The AL has seen many great starting pitchers achieve remarkable things this season. However, nothing compares to winning a Cy Young Award in terms of achievements for pitchers. As the season comes to an end, there are only a few who might have a shot at winning the Cy Young.
Top 5 AL Cy Young Contenders
Framber Valdez
In 2023, Framber Valdez struck 200 batters and managed a 3.45 ERA. He became essential to the Houston Astros team, eventually winning the AL West. Although this season will not see Valdez strike out 200, Valdez has become very valuable. Valdez has only k’d 137 batters this season but has managed a 3.27 ERA. Valdez’s record shows his strength; he ranks 4th in the AL in wins. Valdez’s record of 13-6 shows that the Astros have used Valdez when they needed him.
In 2024, the Astros have been constantly struck by injuries, especially to their starting pitchers, including aces like Justin Verlander. Framber Valdez’s impact on the Astros in 2024 cannot be overstated.
Seth Lugo
In 2024, Seth Lugo has been one of the most pleasant surprises for any team. The Kansas City Royals have won most of the games started by Lugo, who has been largely excellent. Before this season, Lugo’s only season as a starter was with the San Diego Padres. As a New York Met, Lugo never started more than eight games in a season.
At age 34, Lugo is having a breakout season. He has struck out 146 and walked 46 but has managed a 3.19 ERA. Lugo has been possibly the Royals’ most important starter, as he has a 14-8 record. The Royals themselves are having a breakout season, and Lugo, along with Cole Ragans and Brady Singer, have done wonderful things for Kansas City in 2024.
Logan Gilbert
Logan Gilbert has made a great starting rotation even greater in Seattle. The Seattle Mariners, who already have Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and George Kirby, have been gifted with yet another great ace. Despite Seattle’s failure to keep control of the AL West and the firing of their manager, Gilbert has been a good note for the team.
Although Gilbert has been good for the Mariners for a few years now, Gilbert is having an even better season in 2024. Gilbert has a nice 3.21 ERA this season but has a genuine chance of reaching 200 strikeouts. Although Gilbert is on pace for a 199-strikeout year, one good performance may solidify a 200-k season. He also leads the AL in WHIP. Although the Mariners have done nothing but disappoint lately, some of their starters have shown promise that could be utilized in the future for Seattle.
Cole Ragans
Much like Lugo, Cole Ragans has given the Royals a pleasant surprise season. Last season, Ragans flashed potential in 12 starts with a nice 2.64 ERA, but this season has seen Ragans break out into a star. Ragans is on pace to have a 230-strikeout season and will almost certainly have a shot at Cy Young if Tarik Skubal does not finish strikeout.
Ragans’s record and ERA have also been great, as Ragans has a 3.28 ERA and a 10-8 record. Kansas City’s pitching staff has a great pitching staff, with pitchers like Ragans.
Tarik Skubal
For now, Tarik Skubal is the hands-down Cy Young Award winner. Regardless of the Detroit Tigers’ disappointing season in 2024, Skubal is having a great season. Skubal leads the AL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts and is second only to Logan Gilbert in WHIP.
Skubal is on pace for a 237-strikeout season and has a beautiful 2.58 ERA with 15 wins. In 2021, the last season Skubal pitched a full year for the Tigers, he had a 4.37 ERA and did not strike out as many hitters as he had in 2024. This season’s campaign has been great for Skubal, who could shape the future of the Tigers.
Overall, there are many pitchers who deserve consideration for the AL Cy Young. Whether it be for wins, ERA, or strikeouts, all candidates are worthy of consideration for being the AL’s best pitcher in 2024.
Main Photo Credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
