, has put together another strong campaign with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. However, Burnes has struggled recently, posting a 9.00 ERA in his last three starts, which may hurt his chances.
Emmanuel Clase has been practically unhittable, converting 37 out of 40 save opportunities with a minuscule 0.63 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP. His 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings are impressive for a closer, making him one of the best in the business.
Valdez and Sale’s Contributions
Framber Valdez has continued to excel with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP. Chris Sale, who leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, has not been lesser by any means. While Sale isn't in the top 10 in innings pitched, his overall impact on the mound is undeniable.
Emerging Threats and Injuries
Logan Webb has been a workhorse, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. His 11-8 record and 3.17 ERA make him another name to watch. Zack Wheeler's 12-5 record, 2.72 ERA, and 0.98 WHIP, along with his 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, also put him in the conversation for the Cy Young.
Some emerging names this season include Paul Skenes, who has a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, posting a solid 4.0 WAR. Hunter Greene, despite dealing with an elbow injury, has been stellar with a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Notably, Greene leads the majors in hit batsmen, indicating a willingness to challenge hitters inside.
Ronel Blanco pitched a no-hitter in his first outing and has maintained a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Reynaldo López has been another revelation with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings.
As the season draws to a close, the competition for the Cy Young award will likely intensify. Each of these pitchers has demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, making this one of the most exciting races in recent memory.