Cy Young Race Heats Up as 2024 MLB Season Winds Down
Cy Young Race Heats Up as 2024 MLB Season Winds Down
As the 2024 MLB season nears its close, the race for the coveted Cy Young award has turned into a fierce competition with just over five weeks left to play. This year, voters will have the challenging task of ranking pitchers from one to five on their ballots.
One standout candidate is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who is leading the majors in ERA and ERA+. Skubal also tops American League charts in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. His impeccable 14-4 record is a stark contrast to the Tigers’ 44-56 record in games where he does not start. Skubal's dominance on the mound is further underscored by his commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's and FanGraphs' versions of WAR. Having taken his last turn on normal rest for the season, Skubal has also set a new career high in innings pitched.
Seth Lugo from the San Diego Padres is another remarkable contender. With a record of 14-7 over 166 2/3 innings, Lugo boasts a solid 3.02 ERA and a commendable 1.09 WHIP. However, his recent form has been less than stellar, posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. Meanwhile, Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners has put up a 2.96 ERA and leads the league in WHIP at an impressive 0.88. Gilbert also trails only Lugo in terms of innings pitched.
The Mariners, who had a comfortable ten-game lead in June, have stumbled dramatically since. In contrast, Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers holds a strong 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Despite his season-long success, Burnes has struggled recently, posting a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month.
Relief pitchers are also making their mark. Emmanuel Clase, closer for the Cleveland Guardians, has saved 37 out of 40 opportunities, maintaining an astounding 0.63 ERA, a 0.66 WHIP, and striking out 49 batters over 57 1/3 innings. Over in Houston, Framber Valdez has compiled a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP in 137 2/3 innings, adding another name to the list of strong Cy Young candidates.
Veteran Chris Sale continues to be a force, leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. What makes this even more impressive is that he does not rank within the top ten for innings pitched, showcasing his efficiency and dominance.
San Francisco's Logan Webb, who leads the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched, holds an 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA. Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies stands out with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
Rookies are also making a significant impact. Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes has been impressive with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts over just 98 innings, achieving an impressive 4.0 WAR. Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds, despite leading the majors in hit batsmen, has a commendable 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. However, Greene’s season is currently compromised by an elbow injury.
Detroit’s Ronel Blanco made headlines by throwing a no-hitter in his first outing. Blanco’s current 9-6 record, 2.89 ERA, and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings reflect his strong rookie campaign. Reynaldo López of the Chicago White Sox also merits mention, with a 2.06 ERA over 104 2/3 innings.
As the season draws to a conclusion, each of these pitchers will be hoping to make a final push to secure their place among baseball’s elite, aiming to etch their name on the prestigious Cy Young award.
