Each season, the Cy Young Award recognizes MLB’s best pitcher, rewarding dominance, consistency and excellence on the mound. However, its history is also full of controversy and contentious decisions that still generate debate among fans.
The history of an award that defines the greatness of pitchers
Created in 1956 and named after the legendary Cy Young, the award was initially a single award for both leagues, until 1967 when it began to be awarded separately to the best pitchers in the American League and the National League. Since then, it has become the highest individual recognition for MLB pitchers.
Over the decades, legendary figures such as Sandy Koufax, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens have left their mark with historic seasons. Nevertheless, the award has also served as a consecration for pitchers who had their best year at a specific point in their careers.
Cy Young Award winners in the 21st century
2000
- Pedro Martinez – Boston Red Sox
- NL: Randy Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks
2001
- AL: Roger Clemens – New York Yankees
- Randy Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks
2002
- Barry Zito – Oakland Athletics
- NL: Randy Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks
2003
- Roy Halladay – Toronto Blue Jays
- NL: Eric Gagne – Los Angeles Dodgers
2004
- AL: Johan Santana – Minnesota Twins
- NL: Roger Clemens – Houston Astros
2005
- Bartolo Colon – Los Angeles Angels
- Chris Carpenter – St. Louis Cardinals
2006
- AL: Johan Santana – Minnesota Twins
- Brandon Webb – Arizona Diamondbacks
2007
- AL: CC Sabathia – Cleveland Indians
- Jake Peavy – San Diego Padres
2008
- AL: Cliff Lee – Cleveland Guardians
- NL: Tim Lincecum – San Francisco Giants
2009
- AL: Zack Greinke – Kansas City Royals
- NL: Tim Lincecum – San Francisco Giants
2010
- Felix Hernandez – Seattle Mariners
- NL: Roy Halladay – Philadelphia Phillies
2011
- AL: Justin Verlander – Detroit Tigers
- Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers
2012
- AL: David Price – Tampa Bay Rays
- R.A. Dickey – New York Mets
2013
- AL: Max Scherzer – Detroit Tigers
- Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers
2014
- AL: Corey Kluber – Cleveland Indians
- NL: Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers
2015
- AL: Dallas Keuchel – Houston Astros
- NL: Jake Arrieta – Chicago Cubs
2016
- AL: Rick Porcello – Boston Red Sox
- NL: Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals
2017
- AL: Corey Kluber – Cleveland Indians
- NL: Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals
2018
- AL: Blake Snell – Tampa Bay Rays
- NL: Jacob deGrom – Texas Rangers
2019
- AL: Justin Verlander – Houston Astros
- NL: Jacob deGrom – Texas Rangers
2020
- AL: Shane Bieber – Cleveland Guardians
- Trevor Bauer – Cincinnati Reds
2021
- AL: Robbie Ray – Toronto Blue Jays
- Corbin Burnes – Milwaukee Brewers
2022
- AL: Justin Verlander – Houston Astros
- Sandy Alcantara – Miami Marlins
2023
- AL: Gerrit Cole – New York Yankees
- NL: Blake Snell – San Diego Padres
2024
- Tarik Skubal Detroit Tigers
- Chris Sale Atlanta Braves
This year, the award is contested by three names who have had an important campaign with their teams, one of whom was a World Series champion. The names vying for baseball’s most important individual award are Christopher Sanchez (Philadelphia Phillies), Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Los Angeles Dodgers).
Roger Clemens, the Cy Young king
Roger Clemensseven trophies during his career,Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Houston Astros.Randy Johnson
with five awards, followed by
Greg Maddux and Steve CarltonJustin Verlander, Pedro Martinez and Clayton Kershaw
The most successful teams in Cy Young history
the Dodgers top the list with 12 Cy Young AwardsBravesMetsRed Sox
(7) and
PhilliesTigers and Yankeessix awards each keeping the prestige of the award alive decade after decade.
Voters and changing criteria over time
a panel of specialized journalists that changes annually.maintaining impartiality and diversity of criteria.wins were mainly valuedWAR, ERA+ and FIP
carry more weight in the voting.
The most controversial Cy Young winners
Not all the winners have been unanimously acceptedRick Porcello in 2016Justin VerlanderBartolo Colon
won the award over
Johan SantanaEric Gagne (2003), Bob Welch (1990) and Pete Vuckovich (1982)Roger Clemens2001 and 2004
An award that reflects the evolution of baseball
not only measures individual performancevaluing the real impactthe Cy Young Award remains synonymous with excellence, passion and legacy,
keeping alive the tradition of honoring the best arms on the diamond.
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