The 2024 MLB season is inching toward its close, and the race for the coveted Cy Young award is heating up with just over five and a half weeks of play remaining. This year's competition is as fierce as ever, with pitchers being ranked 1-5 on voters' ballots. Several pitchers have put forth compelling cases for consideration, showcasing a diverse array of talents and statistical achievements.
Tarik Skubal's Dominance
At the forefront of the Cy Young discussion is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Leading the majors in ERA and ERA+, Skubal has been nothing short of sensational. He also tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, accumulating a stellar record of 14-4. The Tigers' performance without him is stark, holding a 44-56 record in games where Skubal doesn’t start. Skubal's commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's version of WAR and FanGraphs' leaderboard emphasizes his all-around impact on the game. Having set a new career high in innings pitched, Skubal has taken his last turn on normal rest this season, making a strong case for his Cy Young candidacy.
Seth Lugo's Struggles and Successes
Next in line is Seth Lugo, who has logged 166 2/3 innings with a record of 14-7. Lugo's ERA of 3.02 and 1.09 WHIP speaks volumes about his effectiveness on the mound. However, a recent downturn, evidenced by a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, could affect his standing in the voters' eyes.
Logan Gilbert's Strong Presence
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners is another pitcher who has been making waves. With a 2.96 ERA and league-leading 0.88 WHIP, Gilbert stands out as a strong contender. Second only to Lugo in innings pitched, Gilbert has seen his team falter dramatically after holding a ten-game lead in June. Despite the Mariners' struggles, Gilbert's performance remains a bright spot.
Corbin Burnes and Recent Challenges
Corbin Burnes brings a solid 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings to the table. Yet, his recent form has been concerning, featuring a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month. Burnes will need to stabilize his performance to remain in the Cy Young conversation.
The Relenting Arm of Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase has been a revelation in the bullpen, notching 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. His minuscule 0.63 ERA, coupled with a 0.66 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings, puts him in a category of his own among relievers. Clase's consistency could make him an outsider-worthy candidate despite the traditional bias towards starters.
Consistent Top Performers: Valdez, Sale, Webb, and Wheeler
Framber Valdez has been a model of consistency for the Houston Astros, with a 13-5 record, 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. On the other hand, Chris Sale leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR but is not in the top 10 in innings pitched, which may hurt his chances.
Logan Webb, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched, has an impressive 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA. Webb's durability cannot be understated in this race. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler has been sensational with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings, establishing himself as a frontrunner.
Promising Upstarts and Notable Mentions
Paul Skenes, with a 7-2 record and a 2.30 ERA over 98 innings, has posted a strong 4.0 WAR and could be seen as a rising star. Hunter Greene, although affected by an elbow injury, has put up impressive stats with a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Greene leads the majors in hit batsmen, a testament to his aggressive pitching style.
Additionally, Ronel Blanco has made headlines with a no-hitter in his first outing. Holding a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings, Blanco's potential can’t be ignored. Reynaldo López also stands out with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, showcasing his value as a steady arm in the bullpen.
As the season winds down, the Cy Young race remains wide open. Each contender has made a compelling case, but only time will tell who ultimately takes home the prestigious award. The final stretch of the season will undoubtedly be a defining period for these pitchers as they vie for one of baseball's highest honors.