Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal both won their first career Cy-Young trophies on Wednesday after winning the Triple Crown this season.
Sale, a 35-year-old left-hander who was playing his first season with the Atlanta Braves, led the NL in wins (18), 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts. taken.
He received 26 of the 30 first-place votes in the ballot.
Sale was competing against Philadelphia starter Zack Wheeler, who received the other four votes, and Pittsburgh starter Paul Skenes, who was named NL rookie of the year on Monday.
Sale missed his last scheduled regular season start and first round playoff loss to the San Diego Padres due to back issues.
At his peak between 2012 and 2018, when he helped the Boston Red Boxes win the World Series, he received several votes for this trophy in the past without ever winning it, but was then seriously affected by injuries . His strong comeback puts him back in the Hall of Fame discussions.
Left-hander Tarik Skubal was elected, after a unanimous vote, best pitcher in the American on his 28th birthday.
He had a season-high 18 wins to lead Detroit to a surprise playoff appearance.
He also led the American League in earned run average (2.39) and strikeouts (228) in 31 starts. He and Sale are the first to achieve the Triple Crown in a full season since another Tiger, Justin Verlander, and Clayton Kershaw in 2011.
In three playoff games played after the votes were tabulated, Skubal was 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA for the Tigers, who were eliminated by the Guardians in the division series.
The other finalists in the American were late-game specialist Emmanuel Clase (Guardians) and starter Seth Lugo (Royals).
Certainly deserve it after your exceptional performances this season. What do you think was the key to your success this year?
Section 1: Congratulations on your historic achievements, Chris and Tarik!
Guest 1: Thank you very much. It’s honestly surreal to win such a prestigious award like the Cy Young.
Guest 2: Absolutely. It’s been a great season for both of us, and I couldn’t be more proud to share this honour with such an excellent company of pitchers.
Section 2: Talking about your amazing performances, Chris, let’s start with you. You’ve had an impressive comeback from injuries, which led to some people questioning whether you would ever return to your prime form. How does it feel to silence your critics and win this award after all these years?
Guest 1: It feels incredible. I’ve worked hard to get back to this point, and it’s great to see my hard work pay off. Of course, it wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful for the opportunity and everyone who supported me along the way. My team was a huge part of my success, and I can’t thank them enough.
Guest 2: That’s really impressive, Chris. I can relate to that. I’ve also faced my share of challenges and setbacks in my career, but to come out on top this season is an incredible feeling. What advice would you give to young players who go through similar situations?
Guest 1: Never give up, Tarik. As long as you believe in yourself and continue working towards your goals, there’s always a chance for redemption. Embrace the process and stay focused on the endgame.
Section 3: Speaking of which, Tarik, winning the award on your birthday must have been an extra special moment. How does it feel to be the unanimous winner?
Guest 2: It definitely made it more memorable. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to win, so when I found out I had all the votes, it was a shock but also incredibly satisfying. It’s always great to receive recognition from your peers and have them acknowledge your hard work. I’m honored and proud to represent the Detroit Tigers.
Guest 1: That’s fantastic, Tarik. You
