Cole Ragans has been making waves in the 2024 season with the Kansas City Royals. Despite a couple of rough starts where he gave up seven runs, Ragans has shown consistency and brilliance in the majority of his outings. In his last five games, he only allowed a total of four runs across 30 innings, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Looking at his statistics through 14 starts, Ragans ranks among the best pitchers in the American League in various categories. His ERA stands at 3.08, placing him 10th in the league, while his FIP and xFIP rank 3rd and 5th, respectively. With an impressive strikeout rate of 11.16 per nine innings, Ragans is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the pitching department.
Analyzing his pitch repertoire, Ragans has shown improvement in his fastball, slider, and changeup. His slider, in particular, has been performing exceptionally well, being 38 percent better than average. The enhanced effectiveness of his changeup has also been a key factor in his success this season. Additionally, Ragans has made adjustments to his pitch speeds, strategically altering his approach based on game situations.
When compared to other top pitchers in the American League, Ragans is undoubtedly in the conversation for the Cy Young award. Players like Tarik Skubal, Corbin Burns, and Luis Castillo are among the frontrunners, but Ragans’ consistent performance puts him in contention for the prestigious accolade. With the potential return of Gerrit Cole in the near future, the competition for the best pitcher in the AL will only intensify.
While Ragans may not be considered the absolute best pitcher in the league at this moment, his recent success and growth as a player indicate that he has the potential to reach the top tier. Drawing comparisons to past aces like Zack Greinke, Ragans is poised to become a cornerstone of the Royals’ rotation for years to come. As fans eagerly anticipate his future performances, Ragans’ journey to the top of the pitching ranks continues to unfold with promise and potential.
