2025 Cy Young Contenders: Can Paul Skenes Win Despite A Rough Start?

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 12, 2025

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2025 Cy Young Contenders: Can Paul Skenes Overcome a Rocky Start?

The 2024 MLB season is barely underway, but baseball fans and analysts are already looking ahead to the 2025 Cy Young Award race. One name frequently mentioned, even amidst a slightly shaky start, is that of Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect, Paul Skenes. Can the highly touted rookie overcome early challenges and emerge as a serious contender for baseball's most prestigious pitching award?

The hype surrounding Skenes was immense. Drafted first overall by the Pirates in 2023, he was lauded as one of the most polished college pitching prospects in recent memory. His blazing fastball, coupled with a devastating slider, painted a picture of future dominance. However, his initial MLB performance hasn't quite lived up to the pre-season expectations. A higher-than-expected ERA and struggles with command in his first few starts have raised questions about his readiness for the big leagues.

Skenes' Early Struggles: A Closer Look

Skenes' early struggles aren't entirely unexpected. The jump from college baseball to the major leagues is significant, and adapting to the higher caliber of hitting requires time and adjustment. Many top prospects experience a period of acclimation before finding their rhythm.

• Command Issues: Reports suggest that Skenes is still working on refining his command, occasionally leaving pitches over the plate that major league hitters can punish.
• Increased Competition: The quality of hitters in MLB is drastically different than what he faced in college. Skenes needs to learn to adapt his approach to exploit weaknesses and avoid predictable patterns.
• Physical and Mental Fatigue: The demands of a 162-game season are significantly greater than a college schedule. Managing fatigue, both physically and mentally, is a crucial aspect of success at this level.

The Path to a 2025 Cy Young: What Skenes Needs to Do

Despite the initial setbacks, Skenes possesses the raw talent to become a dominant force. His potential remains undeniable. To secure a 2025 Cy Young Award, however, he needs to focus on several key areas:

• Improved Command and Control: This is paramount. Refining his control will allow him to consistently hit his spots, limiting the number of free passes and making his already impressive arsenal even more effective.
• Strategic Pitch Selection: Learning when to utilize each pitch based on the hitter's tendencies and the game situation is critical. Skenes needs to develop a more sophisticated pitching strategy beyond relying solely on his fastball.
• Mental Fortitude: The ability to bounce back from tough outings and maintain focus throughout the season is crucial for any pitcher, particularly a rookie facing immense pressure.

Other 2025 Cy Young Contenders to Watch

While Skenes' journey will be compelling to watch, he isn't the only pitcher potentially vying for the 2025 Cy Young. Expect strong performances from established aces like [insert name of established pitcher, e.g., Shohei Ohtani] and rising stars such as [insert name of another promising pitcher, e.g., Spencer Strider]. The competition will be fierce.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead

The path to a Cy Young Award is long and challenging. While Paul Skenes' initial MLB performance hasn't been flawless, his inherent talent and potential remain significant. His ability to adapt, learn, and overcome these early challenges will ultimately determine whether he can live up to the immense expectations and become a serious 2025 Cy Young contender. Only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion. Keep your eye on this exciting young pitcher. What do you think? Can Skenes turn things around? Let us know in the comments below!