Tarik Skubal had an impressive Sunday night outing, showcasing his pitching prowess in front of a national audience. Skubal is a left-handed pitcher known for his high leg kicks and exceptional control, blending the power of Randy Johnson with the precision of Tom Glavine. On this night, he dominated with seven innings pitched, allowing just one hit, no runs, one walk, and striking out 13 batters, leading his team to victory.
Skubal is a strong candidate to win the 2024 AL Cy Young Award, currently boasting a record of 10-2, a 2.15 ERA, an ERA+ of 184, a 0.84 WHIP, 138 strikeouts, 14 walks, and 109 innings pitched, along with a 3.9 WAR. He leads the AL in wins, FIP, WHIP, strikeouts per nine innings, and strikeout-to-walk ratio, among other categories.
The Cy Young race this year is especially exciting, featuring a star-studded field. Alongside established ace Skubal, there are breakout pitchers, rookies, and comeback stories, making for a thrilling competition.
One notable contender is Emmanuel Clase, a 2020 first-round pick who overcame injuries in 2022 and has now become a key starter. Despite playing for a struggling team, he posted a solid 8-4 record with a 2.26 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 144 strikeouts, leading the majors in strikeouts.
Another standout is Astros’ righty Hunter Brown, who has come into his own this season with an MLB-best 1.74 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP, 118 strikeouts, and a 3.9 WAR. At 26 years old, he seems poised for a strong finish.
Yankees’ Max Fried has also emerged as a force, stepping up when Gerrit Cole was sidelined, with a 10-2 record, 2.13 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts, contributing a 3.7 WAR. Fried, though yet to win a major award, has finished high in Cy Young voting before.
Jacob deGrom, a two-time Cy Young winner, made a comeback this year after injuries, with a 9-2 record, 2.13 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 100 strikeouts in 100 innings, accumulating a 3.3 WAR.
This diverse and talented group also includes Kris Bubic, Flamber Valdez, and Carlos Rodón, each offering notable performances and adding depth to the race.
Skubal remains a favorite, seen as the best pitcher currently in the game, but the depth of talent means the Cy Young race is far from decided, making it an exciting storyline for baseball fans to follow.
Fan Take: This year’s Cy Young competition is a thrilling showcase of both emerging talents and established stars, highlighting the depth of pitching talent in MLB. For the sport, this race not only elevates the excitement of the season but also underscores how pitching continues to be the cornerstone of baseball success.
