Tarik Skubal's Stellar Season Earns Him the 2024 AL Cy Young Award
In a dazzling display of pitching prowess, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has claimed the prestigious 2024 American League Cy Young Award, achieving this honor with unanimous support. Skubal, whose performance throughout the season consistently left baseball aficionados in awe, captured all 30 first-place votes in the Baseball Writers Association of America balloting.
Skubal's journey to the Cy Young was marked by an impressive record of 18-4, a feat that highlights both his durability and skill. Leading the American League with a commanding 2.39 earned run average (ERA), Skubal set the standard for pitchers across the league. His excellence was further underscored by his league-topping Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) mark of 2.50, underscoring his ability to control the game beyond the influence of defensive factors.
The 2024 season saw Skubal post an ERA+ of 170, a metric that adjusts a pitcher’s ERA according to the league average and park factors, showcasing his dominance compared to his peers. Moreover, his wins above replacement (WAR) was an astonishing 6.3, the highest among all pitchers, which signals his immense value to the Tigers’ rotation.
With 228 strikeouts over the course of the year, Skubal’s ability to overpower batters was undeniable. This feat places him in the elite company of recent American League pitchers, as he becomes the third consecutive unanimous Cy Young winner. His predecessors in this rare achievement include Justin Verlander in 2022 and Gerrit Cole in 2023, adding his name to a list of exceptional pitchers recognized for their singular seasons.
Skubal is not the first Tigers pitcher to earn the esteemed Cy Young accolade, following in the footsteps of Max Scherzer, who clinched it in 2013. His performance in the postseason further cemented his reputation, with a 2.37 ERA over three starts where he gave up no unearned runs. Across 19 postseason innings, he struck out 20 batters and allowed just one intentional walk, maintaining his remarkable regular-season command.
One of the notable developments in Skubal’s 2024 campaign was the addition of a changeup to his pitching repertoire. This strategic enhancement contributed to his effectiveness on the mound, keeping hitters off balance and enhancing his already formidable arsenal.
Skubal's ability to consistently deliver quality outings was evident as he averaged over six innings per start, demonstrating both stamina and reliability over the long haul of the season. In 31 appearances, he notched 22 quality starts, a testament to his steadfast performance game after game. Opposing hitters floundered against him, managing a meager OPS of .558, a clear indication of his dominance over the competition.
The 2024 season also marked an important personal milestone for the left-handed ace, who was selected for the All-Star team for the first time in his career. In that setting, he shared the field with the game’s greatest talents, solidifying his status as one of baseball's premier pitchers. Over the course of the year, he recorded at least ten strikeouts in three separate games, punctuating his outings with electric performances that captured the admiration of fans and analysts alike.
Fittingly, Skubal's Cy Young Award win was announced on his 28th birthday, adding a celebratory note to an already momentous occasion. His success represents not only his personal achievement but also a beacon of hope for the Detroit Tigers, as they look to build on his outstanding performances in the seasons to come.