In an electrifying development in the baseball world, pitchers Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal have both secured their first-ever Cy Young Awards. This accolade serves as a testament to their stellar performances and career-defining achievements throughout the 2024 MLB season.
Chris Sale: A Veteran's Triumph
At 35, Chris Sale has finally captured the coveted Cy Young Award, a recognition that many believed was long overdue. A first-round draft pick in 2010, Sale's career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his Major League Baseball career as a reliever with the Chicago White Sox, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with on the mound. Between 2012 and 2018, Sale transformed from reliever to starter with great success, earning seven consecutive All-Star nods during this period.
Throughout these years, Sale maintained an impressive average season performance characterized by a 14-8 win-loss record, a 2.91 ERA, and 240 strikeouts over 198 innings. These statistics solidified his reputation as a consistent and reliable pitcher. However, Sale’s career was momentarily sidetracked by Tommy John surgery, which significantly impacted his playing time, limiting him to just nine starts in 2021 and two in 2022.
But Sale's resilience shone through with a comeback season in 2023, during which he made 20 starts, enough to reignite interest in his skills. His excellence on the field eventually led to a trade to the Atlanta Braves for the 2024 season, where he continued to exemplify his prowess. Winning the Cy Young Award at this stage in his career serves as a fitting reward for his perseverance and dedication to the game.
Tarik Skubal: Rising to Stardom
On the other side of the spectrum, Tarik Skubal's ascent to Cy Young Award recognition comes at a relatively early stage in his career. Currently pitching for the Detroit Tigers, Skubal first garnered attention as a promising prospect during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Like Sale, Skubal faced his own set of challenges, including a major setback in 2022 when he underwent flexor tendon surgery. Despite this, the left-hander rebounded robustly in the ensuing years.
The 2023 season saw Skubal achieve a 7-3 win-loss record paired with a 2.80 ERA over 80 ⅓ innings. However, it was in 2024 that Skubal truly made his mark. The young pitcher not only led the league in strikeouts and Wins Above Replacement (WAR) but also topped the American League in wins and ERA, boasting an exceptional 18-4 win-loss record and a 2.39 ERA. His ERA+ of 170 further underlined his dominance on the mound.
Skubal’s journey from a top prospect to a Cy Young Award-winning pitcher encapsulates his growth, skill, and determination. This accolade solidifies his status as a key player for the Tigers and a formidable opponent in the league.
A Celebratory Moment for the MLB
The successes of Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal transcend individual achievement, highlighting the rich diversity of pitching excellence in the MLB. Sale's award serves as an acknowledgment of his persistence and veteran mastery, while Skubal's victory cements his role as a rising star with significant potential.
Both pitchers have captivated fans and analysts alike with their unique stories and exceptional performances. As Sale continues to hone his craft with the Braves and Skubal further develops his career with the Tigers, the baseball community eagerly anticipates their futures — with many expecting more accolades to follow these landmark Cy Young wins.
In capturing these awards, Sale and Skubal join the ranks of elite pitchers who have left indelible marks on the game, setting the standard for excellence that others will undoubtedly strive to emulate in the seasons to come.