The 2024 MLB season is approaching its final stretch, and the race for the prestigious Cy Young award remains intensely competitive. With just over five and a half weeks of regular-season play left, voters are set to rank the top five pitchers on their ballots this year, a method that promises to generate considerable debate and discussion among baseball enthusiasts.
Leading the charge for the American League is the Detroit Tigers' ace, Tarik Skubal. Skubal's 14-4 record stands out, but it's his dominance in various pitching metrics that truly sets him apart. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, and tops the AL in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate. Additionally, he boasts a commanding lead in Baseball Reference’s version of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and is at the top of FanGraphs’ leaderboard. Skubal has also set a new career high in innings pitched this season, a testament to his endurance and reliability on the mound. The Tigers, however, have struggled in games he hasn't started, reflecting a 44-56 record without their star pitcher.
Then there's Seth Lugo, who has been a formidable presence for his team. Lugo has pitched 166 2/3 innings, achieving a 14-7 record with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Despite these impressive numbers, his recent performance has raised some concerns; Lugo has posted a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. Consistency will be key if Lugo hopes to remain in the Cy Young conversation.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners is another strong contender, sporting a 2.96 ERA and leading the league with a 0.88 WHIP. Gilbert is only second to Lugo in innings pitched. However, the Mariners, who once held a ten-game lead in June, have seen a dramatic stumble in their performance, which could impact Gilbert’s chances at the award.
Corbin Burnes, with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, remains a significant figure in the race. Although, a recent slump, evidenced by a 9.00 ERA in his last three starts this month, could jeopardize his standing.
Emmanuel Clase’s statistics also command attention. Clase has secured 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, maintaining a stellar 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and racking up 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. These numbers paint a picture of a closer at the peak of his game, a player who could sway voters with his exceptional performance in crucial game moments.
Framber Valdez adds to the mix with his 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Valdez’s consistency has been a cornerstone for his team, making him a worthy Cy Young candidate.
Meanwhile, Chris Sale stands out for leading the league in multiple categories including wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. However, Sale's detractors might point to the fact that he isn't in the top 10 in innings pitched, potentially weakening his case.
Logan Webb leads the league in innings pitched with 164 2/3 under his belt. His record stands at 11-8 with a 3.17 ERA, further punctuating his role as a workhorse for his team this season.
Zack Wheeler’s performance is also noteworthy; with a 12-5 record, a remarkable 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, he represents another top-tier Cy Young contender, consistently delivering quality starts.
Rising star Paul Skenes has managed to catch attention with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, culminating in a 4.0 WAR. His impressive performances have positioned him as a significant contender, and with further development, he could soon become a household name in MLB.
Hunter Greene’s season has been a rollercoaster. Greene sits at a 9-4 record with a 2.83 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, though he leads the majors in hit batsmen and is currently dealing with an elbow injury that might affect his status in the race.
Lastly, Ronel Blanco made a significant impact with a no-hitter in his first outing. Blanco holds a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and has struck out 130 over 134 innings. Reynaldo López, with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, rounds out a list of pitchers worth mentioning for their outstanding contributions this season.
As the season winds down, the battle for the Cy Young award remains as unpredictable as ever. Each of these pitchers has made compelling arguments through their performances, and it will be fascinating to see who ultimately emerges victorious when the votes are tallied. For now, baseball fans can only marvel at the elite talent that has graced the mound this year.