The American League's 2024 Cy Young Award has a new home in the Motor City, with Detroit Tigers' pitcher Tarik Skubal claiming the prestigious honor. Skubal's dominance throughout the season was such that he garnered all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America, marking him as the league's finest pitcher by an overwhelming consensus.
A Season to Remember
Skubal's 2024 campaign was nothing short of sensational. Posting a sterling 18-4 record, he not only demonstrated consistency but also an exceptional ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities. His American League-leading 2.39 earned run average (ERA) and first-place standing in Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) with a 2.50 underscored his effectiveness on the mound. Moreover, an ERA+ of 170 and a wins above replacement (WAR) of 6.3, the highest among all pitchers, further illustrated his impact on the Tigers' rotation.
The 28-year-old pitcher didn't just rest on his laurels; he cultivated his craft, adding a changeup to his pitching repertoire which proved vital in keeping batters off balance. His ability to maintain such high performance is evidenced by his 228 strikeouts over the season, an indication of both his endurance and skill in overpowering hitters.
A Historic Achievement
With his unanimous selection, Skubal joins the company of Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, who were unanimously chosen in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The consecutive unanimous wins reflect a remarkable period for the American League, highlighting an era of pitching excellence. Notably, Skubal also follows in the footsteps of another Tigers' legend, Max Scherzer, who secured the Cy Young Award back in 2013.
Beyond the regular season, Skubal continued to shine in postseason play. Over three starts, he recorded a phenomenal 2.37 ERA, and crucially, he allowed no unearned runs. Striking out 20 batters while walking just one unintentionally over 19 innings, Skubal's postseason poise underscored his capability to perform under pressure.
A Career Milestone
Adding to his list of accolades, Skubal was selected for the All-Star team for the first time in his career, marking another significant milestone in his development as one of baseball's premier pitchers. The All-Star selection, coupled with his Cy Young win, punctuates a season where he consistently baffled opposing hitters, who managed an OPS of just .558 against him.
Skubal's season featured numerous standout performances, including striking out at least ten batters in three separate games. His dependability was further reflected in his ability to average over six innings per start and secure 22 quality starts in 31 appearances, highlighting both his durability and capacity to dominate from the mound.
A Birthday to Remember
Perhaps most fittingly, Skubal's Cy Young accolade coincided with his 28th birthday, providing a personal celebration amidst professional triumph. As Detroit and the baseball world recognize Skubal's outstanding season, his contributions have not only revitalized Tigers' fandom but have also set a benchmark for pitching excellence that the franchise will hope to maintain in future seasons.
Tarik Skubal's 2024 performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most impressive in Tigers' history, cementing his status as a vital player in a storied franchise and a formidable competitor in Major League Baseball.