Major League Baseball's 2024 Cy Young Race Heats Up
Major League Baseball's 2024 Cy Young Race Heats Up
With the 2024 MLB season nearing its conclusion, the competition for the coveted Cy Young award remains intense, as several pitchers are making strong cases for the prestigious honor. As voters prepare to rank pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, the debate over who should take home the title is more fervent than ever.
Skubal's Dominant Season
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has been a standout performer this season. Leading the majors in ERA and ERA+, Skubal also tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. His impressive 14-4 record speaks volumes about his performance on the mound. The Tigers' struggles without him, holding a 44-56 record in games where he doesn't start, further underscore his value to the team.
Skubal's dominance extends to advanced metrics, where he has a commanding lead in Baseball Reference's version of WAR as well as FanGraphs' leaderboard. Notably, he has set a new career high in innings pitched this season, although he has taken his last turn on normal rest this season.
Challenges for Other Contenders
Seth Lugo of the San Diego Padres has also made a significant impact, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record. Lugo's 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP highlight his consistency throughout the season. However, his recent performance has shown signs of wear, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. This recent dip might affect his chances.
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners is another pitcher to watch. With a 2.96 ERA and a league-leading 0.88 WHIP, Gilbert has been exceptional, second only to Lugo in innings pitched. However, the Mariners' dramatic stumble since holding a ten-game lead in June may overshadow Gilbert's individual brilliance.
Burnes' and Clase's Campaigns
Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers has a solid 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Yet, his 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month casts a shadow over his otherwise strong season.
In the bullpen, Emmanuel Clase has been virtually unhittable, converting 37 out of 40 save opportunities. With a microscopic 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings, Clase’s performance as a closer is stellar, making him a dark horse in the Cy Young race, traditionally dominated by starters.
Valdez, Sale, Webb, and Wheeler
Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros also merits consideration with a 13-5 record, 3.20 ERA, and 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings.
Chris Sale's impressive statistics cannot be ignored. He leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, although his absence from the top 10 in innings pitched might detract from his case.
The San Francisco Giants’ Logan Webb holds the league lead with 164 2/3 innings pitched and has amassed an 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA, proving his durability and effectiveness throughout the season.
Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies boasts an impressive 12-5 record, 2.72 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, demonstrating consistency and dominance on the mound.
Rookies and Rising Stars
Paul Skenes, in his rookie season, has delivered a notable performance with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, recording a 4.0 WAR. His impressive numbers put him in the conversation, despite fewer innings pitched compared to other contenders.
Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds, with his 9-4 record, 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, also stands out. Although currently affected by an elbow injury and leading the majors in hit batsmen, his impact when healthy has been significant.
Ronel Blanco's no-hitter in his first outing set the tone for a remarkable season, where he has a 9-6 record, 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. His early success has made a lasting impression.
Reynaldo López, with his 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, continues to prove his reliability and skill, adding depth to this year’s pool of Cy Young candidates.
As the final weeks of the season approach, the Cy Young race continues to be a compelling narrative, with each pitcher's remaining performances likely to play a decisive role in the final voting.
