The 2024 MLB season is approaching its grand finale, and the race for the Cy Young award is heating up. With just over five and a half weeks of play remaining, a multitude of pitchers are in contention, each showcasing their distinct talents and contributions to their respective teams.
Skubal's Dominance in the AL
At the forefront of the conversation is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, fortified by his commanding presence on the mound. Having set a new career high in innings pitched, Skubal's season is nothing short of remarkable. He currently boasts a 14-4 record and tops the American League in key categories such as strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate.
The Tigers' performance has been notably influenced by Skubal's starts. While the Tigers hold a 44-56 record in games where Skubal doesn't start, his appearances have been a beacon of hope for the team. Skubal's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he leads Baseball Reference's version of WAR and is a standout on FanGraphs' leaderboard as well. However, it's important to note that Skubal has taken his last turn on normal rest this season.
Mariners' Rollercoaster Season
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners also presents a compelling case for the Cy Young. Sporting a 2.96 ERA and the best WHIP in the league at 0.88, Gilbert's consistency has been a stabilizing force for the Mariners. Despite the Mariners having a ten-game lead in June, their season took a downward turn afterwards. Gilbert, who is second only to Seth Lugo in innings pitched this season, remains a standout performer in a turbulent year for his team.
Lugo's Recent Struggles
Seth Lugo has also made his mark with impressive stats throughout the season. Pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record, a 3.02 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP, Lugo's performance has been commendable. However, his recent form has faltered, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, potentially affecting his Cy Young consideration.
Other Notable Pitchers
Elsewhere, Corbin Burnes has been a key player for his team with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Yet, his recent outings have been problematic, posting a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month. Despite this, his overall contributions cannot be overlooked.
On the other hand, Framber Valdez registers a 13-5 record with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. His consistency and reliability make him another strong contender for the Cy Young.
Closer Relievers Making Their Mark
Relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase deserves special mention for his spectacular performance in the closer role. Clase has successfully converted 37 out of 40 save opportunities, maintaining an exceptional 0.63 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP, complemented by 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings.
Webb, Wheeler, and Emerging Talents
Chris Sale, despite not leading in innings pitched, has certainly made an impact by leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, solidifying his Cy Young credentials. Logan Webb, with the highest innings pitched at 164 2/3, stands out with an 11-8 record and a solid 3.17 ERA.
Zack Wheeler comes forward as another formidable pitcher. With a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and an impressive 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, Wheeler’s balanced performance keeps his Cy Young hopes alive.
Another emerging talent, Paul Skenes, has made quite an impression with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in just 98 innings. His achievements reflect a 4.0 WAR, highlighting his significant impact in limited outings.
Meanwhile, Hunter Greene has a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Notably, Greene leads the majors in hit batsmen and is currently troubled by an elbow injury, adding an element of uncertainty to his status.
Ronel Blanco's inaugural no-hitter showcased his potential, while his overall season performance of a 9-6 record, a 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings speaks volumes of his capability on the mound.
Finally, Reynaldo López, with a stellar 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, consistently proves his reliability and effectiveness out of the bullpen.
As the season draws closer to its end, the competition for the Cy Young award remains one of the most captivating storylines, with each pitcher making a compelling case through their exceptional performances. The final weeks will undoubtedly shape the legacy of these remarkable talents in the 2024 MLB season.