We’re entering the final stretch of the season, where not only are the postseason tickets being decided, but amidst the divisional battles unfolding in various corners, MLB is also starting to see the races for individual awards like the Cy Young take shape.
In this regard, we could say that on the American League side, Tarik Skubal is the clear favorite to win his second Cy Young award, though he faces competition. Meanwhile, in the National League, Paul Skenes is shaping up as the frontrunner to claim the honor.
Does Paul Skenes have no competition?
After a remarkable year where he won the Rookie of the Year but lost the Cy Young to Chris Sale, Paul Skenes appears destined to take home the National League Cy Young award-at least, that’s how it looks.
He has a significant advantage, unfortunate for the Phillies. It was precisely Zack Wheeler who was making a strong case (and succeeding) for the award until an injury ended his season.
This is also highlighted by David Adler of MLB.com in a ranking of the top 10 starting pitchers, where the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher is listed as the second-best starter.
“Skenes is a huge favorite for the NL Cy Young Award now that Zack Wheeler is out for the rest of the season. He leads the Majors with a 2.07 ERA and has six scoreless starts in his last 10 games going back to the start of July. Skenes also has 181 strikeouts in 161 innings, putting him on track for his first 200-K season,” Adler wrote in his ranking.
Many may debate whether Paul Skenes is the best pitcher in all of Major League Baseball, but the truth is, in this ranking, Tarik Skubal holds the top spot. However, in third place is Garrett Crochet, who challenges Skubal’s dominance in the American League and makes his own case for the Cy Young.
On this, Adler says: “The Cy Young race between Crochet and Skubal is one of the closest award races to watch. Crochet is 14-5 with a 2.38 ERA and 207 strikeouts, which gives him a shot at a Triple Crown-if he can catch Skubal in the latter two categories down the stretch. Crochet just dominated the rival Yankees in his last start, throwing seven innings of one-run, 11-strikeout baseball.”
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