In a thrilling announcement on Wednesday night, the prestigious 2023 Cy Young Awards were bestowed upon New York Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole and former San Diego Padres left-hander Blake Snell. The victory marks Snell’s second career Cy Young, with his earlier triumph dating back to 2018, while for Cole, this marks his inaugural win, finally clinching the accolade after being a consistent top-five contender on five previous occasions.
Cole’s triumph signifies the end of an era dominated by Chris Sale, who, plagued by injuries and aging out as the ace, created an opportune moment for Cole to secure his spot as the best active pitcher without a Cy Young. This victory breaks a streak, ensuring at least one first-time Cy Young winner each year since 2019, when Jacob deGrom and Justin Verlander secured their second wins.
As we revel in this year’s Cy Young celebration, let’s turn our attention to the next generation of pitchers poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming seasons. These emerging stars, possessing a potent blend of talent and skill, are primed to vie for their first-ever Cy Young titles.
Leading the Pack
Luis Castillo stands at the forefront, surprisingly never having received a single Cy Young vote throughout his career, despite being a three-time All-Star. With impressive stats since 2019, including a 3.43 ERA, ranking sixth in starts, innings, and fifth in strikeouts, Castillo is on the brink of serious Cy Young consideration. As he approaches his 31st birthday next month, 2024 could be the year Castillo claims the coveted hardware.
Following closely is Max Fried, who earned the Cy Young runner-up spot in 2022. Despite contending with injuries in 2023, Fried showcased his Cy Young-level performance, making him a prime candidate. Turning 30 in January, Fried’s prime years align perfectly with the potential for a career-defining Cy Young season.
Young Guns on the Rise
Kyle Strider’s 2023 season had its ups and downs, a testament to a young pitcher navigating the nuances of a grueling 162-game schedule. Leading all pitchers in strikeouts over the last two seasons, Strider, at 25, is a 300-strikeout season waiting to happen. With his youth and potential, Strider is a strong contender for his maiden Cy Young in the near future.
Framber Valdez, a standout in 2022, boasts an unparalleled combination of strikeouts and ground ball ability. Holding the highest rate among pitchers with at least 300 innings from 2021-23, Valdez’s skills make him a formidable candidate. With the right support, Valdez could emerge as the next Cy Young winner, following in the footsteps of Astros’ lefty Dallas Keuchel.
Precision and Power
Wheeler, a master of power and precision, possesses a diverse arsenal of pitches and impeccable command. His ability to exploit batters’ weaknesses, coupled with a strong track record since 2020, places Wheeler among the top contenders for a Cy Young. With improvements to the Phillies’ defense, Wheeler could elevate his game and secure the coveted title.
Walker Buehler, a perennial contender hampered by health concerns, aims to return to the Cy Young mix. Despite missing the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, Buehler’s past performances, including a fourth-place finish in the 2021 NL Cy Young voting, attest to his prowess. If Buehler’s elbow holds up, he’s set for a strong comeback.
Emerging Talents
Pablo López, an overlooked talent, took his game to new heights after joining the Twins in 2023. With an enhanced pitch repertoire, López significantly increased his strikeout rate. At 26, López is firmly in the 2024 Cy Young conversation, showcasing his potential to emerge as a frontrunner.
While Shohei Ohtani currently dominates headlines, his remarkable prowess, both as a hitter and pitcher, positions him as a strong contender whenever he returns to the Cy Young conversation. Ohtani’s career has consistently defied expectations, and despite elbow surgery sidelining him in 2024, betting against this exceptional player seems unwise.
In Conclusion
As we celebrate the achievements of Gerrit Cole and Blake Snell, the future of the Cy Young landscape looks promising. With a mix of seasoned contenders and emerging talents, the next generation of pitchers is ready to step into the spotlight and etch their names into baseball history. As the anticipation builds, we await the unfolding drama of the Cy Young race in the upcoming seasons.