With the MLB regular season winding down, these next months will decide the regular season awards. The Cy Young race in both the National and American League are razor-thin races that could be won by international pitchers, these five have the best chance.
Although Christopher Sanchez is a long shot to win the NL Cy Young award at this point in the season, the left-handed Dominican pitcher has had a remarkable 2024 season for the Phillies. At 27 years old, Sanchez has found his groove as a starting pitcher in the MLB. Most of Sanchez’s success can be attributed to his change-up. His change up has been nearly unhittable this season, helping Sanchez boast an impressive 3.51 ERA. Sanchez is one of three players to pitch two complete games and have a complete game shutout this season. Additionally, out of all qualifying pitchers, Sanchez has given up the least home runs this season, only allowing six in 146.1 innings of work.
The left-handed Venezuelan pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, Ranger Suarez, was the best pitcher in baseball for the first couple of months of the 2024 season. Saurez has been banged up with injuries over the last couple of months; however, he has returned to the mound and seems to be in great form. Suarez has a 2.82 ERA but does not have as many innings of work as one would like to see, only pitching 124.1 innings this season. However, if Suarez can remain healthy for the rest of the season, he will have a great chance to make a run at the 2024 NL Cy Young Award.
Ranger Suárez back on the mound tonight for the #Phillies pic.twitter.com/Y5ssD9hGiH
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) May 26, 2024
Born in the Dominican Republic, left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez has had a terrific 2024 campaign, boasting a 3.27 ERA. Valdez has accumulated 13 wins this season, tied for fifth most out of all pitchers. Additionally, Valdez does not give up home runs, only allowing 11 home runs in 143.1 innings pitched. As the Astros continue to surge, Framber Valdez could easily make a case for the 2024 AL Cy Young.
The 30-year-old pitcher, Ronel Blanco, has been electric for the Houston Astros since his first start this season. In Blanco’s first game, the Dominican ace threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays. Blanco has been the ace pitcher the Astors have needed this season as Justin Verlander continues to age. He is tied for the eighth-best ERA in baseball with a 3.14 and is one of three qualifying pitchers to have given up less than 100 hits this season. The right-handed pitcher has been essential in helping the Astros overthrow the Mariners for the best record in the AL West.
The Japanese left-handed ace, Shota Imanaga, has been sensational in his first year in the MLB. Imanaga has an impressive ten-and-three win-loss record in 24 starts. Additionally, the 30-year-old superstar has given up the least amount of walks out of any pitcher in the top 10 for ERA this season. Imanaga has an impressive 3.08 ERA which is the sixth best in the MLB out of all qualifying pitchers. Imanaga has been an excellent ace for the Cubs this year and has an opportunity to win the 2024 NL Cy Young award.
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WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
Photo Credit: Shota Imanaga #18 of the Chicago Cubs looks on during a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 24, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
