San Diego Padres pitcher Blake Snell has added another accolade to his collection by winning his second Cy Young Award, this time in the National League. Snell now joins an elite group of seven players, including legendary pitchers such as Gaylord Perry, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Roy Halladay, and Max Scherzer, who have won the award in both leagues. Snell’s previous Cy Young win came in 2018 when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. This second victory has left Snell feeling elated, stating, “It feels amazing. It definitely feels good, and I’m trying to enjoy this more than the first one I won.”
Snell’s performance during the 2023 season solidified his claim to the Cy Young Award. With a record of 14-9, Snell finished with an MLB-leading 2.25 ERA and pitched 180 innings. He also had the fewest hits allowed per nine innings, with just 5.8, and led the majors in walks with 99. It is worth noting that Snell is only the third pitcher to win the award while leading his league in walks. This unique achievement puts him in the company of Bob Turley and Early Wynn, who accomplished the feat in 1958 and 1959, respectively. Despite his high walk rate, Snell maintains that he and Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla focused on getting outs and believed in his exceptional pitching ability.
Snell’s dominance extended beyond his impressive ERA and walks stat. He also ranked first in opponent slugging percentage and second in strikeout percentage. Being able to limit opponents’ slugging and consistently strike out batters demonstrates Snell’s all-around pitching prowess. In winning the Cy Young Award for the second time, Snell reflects on his growth as a player. He humbly admits, “I was a kid. I thought I was going to win 40 of them. I thought I was invincible. I thought winning the Cy Young was just what I was going to do every year.” This self-awareness highlights Snell’s maturity and acknowledgment of the challenges he has faced during his career.
As the Cy Young winner, Snell’s performance and success have undoubtedly increased his market value as a free agent. Following the World Series, Snell became a free agent and declined a $20,325,000 qualifying offer from the Padres to explore more lucrative contracts. Snell admits that he hasn’t given much thought to free agency yet, as his focus has been on winning the award surrounded by his loved ones. However, he acknowledges that he will now have to shift his attention towards his future in baseball. Snell’s decision to test free agency opens up possibilities for him to sign with a team that values his exceptional pitching abilities.
On the American League side, New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole took home his first Cy Young Award with a unanimous vote. This victory comes after finishing second twice and being in the top five three other times in previous Cy Young races. Cole’s consistent excellence on the mound finally paid off and cemented his place among the baseball elite.
Cole’s impressive record of 15-4 with a league-leading 2.63 ERA and 209 innings pitched secured his Cy Young win. He also led the league in fewest hits allowed per nine innings and had the lowest WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) at 0.981. Cole’s remarkable season allowed him to stand out among his fellow pitchers and prove his worthiness of the award. Winning the Cy Young as a member of the Yankees holds special significance for Cole, as he grew up following the team and is well aware of its storied history. He humbly acknowledges the honor, stating, “It’s just such a historical franchise with such historical players, and it is just a bit surreal to be regarded with — just for example, the other five award winners that we’ve had over the years.”
Cole’s Cy Young Award marks the sixth time a Yankees pitcher has received this prestigious honor. He follows in the footsteps of pitching greats such as Ron Guidry, Sparky Lyle, Whitey Ford, and Bob Turley. Cole and Guidry are the only unanimous winners in the history of the award for the Yankees. After finishing in the top five in previous Cy Young races, Cole’s ascent to the top is a testament to his consistency and dedication to his craft.
When reflecting on his outstanding season, Cole attributes his success to the lessons he has learned throughout his career. He emphasizes the importance of always trying to evolve and learn from past experiences. Cole also expresses a sense of comfortability this season, both on and off the field. As he settled into the Yankees organization and the city recovered from the effects of the pandemic, Cole felt a greater sense of stability. This newfound comfort, along with his supreme talent and skill, contributed to his remarkable performance.
With their Cy Young Awards in hand, both Snell and Cole have undoubtedly solidified their places as two of the best pitchers in baseball. Their recognition is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent. As they continue their careers, the expectations and pressure on them will only increase. However, Snell and Cole have demonstrated the ability to rise to the occasion and achieve greatness. Their future performances will be closely watched by baseball fans and analysts alike, as they strive to maintain their status at the top of their game.
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