2024 Cy Young Award Race Heats Up as Season Nears Climax
As the 2024 MLB season approaches its final stretch, the battle for the prestigious Cy Young award is intensifying. With just over five and a half weeks of play remaining, multiple pitchers are making strong cases for why they deserve the accolade. This year, voters will rank their top five pitchers, but even narrowing down that short list seems an unenviable task given the remarkable performances we've witnessed.
Tarik Skubal's Commanding Performance
Leading the pack is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal has been nothing short of stellar, boasting the majors' best ERA and ERA+. His dominance extends to leading the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, all while posting a 14-4 record.
The Tigers' performance with and without Skubal on the mound highlights his immense value. In games he hasn't started, Detroit holds a less impressive 44-56 record. Furthermore, Skubal tops both Baseball Reference's and FanGraphs' leaderboards for WAR, underscoring his all-around impact. With his innings pitched at a career-high and having taken his last turn on normal rest this season, he’s making a strong final push for the award.
Seth Lugo and Logan Gilbert: Consistency and Capability
Seth Lugo of the San Diego Padres is another standout contender. He has pitched 166 2/3 innings, matching Skubal’s win total with a 14-7 record. Lugo's 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP are impressive, though recent struggles have seen him post a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. Still, Lugo's overall body of work has been commendable.
Meanwhile, Logan Gilbert has quietly assembled one of the most efficient seasons in the league. Gilbert's 2.96 ERA and league-leading 0.88 WHIP place him in elite company. He’s also second in innings pitched, next only to Lugo. However, despite holding a significant ten-game lead in June, the Mariners have experienced a dramatic fall from grace, complicating Gilbert's narrative.
The Resilience of Corbin Burnes and Emmanuel Clase
Milwaukee Brewers' Corbin Burnes has been a model of consistency for most of the season. His 12-5 record, coupled with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, speaks volumes about his durability and effectiveness. Nevertheless, a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month raises concerns about his closing form.
On the relief side, Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians has been nearly untouchable, securing 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. Clase's microscopic 0.63 ERA and league-best 0.66 WHIP, along with 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings, make a compelling case for recognition.
Other Notable Performances
Among the other contenders, Houston Astros' Framber Valdez has pieced together a strong 13-5 record with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Similarly, Logan Webb leads the league in innings pitched with 164 2/3 innings while maintaining an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA for the San Francisco Giants.
Philadelphia Phillies' Zack Wheeler also demands attention with a 12-5 slate, a sparkling 2.72 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP, including 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. Promising young talent like Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds are turning heads as well. Skenes, with a 7-2 record and a 2.30 ERA, has posted a 4.0 WAR in just 98 innings.
Greene, though currently hampered by an elbow injury, has been sensational, leading the majors in hit batsmen while managing a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Additionally, Ronel Blanco of the Atlanta Braves has had an impressive season since his no-hitter debut, going 9-6 with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. White Sox's Reynaldo López stands out among relievers with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings.
A Tight Race to the Finish
With such a crowded field, the final weeks of the season promise to be a showcase of pitching prowess. Voters will have a tough time deciding which pitcher stands out in one of the most competitive years for the Cy Young award. These last games will not just determine postseason fates but also who among these talented arms will be crowned the best in the league.