This season, Tarik Skubal, the standout pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, has displayed exceptional prowess on the mound, consistently delivering top-tier performances. His remarkable dominance has been a defining factor for the Tigers. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of other pitchers across the league who are also making a compelling case for the esteemed Cy Young Award.
Logan Gilbert’s Quiet Contributions
The Seattle Mariners’ veteran right-hander Luis Castillo was initially expected to be the standout performer in the team’s rotation. However, it is right-hander Logan Gilbert who has emerged as the most impactful starter. With his impressive strikeout rate and low ERA, Gilbert has been a crucial asset for the team. Despite not leading the league in ERA or strikeouts, Gilbert’s all-around skill set suggests that he may be a versatile and well-rounded pitcher.
Gilbert has a 3.19 ERA, which ranks 12th in the majors, and has made 181 strikeouts, ranking 8th. He shows mastery in controlling the strike zone. Gilbert has also led the league in WHIP, which is 0.90. While WHIP may not be as well-known as ERA or strikeouts, it still demonstrates his value and ability. Gilbert has achieved 181 strikeouts, only 32 walks, and has consistently been exceptional. He is currently achieving career-high numbers in all categories.
Gilbert has unfortunately been the victim of the bad performance of the Mariner’s offense. Despite having a masterful ERA and racking up strikeouts, Gilbert’s win-loss record is 7-10. Although the Mariners have talented players, they have struggled to hit well. They rank 26th in runs, 24th in on-base percentage, and 29th in slugging percentage. Additionally, their batting average is an abysmal .217, which ranks last in baseball. On the other hand, pitchers like Castillo, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller have had outstanding performances this season. Seattle leads the league in ERA, WHIP, opponent batting average, and quality starts.
However, the stark contrast between their exceptional pitching and the struggling offense is not conducive to success in any sport. When Gilbert is on the mound, the Mariners are scoring an average of below three runs per game.
Logan Gilbert is Behind Skubal
Gilbert remains second to Skubal who has been masterful himself. But Gilbert remains in the picture. If Skubal somehow fails to perform in his last starts of 2024, and Gilbert performs, this may be the only way for Gilbert to even gain consideration in the Cy Young race. So far, in the American League, Tarik Skubal is running away with the award. One of the ways Gilbert may have a chance is if Seattle can get back in the Wild Card race. The Seattle Mariners are 5 1/2 games behind in the race and are unfortunately the same number of games behind the Houston Astros. The Mariners, along with the Boston Red Sox, are running out of time.
It’s Up to Seattle’s Offense
The pitching of the Mariners is rivalled by no one in the majors. In other words, Gilbert and the rest of the pitching staff have done their job. But the offense must turn on for Gilbert himself to have a chance at the award. The failure of the Mariners to retain the AL West was and still is one of the most embarrassing moments of 2024. Thus, if the offense can help their excellent pitching, then the contribution of Gilbert to his team will not be overlooked. Many of the games the Mariners lose are against other bad offenses, and the Mariners need to take advantage when Gilbert is on the mound against upcoming teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, who continue to underperform offensively.
Overall, the Mariners Ace is not out of the Cy Young picture yet. And a good end to his season could propel Gilbert into the Cy Young Award race.
Main Photo: © Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
