In a remarkable turn of events, the 2024 MLB season saw two left-handed pitchers, Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, claim the prestigious Cy Young Awards. Their stories mirror each other in resilience and triumph: both pitchers returned from Tommy John surgery, dominated the mound to win the elusive pitching Triple Crown, and now share the honor of being first-time Cy Young recipients.
Chris Sale: The Return of an Ace
Chris Sale, a 35-year-old veteran and former ace of the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox, showcased a spectacular resurgence with the Atlanta Braves. Despite enduring a series of injuries that sidelined him for much of the past four seasons, Sale’s 2024 performance was a testament to his enduring talent and determination.
Sale finished the season with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts, leading the National League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts—a Triple Crown feat. He secured 26 of the 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, prevailing over Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler and Pittsburgh rookie Paul Skenes.
“It’s been a journey,” Sale said, reflecting on his arduous path back to the top. “To show my kids what hard work and dedication can achieve, and to have my wife and family stand by me, it means the world.”
A Legacy Restored
From 2012 to 2018, Sale was one of MLB’s most feared pitchers, earning seven consecutive top-five Cy Young finishes. However, injuries derailed his career starting in 2019, culminating in Tommy John surgery in March 2020. Between 2020 and 2023, he managed only 31 starts, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by frequent setbacks.
Acquired by the Braves in a bold offseason trade, Sale proved his doubters wrong. He made 30 starts in 2024—his most since 2017—and only missed the season’s final week due to back spasms. His dominance was a key factor in Atlanta’s late surge to secure a wild-card berth.
“Health is everything,” Sale said. “It’s hard to perform when you’re not on the field. I’m grateful to have had the chance to remind people of what I’m capable of.”
Sale’s arsenal remained as lethal as ever. His fastball averaged 94.8 mph, while his devastating slider limited batters to a .171 average, surrendering just one home run across 280 at-bats. His unorthodox sidearm delivery and pinpoint control were reminiscent of his prime years.
The Braves thrived under Sale’s leadership, going 12-2 in his final 14 starts as he posted a 1.93 ERA during that stretch. Although Atlanta’s playoff run ended early, Sale’s individual accolades underscored his value to the franchise.
A Historic Achievement
Sale’s Cy Young win marked the eighth in Braves history and the first since Tom Glavine in 1998. It also established him as one of the most resilient comeback stories in MLB history.
“It’s not just about me,” Sale said. “This is for my teammates, family, and the support staff who got me here. I’m thankful beyond words.”
Tarik Skubal: The Tigers’ Rising Star
Meanwhile, in the American League, 28-year-old Tarik Skubal claimed the Cy Young Award in unanimous fashion. Skubal’s breakout season was pivotal for the Detroit Tigers, who made their first playoff appearance since 2014.
Skubal posted an 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts, mirroring Sale’s Triple Crown dominance. His unanimous victory made him the Tigers’ fifth Cy Young winner and the first since Max Scherzer in 2013.
“This season was a dream come true,” Skubal said. “To achieve this with my teammates and for this city, it’s an honor I’ll never forget.”
A Meteoric Rise
Skubal’s journey to stardom began in Seattle University, where he underwent Tommy John surgery before being drafted in the ninth round by Detroit in 2018. Despite his draft position, Skubal quickly ascended through the minors and debuted in 2020.
After battling injuries in 2022 and 2023, Skubal showcased his potential with a stellar second half in 2023, finishing with a 2.80 ERA over 15 starts. He carried that momentum into 2024, winning his first six decisions with a 1.80 ERA and earning his first All-Star selection.
An Unexpected Playoff Push
Though the Tigers were sellers at the trade deadline, they retained Skubal amidst swirling rumors. The gamble paid off. Detroit embarked on a historic late-season surge, going 31-13 in their final 44 games to secure a playoff spot. Skubal was instrumental, posting a 5-0 record with a 1.85 ERA during that span, including two crucial 2-1 victories.
“Those final weeks were magical,” Skubal said. “The energy, the camaraderie, it’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”
Unmatched Arsenal
Skubal’s repertoire kept hitters off balance all season. His four-seam fastball averaged 96.8 mph and ranked in the 99th percentile in Statcast run value. Complementing it were a changeup, sinker, slider, and knuckle-curve, which collectively limited opposing batters to a .201 average and a .558 OPS.
“It’s not just about velocity,” Skubal explained. “It’s about execution, preparation, and trusting the process. This award validates all the work that went into that.”
A Historic Parallel
Sale and Skubal’s victories marked only the third time two left-handed pitchers won Cy Young Awards in the same season. The previous instances occurred in 1977 (Steve Carlton and Sparky Lyle) and 2002 (Randy Johnson and Barry Zito).
Moreover, their Triple Crown achievements made 2024 the first season since 2011 to feature two such winners (Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander). It was a reminder of the enduring allure of dominant pitching performances.
Looking Ahead
For Sale, the Cy Young Award caps a storied career resurgence. As he approaches the twilight of his career, his focus remains on staying healthy and mentoring Atlanta’s young pitchers.
For Skubal, the award is likely just the beginning. At 28, he has solidified himself as one of MLB’s premier pitchers and a cornerstone of Detroit’s rebuild.
Both players exemplify the grit and determination it takes to overcome adversity and reach the pinnacle of their sport. As the 2024 season fades into memory, the legacies of Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal will undoubtedly endure as a testament to the power of resilience.
