With the 2024 MLB season winding down, the competition for the prestigious Cy Young award is heating up, showcasing a standout list of pitchers. The voters face the daunting task of ranking five deserving candidates, and the statistics reveal a fiercely competitive race.
American League Standouts
The American League has seen exceptional performances, particularly from Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+ while dominating the AL in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate. His impressive 14-4 record is a bright spot, especially considering the Tigers' overall performance. The team holds a 44-56 record in games where Skubal does not start, highlighting his pivotal role. Additionally, Skubal has set a career-high in innings pitched and commands the leaderboards in both Baseball Reference's version of WAR and FanGraphs' WAR.
In another corner of the AL, Chris Sale commands attention. Despite not being in the top 10 in innings pitched, Sale leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR. His dominance in key statistical categories cannot be overlooked.
Logan Gilbert of the Mariners is also making a significant impact. With a 2.96 ERA and a league-leading 0.88 WHIP, Gilbert has established himself as a formidable competitor. His consistency on the mound contrasts sharply with the Mariners' dramatic stumble since holding a ten-game lead back in June.
National League Contenders
Among National League pitchers, Seth Lugo of the Padres has pitched 166 2/3 innings with a strong 14-7 record, a 3.02 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. However, his recent performance—posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts—raises questions about his stamina and ability to close the season on a high note.
Meanwhile, Logan Webb of the Giants has made an argument for durability, leading the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched. Webb's 11-8 record and 3.17 ERA reflect his reliability throughout the season.
Corbin Burnes of the Brewers remains another standout in the NL, boasting a 12-5 record with a 3.10 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings. Despite his recent struggles—evidenced by a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month—Burnes' overall performance makes him a notable contender.
Other Noteworthy Performances
Several other pitchers have delivered remarkable seasons. Emmanuel Clase has been nearly perfect in save opportunities, converting 37 out of 40 with an astounding 0.63 ERA and 0.66 WHIP. His 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings further solidify his reputation as an intimidating force in the bullpen.
Astros' Framber Valdez has also impressed, holding a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP across 137 2/3 innings. His consistent performance has been a core component of Houston's pitching staff.
Other recognizable names include Zack Wheeler, with a 12-5 record, a remarkable 2.72 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP, and the Yankees' Hunter Greene, who, despite leading the majors in hit batsmen and dealing with an elbow injury, has a solid 2.83 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings.
Behind these headline-grabbing pitchers, rookies like Paul Skenes have also made their mark. Skenes posts a 7-2 record with a 2.30 ERA and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, tallying a 4.0 WAR. Ronel Blanco's stunning no-hitter in his debut remains a season highlight, and his 2.89 ERA over 134 innings keeps him in the conversation.
Conclusion
This year's race for the Cy Young award is as competitive as it’s ever been, filled with standout performances from both leagues. With just over five weeks remaining, the decision rests with the voters to weigh each pitcher's merits carefully. As the season draws closer to its finale, these pitchers will undoubtedly continue to make their cases, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 MLB pitching showdown.