Full Breakdown
2025 MLB Cy Young Awards: Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes Shine
11/13/2025, 10:06:04 PM
Tarik Skubal's Historic Achievement
On November 12, 2025, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers was awarded the American League Cy Young Award for the second consecutive year, becoming the first AL pitcher to achieve back-to-back honors since Pedro Martinez in 1999-2000. Skubal's impressive season included a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and a 13-6 record over 195 1/3 innings, leading the league in multiple categories including strikeout rate and WAR. His performance solidified his status as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Paul Skenes: A Unanimous Winner
Simultaneously, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates was named the National League Cy Young Award winner, receiving all 30 first-place votes. At just 23 years old, Skenes became the first pitcher in 40 years to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in consecutive seasons, a feat previously accomplished by Dwight Gooden and Fernando Valenzuela. Skenes finished the 2025 season with a 1.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts, and a 10-10 record over 187 2/3 innings, leading the majors in ERA.
Performance Highlights
Skenes' season was marked by several standout statistics: he led the league in WHIP (0.95) and allowed a .199 batting average against. His 216 strikeouts set a franchise record for the Pirates, making him the first right-handed pitcher in the live-ball era to achieve such a milestone. Despite the Pirates finishing last in the NL Central with a 71-91 record, Skenes' individual performance was a bright spot for the team.
Skubal's achievements were equally remarkable. He led the AL in strikeouts and was a dominant force on the mound, allowing two earned runs or fewer in 21 of his 31 starts. His ability to maintain a high strikeout-to-walk ratio further demonstrated his effectiveness throughout the season.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the announcement of the awards, both pitchers expressed gratitude for their recognition. Skubal noted, "It's an individual award, obviously, but I'm proud of our team," highlighting the collective effort behind his success. Skenes emphasized his commitment to the Pirates, stating, "The goal is to win and the goal is to win in Pittsburgh," dispelling rumors of a desire to leave the team.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite their accolades, both pitchers faced scrutiny regarding their teams' overall performance. Skenes' 10-10 record raised questions about the Pirates' offensive support, as he often pitched well but received minimal run support. Critics pointed out that Skenes became the first Cy Young-winning pitcher to finish with a losing record, a statistic that some voters may have considered.
What's Next for Both Pitchers
As both pitchers look ahead, trade rumors are swirling, particularly around Skenes, who is under team control until 2029. The Pirates' general manager, Ben Cherington, has stated that Skenes will remain with the team for the upcoming season, but the potential for a trade remains a topic of discussion. Meanwhile, Skubal's future with the Tigers is also uncertain as he enters his final year of club control.
Conclusion
The 2025 Cy Young Awards not only recognized the outstanding performances of Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes but also set the stage for their potential futures in MLB. Both pitchers have established themselves as elite talents, and their journeys will be closely watched as they aim for further success in their careers.
