Introduction and Answer Summary
The Cy Young Award recognizes the best pitcher in each league each season, as voted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) members. Because the award is given annually and separately to an American League (AL) and National League (NL) pitcher, there is not a single overall winner. This article summarizes winners by season, explains the award’s history and voting process, and clarifies common questions about the trophy and its namesake.
History and Background of the Cy Young Award
First presented in 1956, the Cy Young Award was created to honor outstanding pitching performance in Major League Baseball. Originally, one award was given for the best pitcher regardless of league. In 1967, the system changed to separate honors for the American League and National League. The award is named after Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who set enduring pitching records, including most career wins in the modern era. The BBWAA has administered the vote since its inception, with one writer from each team ballot participating annually.
How the Cy Young Award Is Voted
Voting is conducted before the World Series. Each voter ranks five pitchers per league. Points are assigned based on ranking (5 points for a first-place vote, 4 for second, etc.). The pitcher with the highest point total wins. In the event of a tie, the award is shared. Voters consider statistics, team success, and context such as run support and durability. The process is transparent, with ballots and vote totals released after the vote is certified.
Eligibility and Timing
To be eligible, a pitcher must meet at minimum the following criteria during the season:
- At least 17 innings pitched per team game scheduled (since 1970).
- Or enough innings to mathematically surpass the threshold early in the season.
Innings requirements ensure that candidates have demonstrated sustained excellence rather than a short sample. This has made the award a reliable indicator of elite, season-long performance.
Cy Young Award Winners by League and Season
Below is a concise overview of notable winners, organized by league and decade. For specific seasons, the table highlights winners, teams, and key context.
Selected American League Winners
| Season | Winner | Team | Wins-Losses | ERA | Innings Pitched | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Shane Bieber | Cleveland Guardians | 11–4 | 2.52 | 190.0 | BBWAA Official |
| 2022 | Justin Verlander | Houston Astros | 18–7 | 1.75 | 201.1 | BBWAA Official |
| 2021 | Robert Correa | Houston Astros | 14–8 | 2.48 | 213.0 | BBWAA Official |
| 2018 | Justin Verlander | Houston Astros | 20–5 | 2.25 | 232.0 | BBWAA Official |
| 2015 | Dallas Keuchel | Houston Astros | 20–5 | 2.05 | 251.0 | BBWAA Official |
Selected National League Winners
| Season | Winner | Team | Wins-Losses | ERA | Innings Pitched | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Jacob deGrom | New York Mets | 15–5 | 1.70 | 187.0 | BBWAA Official |
| 2022 | Freddie Freeman | Atlanta Braves | 18–7 | 2.65 | 227.0 | BBWAA Official |
| 2021 | Max Scherzer | Washington Nationals | 18–6 | 2.46 | 231.0 | BBWAA Official |
| 2018 | Jacob deGrom | New York Mets | 11–9 | 1.70 | 207.0 | BBWAA Official |
| 2015 | Jake Arrieta | Chicago Cubs | 22–6 | 1.77 | 237.0 | BBWAA Official |
Notable Trends and Observations
- First Ballot Dominance: Many winners earn a first-place majority, reflecting clear season-long superiority.
- Repeat Winners: Several pitchers have won multiple Cy Young Awards, often in consecutive seasons (e.g., Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Jacob deGrom).
- League Context: The level of run-scoring and pitching usage can shift which league is perceived as having a deeper pitching pool in a given era.
Last Updated and Further Reading
This overview is accurate through the most recent completed season and references official BBWAA records. For deeper study, consult annual BBWAA vote breakdowns, Hall of Fame profiles, and advanced metrics (e.g., FIP, WAR) available from recognized baseball analytics sources.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can a pitcher win both the Cy Young and the MVP in the same season?
Yes, it is rare but possible. Pitchers such as Max Scherzer (2016, NL), Justin Verlander (2011, AL), and Clayton Kershaw (2014, NL) have won both awards in the same year. More commonly, position players win MVP, but elite pitchers are regularly in MVP conversations when their value is clear.
What happens if two pitchers tie in points?
If totals are tied, the award is shared, as happened with the 1969 and 1975 AL voting. Ties are infrequent given point-based balloting, but the rules account for exact equality.
How has the award evolved over time?
The creation of separate league awards in 1967 increased recognition for pitchers in both leagues. Statistical advances and broader analysis have changed how voters weigh run support, defense, and workload, though the core intent—honoring the season’s best pitcher—remains unchanged.