Tiger Skubal leads AL Cy Young race as season nears end

As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Cy Young and MVP races are under review, particularly focusing on the performance of pitchers. The evaluation method used involves analyzing every batted ball allowed by ERA-qualifying pitchers, calculating the damage they should have allowed based on exit speed and launch angle. This approach leads to the determination of each pitcher's 'Tru' ERA- and 'Tru' Pitching Runs Above Average (TPRAA), which is useful for assessing elite performance for awards and Hall of Fame considerations. Among the top contenders, Tarik Skubal of the Tigers stands out with a remarkable 26.0 TPRAA, showcasing his elite strikeout-to-walk ratio and solid contact management. His performance has been consistent throughout the season, making him a frontrunner for the Cy Young award. Other notable pitchers include Logan Gilbert from the Mariners, who has a TPRAA of 16.5, and Framber Valdez from the Astros, who has recently entered the top ten with a TPRAA of 12.6. Skubal's ability to limit damage from batted balls, combined with his impressive strikeout rate, has positioned him as a deserving candidate for the prestigious award. The analysis also highlights the importance of contact management and sequencing in a pitcher's success, as seen in the performances of other contenders. As the season nears its end, the competition for the Cy Young award intensifies, with Skubal leading the pack. His achievements reflect not only his individual talent but also the evolving metrics used to evaluate pitcher performance in Major League Baseball.