Chris Sale, Tarik Skubal Among Cy Young Award Contenders \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The 2023 Cy Young Award finalists highlight exceptional pitching performances across Major League Baseball. Chris Sale of the Braves and Tarik Skubal of the Tigers lead their respective leagues with dominant seasons, earning spots among the elite. Sale posted an 18-3 record with a 2.38 ERA in the National League, while Skubal led MLB with 228 strikeouts and an 18-4 record in the American League. Other finalists include Zack Wheeler, Emmanuel Clase, Seth Lugo, and rookie Paul Skenes. Winners will be announced Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET.
2023 Cy Young Finalists: Quick Looks
- Chris Sale (NL): Braves’ ace led the NL with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts.
- Tarik Skubal (AL): Tigers left-hander dominated MLB with 228 strikeouts, an 18-4 record, and a 2.39 ERA.
- Additional Finalists:
- AL: Emmanuel Clase (47 saves, 0.61 ERA), Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA).
- NL: Zack Wheeler (16-7, 2.57 ERA), Paul Skenes (NL Rookie of the Year).
- Award Context: Paul Skenes becomes only the fifth rookie ever to rank among Cy Young’s top three.
Deep Look
Chris Sale: National League Ace
Chris Sale had a sensational year with the Atlanta Braves, finishing with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts in 30 starts. The left-hander’s dominance on the mound was a key factor in Atlanta’s NL East title run, consistently stifling opposing hitters with pinpoint accuracy and devastating off-speed pitches. Sale’s season was cut slightly short due to back issues, which caused him to miss the Braves’ Wild Card Series loss to San Diego. However, his regular-season performance left an indelible mark, cementing his place among the National League’s best.
Tarik Skubal: American League Powerhouse
Other American League Finalists
- Emmanuel Clase (CLE): Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase achieved a rare feat for a reliever, finishing as a top-three finalist. Clase’s 47 saves, coupled with a microscopic 0.61 ERA over 74 appearances, reflect his ability to shut down games under pressure. He’s the first reliever to reach this milestone since Trevor Hoffman’s runner-up finish in 2006.
- Seth Lugo (KC): Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo turned heads with his 16-9 record and 3.00 ERA. While not as flashy as his competitors, Lugo’s durability and reliability earned him a spot among the AL’s top pitchers.
Other National League Finalists
- Zack Wheeler (PHI): Philadelphia Phillies starter Zack Wheeler delivered another standout season, finishing with a 16-7 record and a 2.57 ERA. Known for his efficiency and ability to rack up strikeouts, Wheeler remains one of the most consistent pitchers in the game.
- Paul Skenes (PIT): Rookie sensation Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates earned his spot among the finalists after a breakout season. The 22-year-old posted exceptional numbers, becoming only the fifth rookie in history to finish in the top three for the Cy Young Award. His inclusion follows his recent win as NL Rookie of the Year, a rare double accomplishment last achieved by Fernando Valenzuela in 1981.
Historical Context and Trends
The Cy Young Award has historically celebrated pitching excellence, with winners often setting records and defining eras. Paul Skenes’ inclusion as a rookie reflects a growing recognition of young talent in the league. Similarly, Emmanuel Clase’s presence underscores the increasing value of elite bullpen performance. Both represent shifts in the types of players considered for baseball’s highest pitching honor.
The Award Process
What to Expect
The winners will be announced during a live awards show beginning at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether Sale’s and Skubal’s league-leading seasons will translate into victories or if another standout, such as Clase or Skenes, will take the crown. Regardless of the outcome, this year’s Cy Young finalists have set a high bar for pitching excellence in 2023.
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