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2024 Cy Young Award voting results: Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal claim victories in a left-handed sweep

Posted on by Goldteelic
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21
Nov
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In 2021, Tarik Skubal was securing his place in the Detroit Tigers’ starting rotation, while Chris Sale was in the midst of recovering from Tommy John surgery. At that time, Sale was just starting a difficult three-year stretch, during which he would only make 11 starts and see his career’s future become uncertain. Fast forward to 2024, and both of these left-handed pitchers have defied the odds, earning their first-ever Cy Young Awards in a remarkable turnaround that was unimaginable just a few years ago.

Chris Sale’s path back to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary. After battling a series of injuries, including Tommy John surgery, a broken pinkie, and a stress reaction in his ribs, Sale made a stunning comeback with the Atlanta Braves in 2024. His performance, which featured a career-best 2.38 ERA and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings, earned him the National League Cy Young Award. Sale received 26 out of 30 first-place votes, beating out Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who took the other four votes. For Sale, this victory marks the culmination of a long and challenging journey, as he had finished between second and sixth in the American League Cy Young voting for seven consecutive seasons between 2012 and 2018.

On the other hand, Tarik Skubal’s journey to the top of the American League was equally remarkable. After undergoing flexor tendon surgery in 2022, which forced him to miss a significant portion of the season, Skubal returned with a vengeance in 2024. The 28-year-old left-hander not only led MLB with 239 strikeouts but also dominated the American League, finishing with a 2.39 ERA, 18 wins, and 6.3 WAR. His incredible season earned him a unanimous vote for the AL Cy Young Award, highlighting his exceptional performance on the mound. Skubal’s rise from an underrated draft pick to one of the league’s premier pitchers is a testament to his resilience and skill.

Both Sale and Skubal made history by becoming the first left-handed duo to sweep the Cy Young Awards since Barry Zito and Randy Johnson in 2002. They also both achieved the coveted pitching Triple Crown, leading their respective leagues in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. This dominant showing from two southpaws has captured the attention of the baseball world, and their achievements have set a new standard for excellence in pitching.

For Skubal, who celebrated his 28th birthday the same night he won the award, the honor was particularly meaningful. In a statement after his win, Skubal expressed admiration for Sale’s career, saying, “It’s no surprise he’s winning this award. He’s an extremely talented baseball player. To win the award the same year and share the pitching Triple Crown with him is something I’ll be able to live with for my entire life.”

The 2024 Cy Young Award results underscore the remarkable resilience of both pitchers. Chris Sale’s career was once in jeopardy due to numerous injuries, but his comeback with the Braves has made him one of the best pitchers in the game once again. Similarly, Tarik Skubal, despite facing setbacks early in his career, has emerged as the best pitcher in the American League. Together, their achievements represent the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance, and their Cy Young victories mark the start of a new chapter in their careers.

The 2024 Cy Young Award voting results saw Skubal earn 150 points, securing a dominant victory over Kansas City Royals’ Seth Lugo, who finished second with 93 points. Sale, in the National League, led with 198 points, defeating Zack Wheeler, who earned 130 points to finish second. These two pitchers have not only earned their individual honors but have also brought attention to the power of perseverance and dedication in professional baseball.

As the 2024 season wraps up, Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal’s Cy Young Awards are a powerful reminder of how a strong work ethic, resilience in the face of adversity, and a commitment to excellence can redefine a career. Their stories will inspire future generations of pitchers and prove that with determination, anything is possible, no matter how improbable it may seem.

Goldteelic

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