Skubal's Stellar Season Earns Cy Young Honors
In a season that can only be described as iconic, Detroit Tigers' pitcher Tarik Skubal's performance on the mound was nothing short of exceptional, culminating in his receipt of the 2024 American League Cy Young Award. Skubal, the undisputed ace of the Tigers' rotation, captivated voters from start to finish, securing all 30 first-place votes in the Baseball Writers Association of America balloting, an emphatic endorsement of his dominance throughout the season.
Skubal's 2024 campaign saw him amass an impressive 18-4 record, leading the American League with a stunning 2.39 earned run average (ERA). His mastery over the opposition was underscored by his league-leading Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 2.50, translating his prowess beyond the traditional metrics to reflect his control on the field. With an ERA+ of 170, Skubal consistently proved himself a notch above his peers, a dominance that was further echoed in his wins above replacement (WAR) value of 6.3, leading all pitchers in the league.
This level of command was not limited to the regular season. In the postseason, Skubal maintained a 2.37 ERA over three starts, allowing no unearned runs. His strategic prowess ensured that only one batter would earn an unintentional walk in 19 innings of postseason play—a testament to his precise control and strategic gameplay. Throughout these high-pressure games, he proved an insurmountable force with 20 strikeouts.
Skubal's arsenal in 2024 was further bolstered by the addition of a changeup, an enhancement that evidently added depth to his pitching repertoire. This strategic choice contributed to opposing hitters recording a meek OPS of .558 against him. Over the course of the season, he averaged over six innings per start, delivering 22 quality starts in his 31 appearances—pristine efficiency and reliability that any team would covet.
The magnitude of Skubal's achievement is put into perspective when considering the history of the American League Cy Young Award winners before him. He became the third consecutive unanimous Cy Young winner in the league, following in the notable footsteps of Justin Verlander in 2022 and Gerrit Cole in 2023. For the Detroit Tigers, Skubal joins the distinguished company of Max Scherzer, who claimed the Cy Young honor as a Tigers pitcher back in 2013.
Reaching new career milestones, Skubal was selected for the All-Star team for the first time, adding an all-important layer to his growing legacy. On the field, his ability to strike out at least ten batters in three separate games showcased episodes of sheer brilliance, indicative of the skill and precision that earned him the Cy Young honor, which was symbolically announced on his 28th birthday—a cherry on top of an incredible season.
Skubal’s achievement stands as a testament to hard work and incremental improvement, demonstrating that with the right mindset and dedication, new heights can be reached. His success not only cements his place in Tigers' history but also inspires the next generation of pitchers aspiring to reach the echelons of greatness. The 2024 season will long be remembered by fans and enthusiasts alike as the year Tarik Skubal rose to the pinnacle of Major League pitching excellence.