Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal, both left-handed pitchers and former Tommy John surgery patients, achieved a significant milestone in their careers by winning the Cy Young Award for the first time in 2024. Sale, who had a remarkable comeback season with the Atlanta Braves, secured the National League honor by receiving 26 out of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. On the other hand, Skubal, the ace for the Detroit Tigers, won the American League award unanimously.
Sale’s impressive season saw him finish with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts, leading the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. This stellar performance marked Sale’s return to his prime years when he was considered one of the top starting pitchers in the league. Despite battling injuries since 2019, Sale’s resilience and hard work paid off as he delivered a season reminiscent of his best years.
Skubal, on the other hand, had a breakout season in 2024, finishing with an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, and 228 strikeouts. The young pitcher, who celebrated his 28th birthday, played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ historic surge towards the playoffs, marking their first postseason appearance since 2014. Skubal’s journey from Tommy John surgery in college to winning the Cy Young Award exemplifies his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
The recognition of Sale and Skubal as Cy Young Award winners highlights their exceptional performances and contributions to their respective teams. Sale’s resurgence with the Braves and Skubal’s breakout season with the Tigers showcase the talent and determination of these two left-handed pitchers. As they celebrate this significant achievement in their careers, Sale and Skubal are grateful for the support of their teammates, families, and fans who have been instrumental in their success.
The Cy Young Award win for Sale and Skubal adds to the rich history of the prestigious honor, underscoring the impact of their outstanding performances in the 2024 MLB season. With a promising future ahead, both pitchers are poised to continue making significant contributions to their teams and the league as a whole. The recognition of their talent and hard work serves as an inspiration to aspiring young pitchers and fans of the game, highlighting the rewards of perseverance and dedication in the world of professional baseball.
