The 2024 MLB season draws to its thrilling climax, and the race for the prestigious Cy Young award intensifies. With a little over five and a half weeks of regular play left, the spotlight is firmly on a handful of standout pitchers who have delivered remarkable performances. Voters have the challenging task of ranking pitchers 1-5 on their ballots this year, and there's no shortage of compelling candidates.
Tarik Skubal's Stellar Season
One name that leaps out from the pack is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal leads the majors with an impeccable ERA and an extraordinary ERA+. Dominating the American League, he also tops the charts in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate. A remarkable record of 14-4 only underscores his stellar form this season.
Skubal's impact is even more palpable considering the Tigers' overall performance. The team has a 44-56 record in games where Skubal isn't the starting pitcher, highlighting how crucial his contributions have been. Further cementing his case, Skubal has commanding leads in both Baseball Reference’s and FanGraphs’ versions of Wins Above Replacement (WAR). As he sets his career-high in innings pitched, Skubal has unequivocally etched his name among the league’s elite pitchers.
Seth Lugo's Formidable Presence
Another pitcher making his mark is Seth Lugo, who has logged an impressive 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record. Lugo boasts a solid 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. However, his recent form, featuring a 5.24 ERA over his past seven starts, could be a point of concern as the season races to a conclusion.
Logan Gilbert's Consistency
Logan Gilbert's consistency has been a cornerstone for the Seattle Mariners, who once held a ten-game lead in June but have since faced a significant slump. Gilbert's 2.96 ERA and league-leading 0.88 WHIP are testament to his dominance on the mound. With the second-most innings pitched, Gilbert remains a pillar of reliability for the embattled Mariners.
Corbin Burnes and Framber Valdez
Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers brings his strong regular season performance into the discussion with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts over 153 2/3 innings. However, his struggles this month, reflected in a 9.00 ERA over three starts, may affect his prospects.
Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros has impressed with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP across 137 2/3 innings. Although Valdez doesn't lead in many categories, his consistent performance keeps him in the Cy Young conversation.
Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler
On the other hand, Chris Sale is a statistical leader in several critical areas, including wins, strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, alongside topping FanGraphs’ WAR. Curiously, Sale is not among the top 10 in innings pitched, which may be a factor for consideration when voters cast their ballots.
Zack Wheeler is another formidable contender with a 12-5 record. Wheeler boasts a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, demonstrating his all-around excellence this season.
Other Notable Pitchers
Rising star Paul Skenes has left his mark with a 7-2 record, a dazzling 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings pitched, adding up to a 4.0 WAR. Hunter Greene, despite leading the majors in hit batsmen and dealing with an elbow injury, has a 9-4 record, a solid 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts over 143 1/3 innings.
Ronel Blanco turned heads with his spectacular no-hitter debut. Blanco has compiled a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts over 134 innings, showing potential for a promising career. Reynaldo López also deserves a mention with his impressive 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings.
Emmanuel Clase's Closer Excellence
Special recognition must be given to Emmanuel Clase, whose prowess as a closer is unmatched. With 37 saves out of 40 save opportunities, Clase's stats are staggeringly good—boasting a 0.63 ERA, a 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. Clase's performance adds an intriguing twist to the Cy Young debate, as closers are rarely in the mix for the award.
With multiple pitchers showcasing their exceptional talents this season, the race for the 2024 Cy Young award remains wide open. As the final weeks of the season unfold, every game and every pitch could be pivotal.