With just over five and a half weeks remaining in the 2024 MLB season, the race for the illustrious Cy Young Award is heating up. Among the leading contenders is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, whose stellar performance this season has made him a strong favorite. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, and his success doesn't stop there. He also tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, boasting a commendable 14-4 record.
Skubal's dominance is further highlighted by the Tigers' less impressive 44-56 record in games he hasn't started. His consistent excellence has translated into a commanding lead in Baseball Reference's version of WAR and FanGraphs' leaderboard. Notably, Skubal has set a new career high in innings pitched and recently took his last turn on normal rest for the season, underlining his durability and reliability.
Close Competition
Despite Skubal's impressive stats, the Cy Young competition remains stiff. Seth Lugo, for example, has pitched 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record, a 3.02 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. However, Lugo's recent form has been shaky, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, which could impact his chances.
Another strong contender is Logan Gilbert, who has a 2.96 ERA and leads the league in WHIP at 0.88. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched, further showcasing his endurance this season. Yet the Mariners' dramatic stumble since their ten-game lead in June might affect his overall consideration.
Standout Performances
Corbin Burnes also enters the conversation with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. His recent form, a concerning 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month, could be a stumbling block. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Clase shines brightly in the bullpen with 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, complemented by an outstanding 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings.
Framber Valdez and Chris Sale add depth to the roster of pitching talent this season. Valdez has a solid 13-5 record with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Sale, on the other hand, leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, though his innings pitched fall outside the top 10.
Warriors on the Mound
Logan Webb and Zack Wheeler round out an elite group of hurlers. Webb leads the league in innings pitched with 164 2/3 innings, maintaining an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA. Wheeler, a consistent force, has a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
Paul Skenes and Hunter Greene also merit attention for their notable seasons. Skenes has achieved a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, posting a 4.0 WAR. Greene has battled an elbow injury but still boasts a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. He leads the majors in hit batsmen, a testament to his aggressive pitching style.
Breakthroughs and Challenges
Ronel Blanco's season is marked by a remarkable no-hitter in his first outing. He has compiled a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Reynaldo López, with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, has also had a season to remember.
As the final weeks of the season approach, the Cy Young race remains one of the most compelling storylines to follow. With standout performances and competitive spirit in abundance, the ultimate winner will be determined by those who can maintain their excellence under the pressure of the season's close.