MLB insider comments on AL Cy Young Award race & it’s not as clear-cut as expected

The American League Cy Young race has become a gripping individual battle as the regular season winds down. New York Yankees' rookie Cam Schlittler and Toronto Blue Jays' ace Dylan Cease stand head and shoulders above the rest. MLB Network analyst Jon Heyman aptly stated, "September will decide this race."

Currently, Schlittler holds a statistical edge over Cease. The Yankees right-hander has made 28 starts, compared to Cease's 25, and boasts a lower 2.09 ERA across 163.2 innings pitched. Schlittler has also racked up 201 strikeouts and 42 walks, along with a 0.97 WHIP. Conversely, Cease has led the American League in strikeouts with 217 through 25 starts, posting a 2.33 ERA over 150.1 innings and a 1.05 WHIP.

Schlittler's advantage in ERA, innings, and WHIP gives him a strong statistical case, while Cease's strikeout advantage keeps him in the mix. Schlittler has maintained his consistency, lowering his AL-leading ERA to 2.09 after a recent stint of 5.2 scoreless innings against Boston and surpassing 200 strikeouts for the first time in his career.

The final month could be pivotal in determining the winner. Cease has shown his dominance with a streak of at least seven strikeouts in 19 consecutive starts, a feat not seen since Randy Johnson in 2001. Schlittler, on the other hand, has continued to hold his edge in traditional statistics while extending his games more than Cease. As of the start of September, Schlittler remains the favorite, but Cease's potential dominance in the final month could completely alter the race.