Full Breakdown
Red Sox Stars Shine as 2025 AL Award Finalists Announced
11/4/2025, 9:44:33 PM
Major Awards Finalists Revealed
The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Major League Baseball awards, including the American League (AL) Cy Young and Rookie of the Year. The voting concluded before the playoffs, meaning these awards reflect regular-season performances. The winners will be revealed on November 12 and 10, respectively.
AL Cy Young Award Contenders
Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet is among the three finalists for the AL Cy Young Award, alongside Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers and Hunter Brown from the Houston Astros. Crochet had an impressive first season with the Red Sox, finishing with an 18-5 record, a 2.59 ERA, and leading the league with 255 strikeouts over 205 1/3 innings. His performance placed him in the 99th percentile for pitching run value and breaking ball run value, solidifying his status as Boston's ace after signing a six-year, $170 million contract extension in March.
Skubal, the defending Cy Young winner, posted a remarkable 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 195 innings, aiming to become the first pitcher since Pedro Martinez to win consecutive awards. Brown, who had a breakout season with a 2.43 ERA and 206 strikeouts in 185 1/3 innings, also earned the Astros an extra draft pick through the Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) due to his top-three finish in Cy Young voting.
AL Rookie of the Year Finalists
Roman Anthony, a 21-year-old outfielder for the Red Sox, is a finalist for the AL Rookie of the Year. In his debut season, Anthony batted .292 with an .859 OPS, contributing eight home runs and 32 RBIs in just 71 games. He quickly established himself as a key player, starting in various batting orders and positions. Anthony signed an eight-year, $130 million extension in August, indicating his importance to the team's future.
The other finalists for the AL Rookie of the Year include Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson, both from the Oakland Athletics. Kurtz hit 36 home runs and batted .290, while Wilson had a .311 average with 13 home runs.
Impact of the Awards
The recognition of Crochet and Anthony highlights the Red Sox's successful player acquisitions and development strategies. Crochet's dominance on the mound and Anthony's promising start to his career suggest a bright future for the franchise. The awards also underscore the competitive nature of the AL, with multiple players showcasing exceptional talent throughout the season.
Official Statements & Responses
The BBWAA emphasized that the finalists are determined based on regular-season performance, with no voting conducted after the announcement. This approach aims to generate excitement leading up to the awards ceremony.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts argue that the voting process could be misleading, as the term "finalists" implies ongoing competition, while the results are already determined. Critics suggest that this could diminish the significance of the awards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tarik Skubal, Tigers: The American League hasn't had a repeat Cy Young winner since Pedro Martinez in 1999-2000, but Skubal has a great shot here to go back-to-back.” — Source
The 2025 MLB awards promise to celebrate outstanding individual performances, with the Red Sox's Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony positioned as strong contenders in their respective categories.
