In a definitive display of dominance and skill, Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal has etched his name into the annals of baseball history by capturing the 2024 American League Cy Young Award. The accolade comes as a fitting recognition of his exceptional performance throughout the season, where he received all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America, marking him as the third consecutive unanimous Cy Young winner in the league.
A Season of Unparalleled Excellence
Skubal’s 2024 season statistics speak volumes of his prowess on the mound. A record of 18-4 accompanied by a league-leading 2.39 earned run average (ERA) placed him among the premier pitchers of the year. His dominance was further underscored by a stellar Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 2.50, an ERA+ of 170, and a commanding Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 6.3, which led all pitchers in the season. Notably, Skubal also tallied 228 strikeouts, capping off a season that will be remembered for its consistency and excellence.
Joining the Ranks of Legends
Skubal joins an elite group of pitchers who have achieved unanimous Cy Young recognition. He follows in the footsteps of Justin Verlander in 2022 and Gerrit Cole in 2023. The last time a Tigers pitcher claimed the award was Max Scherzer in 2013, adding further prestige to Skubal's accomplishment. His remarkable performance has not only secured individual accolades but also contributed to the rich history of Detroit's celebrated pitching successes.
Postseason Prowess
The postseason saw Skubal continue his excellence under the pressure of playoff baseball. Over three starts, he maintained a composed 2.37 ERA, allowing no unearned runs and striking out 20 batters over a span of 19 innings. His control was nearly impeccable, walking just one batter unintentionally. Skubal’s addition of a changeup to his pitching repertoire proved to be a strategic enhancement, diversifying his field offerings and keeping hitters at bay.
A Hallmark Year
Throughout the regular season, Skubal averaged over six innings per start, affirming his endurance and reliability on the mound. He delivered 22 quality starts out of 31 appearances, a testament to his ability to consistently perform at a high level. Opponents struggled to figure him out, managing a paltry on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .558 against him.
2024 was also a year of personal milestones for Skubal as he was selected to the All-Star team for the first time in his career. His ability to elicit strikeouts was on full display, with at least ten strikeouts in three separate games during the season.
A Birthday to Remember
The announcement of Skubal’s Cy Young Award win coincided with his 28th birthday, adding a personal touch to his career-defining achievement. Reflecting on the season, this triumph cements Skubal’s status as one of the leading pitchers in Major League Baseball.
With the combination of statistical supremacy and postseason fortitude, Tarik Skubal’s 2024 campaign stands as a testament to his hard work, skill, and unwavering dedication to the sport. As the baseball world takes note, the Detroit Tigers and their fans celebrate a season that will resonate for years to come, forever linked to Skubal's historic accomplishment.