Cy Young Race Tightens as 2024 MLB Season Winds Down
Cy Young Race Tightens as 2024 MLB Season Winds Down
As the 2024 MLB season approaches its end, the race for the coveted Cy Young award is heating up. With just over five and a half weeks remaining, several pitchers are making strong cases for baseball’s top pitching honor. This year, voters will rank pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, adding a new layer of intrigue to the already fierce competition.
One name that stands out is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Leading the majors in ERA and ERA+, Skubal has established himself as a dominant force on the mound. He also tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, boasting an impressive record of 14-4. The Tigers, however, have struggled when Skubal is not the starting pitcher, holding a 44-56 record in those games. Skubal’s performance has propelled him to the top of both Baseball Reference's WAR and FanGraphs' leaderboard, demonstrating his impact this season.
Skubal has just taken his last turn on normal rest, setting a new career high in innings pitched, which could play a crucial role in deciding his fate for the Cy Young award.
Top Contenders Fighting for Spotlight
Seth Lugo has also thrown his hat into the ring, pitching 166 2/3 innings and maintaining a 14-7 record. Lugo’s 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP are noteworthy, although his recent form has dipped, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. If he turns things around in these final weeks, he could make a late push in the Cy Young conversation.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners is another contender, sporting a 2.96 ERA and leading the league with an astonishing 0.88 WHIP. Gilbert not only boasts these impressive numbers but also is second only to Lugo in innings pitched. The Mariners, who once had a ten-game lead in June, have faced a dramatic stumble, which could impact Gilbert’s candidacy.
Meanwhile, Corbin Burnes is building a notable case with a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. However, he's struggled recently, posting a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month, which might be a red flag for voters.
Relief Contributions Cannot Be Overlooked
Emmanuel Clase has been a lockdown closer this season, successfully converting 37 of his 40 save opportunities. His microscopic 0.63 ERA and 0.66 WHIP over 57 1/3 innings, combined with 49 strikeouts, make him a valuable asset in the bullpen. While relief pitchers seldom win the Cy Young, Clase’s dominance should not be overlooked.
Framber Valdez has continued his strong performance with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Valdez has shown consistency throughout the season, which could appeal to voters looking for reliable performances.
Chris Sale has impressive credentials, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. Despite these significant achievements, his lower innings pitched compared to other contenders might impact his standing in the race.
Dark Horses and Surprising Stories
Logan Webb leads the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched, a testament to his durability. Webb holds an 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA, a commendable performance that adds to the crowded field of contenders.
Zack Wheeler is another strong candidate with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and an impressive 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. His performance has been consistently strong, making him a formidable challenger for the Cy Young award.
Paul Skenes, boasting a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, has posted an impressive 4.0 WAR. Though his win-loss record might not be as stellar, his effectiveness on the mound is hard to ignore.
Hunter Greene, despite battling an elbow injury, has been noteworthy with a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Leading the majors in hit batsmen, Greene’s aggressive pitching style has both its benefits and drawbacks.
In a season filled with remarkable performances, Ronel Blanco’s debut no-hitter stands out. Blanco's 9-6 record, complemented by a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings, adds an intriguing narrative to the Cy Young discussion.
Finally, Reynaldo López has quietly put together an impressive season with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. While traditionally not considered a front-runner, López’s stats merit attention.
The conclusion of the 2024 MLB season promises to bring clarity to this tight Cy Young race, where every start and every inning could tip the scales. As these pitchers vie for the honor, fans can expect a thrilling finish that showcases the best of what Major League Baseball has to offer.
