As the 2024 MLB season unfolds, the race for the prestigious Cy Young Award is heating up. This year’s contenders include a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, all showcasing their exceptional pitching prowess. Here are the top candidates for the 2024 Cy Young Award in both the American League (AL) and the National League (NL).
American League (AL) Contenders
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees): Gerrit Cole continues to dominate as the ace of the Yankees’ pitching staff. With his powerful fastball and devastating slider, Cole has consistently delivered outstanding performances. His impressive strikeout numbers and ability to pitch deep into games make him a leading candidate for the Cy Young.
- Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians): Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner, remains a force to be reckoned with. Known for his exceptional command and diverse pitch arsenal, Bieber has been a cornerstone of the Guardians’ rotation. His consistency and ability to shut down opposing lineups put him in strong contention for another Cy Young.
- Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers): Shohei Ohtani’s two-way prowess is nothing short of spectacular. As a pitcher, his high-velocity fastball and sharp breaking pitches have baffled hitters. If Ohtani can maintain his health and continue to excel on the mound, he could make a serious run for the Cy Young Award, adding to his already impressive list of accolades.
- Kevin Gausman (Toronto Blue Jays): Kevin Gausman has been a revelation for the Blue Jays. With his dominant splitter and pinpoint control, Gausman has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the AL. His ability to consistently deliver quality starts makes him a dark horse candidate for the Cy Young.
National League (NL) Contenders
- Corbin Burnes (Milwaukee Brewers): Corbin Burnes has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the NL. With a devastating cutter and exceptional strikeout ability, Burnes has been a key figure in the Brewers’ rotation. His continued dominance on the mound places him at the forefront of the Cy Young conversation.
- Max Scherzer (New York Mets): The veteran Max Scherzer remains one of the most competitive and effective pitchers in the game. Known for his fierce intensity and remarkable durability, Scherzer’s experience and skill make him a perennial Cy Young contender. His performance in the 2024 season has been nothing short of stellar.
- Zac Gallen (Arizona Diamondbacks): Zac Gallen has quietly become one of the most reliable pitchers in the NL. With his excellent control and ability to induce weak contact, Gallen has been a standout for the Diamondbacks. His consistency and effectiveness make him a strong candidate for the Cy Young Award.
- Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves):Spencer Strider’s emergence as a top-tier pitcher has been a major storyline for the Braves. With his electric fastball and impressive strikeout rate, Strider has the tools to dominate any lineup. If he can maintain his current form, he could be a serious contender for the Cy Young.
Dark Horse Candidates
- Luis Castillo (Seattle Mariners): Luis Castillo has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. If he can put together a complete season with the Mariners, he could emerge as a surprise Cy Young candidate.
- Logan Webb (San Francisco Giants): Logan Webb has developed into a reliable ace for the Giants. His ability to keep hitters off balance with his sinker and slider combination makes him a potential dark horse for the award.
Conclusion
The 2024 Cy Young Award race is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive battle. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents, both leagues feature pitchers capable of delivering extraordinary performances. As the season progresses, these contenders will look to solidify their cases for one of baseball’s highest honors, making every start a critical opportunity to leave their mark on the game.
