Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal: A Historic Cy Young Achievement
In a season marked by remarkable feats and unforgettable moments, Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal have achieved what every pitcher dreams of from the moment they first step onto the mound: a Cy Young Award. The prestigious award, recognizing the top pitchers in Major League Baseball, has been a personal quest for both athletes throughout their careers.
Chris Sale's Road to Atlanta
At 35, Chris Sale claimed his first-ever Cy Young Award in a season that showcased his resilience and unwavering determination. Sale, who currently pitches for the Atlanta Braves, started his MLB journey as a first-round pick back in 2010. His debut came as a reliever for the Chicago White Sox, eventually transitioning into a starting role between 2012 and 2018. During this period, Sale became a fixture in the All-Star lineup, earning selections for seven consecutive years. His performance during those years was headlined by an impressive win-loss record of 14-8, an ERA of 2.91, and striking out 240 batters over 198 innings each season—a testament to his dominance on the mound.
However, Sale's path wasn't without its hurdles. The talented pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery, significantly impacting his playing opportunities. In the seasons following his surgery, he made nine starts in 2021 and a mere two in 2022. But the 2023 season marked a turning point, with Sale making 20 starts and proving his enduring capabilities which spurred his trade to the Braves for the 2024 season. His triumph in this year's Cy Young voting adds another illustrious chapter to his storied career.
Tarik Skubal's Rise with the Tigers
On the other side of this Cy Young story is Tarik Skubal, whose rapid ascent to the top culminated in him landing the prestigious award. Pitching for the Detroit Tigers, Skubal first made headlines as a top prospect in 2020 and 2021. At the young age of 27, he has already cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the league. Despite undergoing flexor tendon surgery in August 2022, Skubal's return to form was nothing short of spectacular.
The 2023 season saw Skubal record a solid 7-3 win-loss record complemented by a 2.80 ERA over 80 ⅓ innings. He elevated his game even further in 2024, boasting an 18-4 win-loss slate and an exceptional ERA of 2.39. His efforts during the season saw him leading the league in both strikeouts and Wins Above Replacement (WAR), while an ERA+ of 170 highlighted his superiority on the mound. Crucially, Skubal outperformed all others in the American League, leading in both wins and ERA—a significant contributor to his Cy Young recognition.
Recognition and Legacy
Sale and Skubal's achievements this season not only underline their personal triumphs but also lend fresh narratives to their respective teams' histories. For Sale, this Cy Young award is a crowning jewel in a long and successful career punctuated by incredible professional highs and immense hurdles. For Skubal, it's an indication of potential honed into excellence, a signal of not just the talent he possesses but also the perseverance and skill that has positioned him at the summit of pitching excellence in such a competitive league.
The Cy Young Award celebrations may mark the end of a season, but for Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal, it's a beginning—the commencement of an era defined by their expertise, dedication, and relentless pursuit of greatness on the baseball diamond. As both pitchers relish their much-deserved accolades, the MLB community looks forward to witnessing what feats these two extraordinary athletes will next achieve on the mound.