The 2024 MLB season is accelerating toward its final chapters, and the race for the Cy Young award is one of the fiercest in recent years. With just over five and a half weeks of play remaining, voters will soon be tasked with ranking pitchers from 1-5 on their ballots. This year's competition features an impressive array of talent, led by several standout performances.
American League: Skubal's Dominance
In the American League, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers is making an indelible mark. Skubal leads the majors in ERA and ERA+, and he also tops AL charts in strikeouts, FIP, and strikeout rate. With a record of 14-4, Skubal has been a pillar of consistency for the Tigers, who have a 44-56 record in games where he doesn’t start. Notably, Skubal holds a commanding lead in Baseball Reference's version of WAR and leads the leaderboard on FanGraphs as well. This season has seen him set a new career high in innings pitched and excel in every aspect of his game.
Tough Competition in the AL
However, Skubal isn’t alone in making a case for Cy Young honors. Seth Lugo has also been formidable, pitching 166 2/3 innings with a 14-7 record, a 3.02 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. Despite his recent struggles—posting a 5.24 ERA over his last seven starts—Lugo remains a strong contender.
Seattle's Logan Gilbert has also been sensational, leading the league with a 0.88 WHIP and maintaining a 2.96 ERA. Gilbert is second only to Lugo in innings pitched but has seen his team, the Mariners, stumble dramatically since their ten-game lead in June.
Dark Horses and Notable Performances
Corbin Burnes offers another compelling storyline. With a 12-5 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 144 strikeouts in 153 2/3 innings, Burnes was initially a frontrunner. However, his 9.00 ERA in three starts this month might hurt his chances.
Moreover, the consistently impressive Emmanuel Clase has converted 37 out of 40 save opportunities. Clase’s 0.63 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings firmly position him as the ace reliever in the league.
National League Contenders
Shifting to the National League, Framber Valdez has stood out, boasting a 13-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP over 137 2/3 innings. Chris Sale, who leads the league in wins, strikeouts, FIP, strikeout rate, and FanGraphs' WAR, offers compelling stats though he doesn't rank in the top 10 for innings pitched.
Logan Webb’s workhorse stature—completing a league-leading 164 2/3 innings pitched with an 11-8 record and a 3.17 ERA—illustrates the endurance required to be a Cy Young contender.
Emerging Young Talent
Zack Wheeler is another strong candidate, maintaining a 12-5 record, an impressive 2.72 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, rookie Paul Skenes has dazzled with a 7-2 record, a 2.30 ERA, and 121 strikeouts in 98 innings, posting a solid 4.0 WAR.
Hunter Greene is another young pitcher earning recognition. Greene’s 9-4 record, 2.83 ERA, and 162 strikeouts in 143 1/3 innings are remarkable, even as he leads the majors in hit batsmen and struggles with an elbow injury.
Noteworthy Performances
From no-hitters to breakout seasons, the league in 2024 has showcased individual brilliance. Ronel Blanco threw a no-hitter in his first outing and has accumulated a 9-6 record with a 2.89 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 134 innings. Reynaldo López, with a stellar 2.06 ERA in 104 2/3 innings, also merits mention.
As the season progresses, the race for the Cy Young award will undoubtedly intensify. Voters will have a difficult choice among numerous deserving candidates, each making a strong case for their excellence on the mound.