Leading a league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts is often a good way to win a Cy Young Award, and this year’s finalists show just that.
Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, both left-handed pitchers, took home the Triple Crown in their respective leagues. Sale, 35, earned the NL Triple Crown with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts. He also won his first career Gold Glove in 2024 and helped lead the Braves to an 89-73 record and a playoff spot.
Skubal, 27, claimed the AL Triple Crown with 18 wins, a 2.39 ERA, and 228 strikeouts, pushing the Tigers to their first playoff appearance since 2014.
The other National League finalists are Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes and Philadelphia Phillies’ Zack Wheeler. Skenes, 22, had an impressive first season, posting an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA, which would have been the best in the majors if he had pitched enough innings.
Wheeler, at 34, had a career year with a 2.57 ERA and 16 wins, along with 224 strikeouts. He earned an All-Star selection and helped the Phillies win the NL East.
The American League finalists include Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase and Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo. Clase, 26, led the majors in saves with 47, marking his third straight season leading in that category.
He also posted a career-best 0.61 ERA over 74 appearances. Lugo, 34, finished with a 16-9 record and a 3.00 ERA for the Royals, who made the playoffs. He tied for the league lead in starts with 33 and ranked second in innings pitched with 206 2/3.
The winners of the Cy Young Awards will be announced on November 20.
