The 2024 MLB season is quickly approaching its climax, and the race for the prestigious Cy Young Award is heating up. With a little over five and a half weeks of play remaining, the contest to determine the league's top pitchers is fierce. This year, voters will rank the pitchers 1-5 on their ballots, setting the stage for an intense and closely watched competition.
Tarik Skubal's Stellar Season
Leading the pack is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who has been nothing short of dominant on the mound. Skubal currently leads all major leagues in ERA and ERA+. More impressively, he tops the American League in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate, solidifying his position as a high-caliber ace.
Skubal has amassed a 14-4 record and boasts a commanding lead in Baseball Reference's version of WAR, as well as FanGraphs' leaderboard. This season, he has also set a new personal best for innings pitched, reflecting his endurance and consistency. With the Tigers struggling to a 44-56 record in games where he doesn't start, Skubal's contributions have been invaluable.
Seth Lugo's Up and Down Streak
Seth Lugo has similarly enjoyed a notable season, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record. Lugo's 3.02 ERA and 1.09 WHIP highlight his effectiveness on the mound. However, recent struggles have emerged, with Lugo posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts, introducing an element of uncertainty as the season nears its end.
Logan Gilbert and the Mariners' Slide
Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners offers another intriguing case. With a 2.96 ERA and a league-leading WHIP of 0.88, Gilbert has been a vital asset for Seattle. He is second only to Lugo in innings pitched but has watched from the mound as his team stumbled dramatically after holding a ten-game lead in June.
Corbin Burnes' Recent Struggles
Elsewhere, Corbin Burnes follows a similar storyline of strong overall performance coupled with recent troubles. Burnes holds a 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts across 153 2/3 innings. However, his 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month raises questions about his current form.
Dominant Closers and Relievers
In the world of closers, Emmanuel Clase stands out with 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. His 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings showcase his reliability and dominance in high-pressure situations.
Consistency of Framber Valdez and Chris Sale's Surge
Framber Valdez's performance this season cannot go unnoticed as well. With a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings, Valdez has been a cornerstone for his team. Meanwhile, Chris Sale is leading the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, despite not being in the top ten in innings pitched.
Logan Webb's Endurance
Logan Webb, on the other hand, is leading the league in innings pitched with 164 2/3. Webb has an 11-8 record with a 3.17 ERA, underlining his role as a workhorse in the rotation.
Zack Wheeler and Emerging Talents
Zack Wheeler also boasts impressive stats, with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. One of the emerging talents, Paul Skenes, shines brightly with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, and a posted 4.0 WAR.
Injuries and Notable Performances
Hunter Greene, despite being affected by an elbow injury, has been a standout performer. With a 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings, Greene leads the majors in hit batsmen but continues to demonstrate his potential impact.
Lastly, Ronel Blanco and Reynaldo López have had noteworthy seasons on the mound. Blanco threw a no-hitter in his first outing and has compiled a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. López, with a 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, has been a remarkable asset as well.
As the 2024 MLB season races towards its conclusion, the competition for the Cy Young Award remains one of the most compelling narratives. With numerous pitchers making strong cases, it will be fascinating to see how voters weigh their performances in this thrilling race.