The 2024 MLB season is on the cusp of its final stretch, drawing fans and analysts alike into the heated debate surrounding the Cy Young award contenders. With just over five and a half weeks left in regular-season play, the competition is fierce, and several pitchers have risen to the forefront.
The Case for Skubal
Leading the pack is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who has been nothing short of exceptional this season. Skubal holds the majors' best ERA and ERA+, setting a towering standard that his peers struggle to match. With a record of 14-4, Skubal also leads the American League in strikeouts, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and strikeout rate. His efforts have been monumental for Detroit, a team that holds a 44-56 record in games where Skubal doesn't start.
Skubal's dominance is further underscored by his commanding lead in both Baseball Reference's and FanGraphs' version of Wins Above Replacement (WAR). This season, he has surpassed personal milestones, setting a new career high in innings pitched. Though he's taken his last turn on normal rest this season, his contributions have positioned him as a frontrunner for the Cy Young award.
Tough Competition
Among Skubal's competitors is the versatile Seth Lugo. Lugo has pitched 166 2/3 innings and boasts a 14-7 record with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. However, his recent form raises questions as he's posted a worrying 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts. Similarly, Logan Gilbert of the Mariners has been a standout, with a 2.96 ERA and a league-leading WHIP of 0.88. Gilbert's durability is highlighted by his innings pitched, second only to Lugo.
Yet, the Mariners’ season has seen a dramatic turn. After enjoying a ten-game lead in June, they've stumbled, casting a shadow over Gilbert’s otherwise stellar performance.
National League Standouts
In the National League, Corbin Burnes presents a compelling case with a 12-5 record and a 3.10 ERA over 153 2/3 innings, striking out 144 batters. However, Burnes’ recent form is a cause for concern as he has registered a 9.00 ERA in his three starts this month, potentially dampening his Cy Young candidacy.
Emmanuel Clase, on the other hand, has shone brightly in the closer role, converting 37 saves out of 40 opportunities. Clase's 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings position him as one of the most effective relievers in the league.
Framber Valdez has also been impressive, with a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Another pitcher who has balanced performance with innings is Logan Webb, who leads the league with 164 2/3 innings pitched and has an 11-8 record alongside a 3.17 ERA.
The Phillies and Rising Stars
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Zack Wheeler has a standout season to his credit, with a 12-5 record, a 2.72 ERA, and a 0.98 WHIP. Wheeler's 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings make him a vital asset for the Phillies as they navigate the final weeks of the season.
Among emerging talents, Paul Skenes has been noteworthy. With a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, Skenes has accumulated a 4.0 WAR, showcasing his potential as a future ace. Hunter Greene, despite leading the majors in hit batsmen, has a solid 9-4 record, a 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings. Greene's season, however, is currently marred by an elbow injury.
Memorable Moments and Consistency
Ronel Blanco made headlines by throwing a no-hitter in his first outing, adding a touch of history to his 2024 campaign. Blancos’s overall stats of 9-6 with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings underline his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Reynaldo López has quietly put together a remarkable season as well, posting a 2.06 ERA over 104 2/3 innings. His contributions, although not as widely publicized, have been instrumental in stabilizing his team's rotation.
As the end of the 2024 MLB season approaches, the Cy Young award race remains thrillingly close. While statistical leaders like Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale have made their cases compelling, the final weeks will be crucial in determining who ultimately takes home the prestigious accolade.