Lets Go Lugo! Sock’s MLB Cy Young Rankings

A lot of great performances this week and a lot of down games. Who will make the cut?

NL Cy Young Rankings

On the Bubble: Javier Assad, Jordan Hicks, Jared Jones, Chris Sale, Zac Gallen

5. Zack Wheeler – PHI: Last Week’s Ranking: #4
Wheeler had two starts in the past 7 days. On Monday, he went 7 innings, stuck out 11, and only allowed 4 hits and 1 walk. On Sunday, he went 4 innings, only stuck out 2, and allowed 6 earned runs. His ERA went from 1.91 to 2.53, and his WHIP went from 0.92 to 0.99. I decided to keep in the top 5 despite Assad having a better ERA. Wheeler has a better WHIP, 30 more strikeouts, and 11 more innings pitched. One more lousy outing and I’ll have no choice but to knock him out of the top 5.

4. Tyler Glasnow – LAD: Last Week’s Ranking: #3
Glasnow had an electric outing against the Padres last week. He went 7 innings, struck out 10 batters, and allowed 2 walks and 1 hit, which was a solo home run. Glasnow has struck out 9 or more batters in his last 4 starts and has allowed only 4 earned runs. He leads the NL in strikeouts with 73 and has a respectable 2.53 ERA. Even with these great outings, he ranks number 4 on my rankings.

3. Shota Imanaga – CHC: Last Week’s Ranking: Not Qualified
Shota is finally qualified and deserves top 5 recognition. So far this season, he has a 1.08 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched. He had a season-high 102 pitches in his last outing, striking out 8. If he keeps the ERA low, he’ll climb the rankings quickly.

2. Dylan Cease – SDP: Last Week’s Ranking: #2
Cease has been lighting it up for San Diego. In his last start, he went 7 innings, stuck out 12, and only allowed 1 hit. His ERA went from 2.55 to 2.19, and his WHIP went from 0.80 to 0.75. He is one of 3 NL pitchers with 60 or more strikeouts and deserves #2 on my rankings. 

1. Ranger Suarez – PHI: Last Week’s Ranking: #1
Suarez continues to be great for the Phillies. In his last start, he threw 7 shutout innings, allowing only 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9 batters. His ERA went from 1.72 to 1.50, and he has 0.72 WHIP, which is still the best in the NL. 

AL Cy Young Rankings

On the Bubble: Logan Gilbert, Brady Singer, Jon Gray, Bryce Miller, Corbin Burnes

5. Kutter Crawford – BOS: Last Week’s Ranking: On the Bubble
It’s about time I give Kutter Crawford the respect he deserves. So far this season, Crawford has a 1.75 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts in 46.1 innings. He’s been a consistent and reliable piece for the Red Sox, and he finds his way into the top 5 after Logan Gilberts’ meltdown.

4. Ronel Blanco – HOU: Last Week’s Ranking: #5
Blanco is still performing as a pleasant surprise for Houston in 2024. Blanco went 5.2 innings, giving up 4 hits, 4 walks, and 2 earned runs against the Yankees. He has only given up 25 hits during the season, keeping his WHIP at a respectable 1.02. He has been a good pitcher so far, but how long will the no-hitter keep him relevant on my list?

3. Tanner Houck – BOS: Last Week’s Ranking: #3
Houck lost back-to-back games, giving up 3 runs in each outing. His ERA went from 1.99 to 2.24, and his WHIP went from 0.97 to 0.98. Regardless, he is still having a great season and will stay at number 3 for now.

2. Seth Lugo – KCR: Last Week’s Ranking: #4
Seth Lugo continues to be great for Kansas City in 2024. He had 2 starts in the past week. In the first one against Milwaukee, he gave up 3 runs, 2 of which were earned, and struck out 5. He followed that performance going 8 innings, striking out 12 against the Angels. He did allow 1 earned run, making it 3 earned runs on the week. His ERA went from 1.60 to 1.66, and his WHIP went from 1.02 to 0.96. He now leads the AL in ERA and has risen to #2 on my list.

1. Tarik Skubal – DET: Last Week’s Ranking #2
After losing the number 1 spot on my rankings, Tarik Skubal has taken it back. He pitched 6.1 innings against Houston, allowing 7 hits, 2 walks, and 2 earned runs while striking out 7. His ERA went from 1.90 to 2.02, and his AL-best WHIP went from 0.77 to 0.86. It is a tight race, but I give Skubal the edge at the moment.