Two pitchers stood atop the baseball world, both clinching their first-ever Cy Young Awards, marking milestones in their illustrious careers. Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal, representing the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers respectively, have showcased not just their talent but resilience through setbacks and transformations on their path to becoming the league's best pitchers.
Chris Sale's Journey to Excellence
Veteran pitcher Chris Sale, at 35, has traveled a long and winding road to his Cy Young moment. Sale, who began his MLB career as a promising first-round pick in 2010, has experienced his share of highs and lows. Initially debuting as a reliever with the Chicago White Sox, he made a pivotal transition to become a starting pitcher, cementing his status in the league with his first All-Star appearance in 2012.
From 2012 to 2018, Sale was a formidable force on the mound, achieving seven consecutive All-Star appearances. During this period, he demonstrated consistency and dominance, maintaining an impressive average win-loss record of 14-8, a 2.91 ERA, and a staggering 240 strikeouts over 198 innings each season.
However, Sale's career wasn't devoid of challenges. He underwent Tommy John surgery, a procedure that kept him off the mound for significant stretches. Returning to the game in 2021, Sale made nine starts, followed by a limited campaign in 2022 with just two appearances. But the 2023 season reinvigorated his career as he managed to start 20 games, showcasing his enduring skill.
The following offseason, a high-profile trade sent Sale to the Braves for the 2024 season, where he ultimately achieved his long-awaited Cy Young moment. His journey from a promising prospect to a celebrated pitcher is a testament to his resilience and skill.
Tarik Skubal's Rise to the Top
On the other side of the narrative stands Tarik Skubal, the impressive left-hander who captivated the league with his performances for the Detroit Tigers. Emerging as a top prospect in 2020 and 2021, Skubal quickly became a key player for the Tigers. Yet, his rapid ascent was briefly halted by flexor tendon surgery in August 2022.
Returning with determination, Skubal's 2023 season was filled with promise. He secured a commendable 7-3 win-loss record and a 2.80 ERA over 80 ⅓ innings. However, it was the 2024 season where Skubal truly shined, with an outstanding 18-4 win-loss record and a remarkable 2.39 ERA. Leading the league with an ERA+ of 170, Skubal dominated the standings in wins and ERA.
His impressive strikeout total and leadership in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) underlined his impact on the field. Skubal’s performance was unmatched, and his Cy Young win cemented his status as one of the league's most formidable pitchers.
A Season of Triumph
Both pitchers have crafted narratives filled with perseverance and excellence. For Sale, the path was longer, marked by transitions and surgeries, but his eventual triumph exemplifies staying power and adaptability. Meanwhile, Skubal, despite his relatively brief time in the league, has made his mark through sheer talent and hard work, overcoming injury to reach baseball's pinnacle.
The triumphs of Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal in clinching their Cy Young Awards celebrate more than just individual success; they highlight the beauty of baseball's unpredictability and the resilience required to reach and sustain excellence at the highest level. As they look forward to new seasons, fans and fellow players alike watch in anticipation of what these two pitchers will achieve next.