The 2024 MLB season is drawing to a close, and the race for the coveted Cy Young award is heating up with just over five and a half weeks left to play. This year's competition features several standout pitchers, each making a compelling case for the honor.
Leading Contenders
At the forefront of the discussion is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, further asserting his dominance by topping the American League in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate. With a record of 14-4, Skubal has been a bright spot for the Tigers, who hold a 44-56 record in games where he doesn’t start. Moreover, Skubal has a commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's and FanGraphs' version of Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His impressive achievements this season include setting a new career high in innings pitched and taking his last turn on normal rest.
Pitchers Making Waves
Another pitcher making headlines is Seth Lugo, who has pitched 166 2/3 innings with a record of 14-7. While Lugo has maintained a solid 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, his recent performance has been less stellar, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts.
Logan Gilbert, on the other hand, has sustained his form with a 2.96 ERA and leads the league with a 0.88 WHIP. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched. Despite the Mariners having a ten-game lead in June, the team has experienced a dramatic slump since then.
Corbin Burnes, a key figure in the Milwaukee Brewers’ rotation, showcases a 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. However, Burnes has struggled this month, recording a 9.00 ERA in his three starts.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Clase has been lights out as a closer with 37 saves out of 40 opportunities, boasting a 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings.
Award Front-Runners
Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros sports a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings, adding depth to the award race. Chris Sale leads the league in multiple categories, including wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, although he is not in the top 10 for innings pitched.
Logan Webb tops the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched, while maintaining an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA. Zack Wheeler stays in contention with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
Paul Skenes has been a revelation with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, and a 4.0 WAR. Hunter Greene is another standout, recording a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. However, Greene leads the majors in hit batsmen and is currently dealing with an elbow injury.
Unexpected Performances
Ronel Blanco threw a no-hitter in his first outing and has since compiled a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Reynaldo López has also been exceptional, posting a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings.
This season’s Cy Young race remains an open contest with various pitchers making significant impacts on their teams and the league. As the season progresses, the performances of these standout individuals will continue to shape the narrative and potentially redefine their careers. The final weeks promise to deliver high-stakes drama as voters prepare to rank their selections, ensuring this year's award will be one to remember.