Tigers' Tarik Skubal Claims 2024 American League Cy Young Award with Unanimous Support
In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Detroit Tigers' standout Tarik Skubal has been crowned the 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner. Skubal's exceptional season was not only recognized but lauded unanimously, as he swept all 30 first-place votes in the Baseball Writers Association of America balloting. This remarkable achievement cements his position among the league's elite and marks him as a formidable force on the mound.
Skubal's 2024 season was a tapestry of dominance and consistency. Boasting a sterling record of 18 wins against just 4 losses, he led the American League with a minuscule 2.39 earned run average (ERA), becoming the bedrock of the Tigers' pitching staff. His command over the game was further underscored as he topped the league in Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) with a mark of 2.50 and posted an ERA+ of 170, reflecting his superiority over his peers.
Notably, Skubal isn’t just another celebrated pitcher in the Tigers' history; he joins the ranks of other greats like Max Scherzer, who won the Cy Young Award for Detroit back in 2013. Skubal's accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the third consecutive unanimous Cy Young winner in the American League, following in the illustrious footsteps of Justin Verlander in 2022 and Gerrit Cole in 2023.
In addition to his regular-season heroics, Skubal continued his dominance into the postseason. Over three playoff starts, he maintained a commendable 2.37 ERA, silencing offenses with a formidable arsenal that now includes a newly added changeup. Skubal's postseason efforts were highlighted by striking out 20 batters, and he demonstrated impeccable control by walking just one batter unintentionally over 19 innings.
The 2024 campaign also showcased Skubal’s endurance and reliability. He averaged more than six innings per start and pitched 22 quality starts across 31 appearances, underlining his role as a workhorse for the Tigers. His ability to suppress opposing hitters was evident as they managed just a .558 OPS against him, a testament to his tactical skill and relentless competitiveness.
This season not only saw Skubal being honored with the Cy Young Award but also marked his first selection to the All-Star team. Demonstrating his aptitude for big moments, Skubal racked up at least ten strikeouts in three different games throughout the year, solidifying his status as an emerging star in the league.
Adding a personal anecdote to this monumental achievement, Skubal's Cy Young win was announced on a day that held special significance for him—it was his 28th birthday, offering Skubal a memorable milestone in both his professional and personal life.
As the Tigers look toward the future, they can find solace and inspiration in the excellence of Tarik Skubal. His 2024 season not only contributed immensely to his team's success but also propelled him into a new echelon of baseball greatness. Skubal's award-winning year serves as a reminder of the talent and ambition driving this new era of Detroit baseball, with Skubal leading the charge from the mound.