The 2024 MLB season is barreling towards its end, with the race for the coveted Cy Young Award heating up as some of the league’s finest arms take center stage. With just over five weeks left in the season, voters are tasked with ranking pitchers in order of preference from one to five, and this year’s competition is proving to be particularly fierce.
Tarik Skubal: A Season to Remember
Leading the pack in many categories is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal has been nothing short of dominant, boasting league-leading figures in ERA, ERA+, strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. With a 14-4 record, Skubal has clearly been a bright spot for a Tigers team that hasn’t found much success elsewhere, holding a dismal 44-56 record in games where he doesn’t take the mound. Furthermore, Skubal tops both Baseball Reference and FanGraphs in WAR, underscoring his immense value and effectiveness this season. This stellar performance comes as Skubal has set a new career high in innings pitched, although he has now taken his last turn on normal rest this season.
Contenders and Challenges
In San Diego, Seth Lugo has also made a compelling case for himself. Lugo has pitched 166 2/3 innings and holds a 14-7 record with an impressive 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. However, a recent slump, reflected in a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, might hinder his Cy Young chances.
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners is another name in the mix. Gilbert’s 2.96 ERA and a league-leading WHIP of 0.88 make a strong argument for his candidacy. The Mariners had the league’s biggest lead back in June but have stumbled significantly since then, which could impact Gilbert’s chances.
Turning to the Milwaukee Brewers, Corbin Burnes, with a record of 12-5 and a 3.10 ERA across 153 2/3 innings, has shown flashes of brilliance despite a tough month where he’s posted a 9.00 ERA over his last three starts. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians has quietly dominated the closer role, converting 37 of 40 save opportunities with a microscopic 0.63 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP.
A Packed Field of Performers
In the American League, Chris Sale’s performance has been nothing short of sensational. Sale leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs’ WAR. Despite his dominance, his absence from the top 10 in innings pitched could be a point of concern for voters.
Another workhorse this season has been Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants. Webb leads the majors with 164 2/3 innings pitched, compiling an 11-8 record with a solid 3.17 ERA. Similarly, Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies has also emerged as a key contender, with a 12-5 record, a sparkling 2.72 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP over 148 2/3 innings.
Rookie sensation Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates has made a sensational impression with a 7-2 record and a league-best 2.30 ERA across 98 innings, posting a 4.0 WAR in the process. Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene leads the majors in hit batsmen but has otherwise been stellar with a 9-4 record and a 2.83 ERA over 143 1/3 innings, though he's currently sidelined with an elbow injury.
Standout Moments
Across the league, there have been standout performances and memorable moments highlighting the season. Ronel Blanco threw a no-hitter in an electrifying debut and continues to impress with a 9-6 record, maintaining a 2.89 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Meanwhile, Reynaldo López has been an unsung hero, quietly posting a 2.06 ERA over 104 2/3 innings.
As the season reaches its climax, the Cy Young race remains wide open. With performances continuing to evolve and every game carrying significant weight, the journey towards determining the league’s best pitcher promises to be as thrilling as ever. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, as these elite pitchers vie for the ultimate accolade in what has been a season defined by extraordinary individual prowess and memorable moments.