The 2024 MLB season is rapidly approaching its climax, and the race for the coveted Cy Young award is heating up. With just over five and a half weeks left until the end of the regular season, several pitchers are putting forth strong cases to be recognized as the league's best.
Skubal Leading the Pack
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers is currently setting the pace for the Cy Young award. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+ and tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. With a record of 14-4, his performance is even more remarkable when considering the Tigers' overall struggles; the team has a dismal 44-56 record in games where Skubal doesn't take the mound. Skubal's dominance is further emphasized by his commanding lead in Baseball Reference’s version of WAR and FanGraphs’ leaderboard. Having set a new career high in innings pitched this season, Skubal has undoubtedly cemented himself as a major contender.
Challengers Rising
While Skubal sets the benchmark, other pitchers are making their presence felt. Seth Lugo, for instance, has pitched an impressive 166 2/3 innings, compiling a 14-7 record with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Despite these strong numbers, his recent form has faltered, evidenced by a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners is another strong candidate with a 2.96 ERA and a league-leading WHIP of 0.88. He also ranks second in innings pitched, showcasing his durability and effectiveness.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee's Corbin Burnes, with a 12-5 record, 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, remains a strong candidate despite a recent slump that saw him post a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month. The Mariners' earlier ten-game lead in June has dramatically dwindled, impacting Gilbert's climb in the standings.
Reliever Making Waves
Emmanuel Clase has emerged as a standout in the bullpen. With 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, Clase boasts a minuscule 0.63 ERA and 0.66 WHIP, along with 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. Though traditionally overlooked for the Cy Young, his contributions should not be understated.
The Return of a Veteran
Chris Sale is a name that’s familiar in Cy Young conversations. Leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs’ WAR, Sale has managed to make a strong case despite not being among the top 10 in innings pitched. His re-emergence this season has been pivotal for his team’s success.
Other Contenders
Logan Webb of the Giants has been the workhorse this season, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. Webb’s 11-8 record and 3.17 ERA speak volumes about his ability to go deep into games while maintaining effectiveness.
Zack Wheeler is another name that stands out with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP. Wheeler’s 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings illustrate his dominance on the mound.
Rookies and Resurgence
Among the rookies, Paul Skenes has been impressive with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, amassing a 4.0 WAR. This kind of performance in his rookie year signals a bright future.
Meanwhile, Hunter Greene has a 9-4 record and a 2.83 ERA, with 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, leading the majors in hit batsmen. His season, however, is currently affected by an elbow injury.
Noteworthy Performances
Ronel Blanco made headlines by throwing a no-hitter in his first outing. Now 9-6 with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings, Blanco has shown glimpses of brilliance.
Reynaldo López isn’t often mentioned in Cy Young discussions but deserves recognition with a 2.06 ERA over 104 2/3 innings.
As the regular season winds down, the performances of these pitchers over the next few weeks will be critical in determining the Cy Young winner. Each outing will hold immense significance as voters prepare to rank their top five pitchers on this year’s ballots. In a season filled with remarkable individual achievements, the race for the Cy Young is a testament to the high level of talent and competition in today’s MLB.