Can Paul Skenes Win The 2025 Cy Young Despite A Rough Beginning?

David

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Post on Jun 11, 2025

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Can Paul Skenes Win the 2025 Cy Young Despite a Rough Beginning?

Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' highly touted pitching prospect, burst onto the scene with electrifying potential. Drafted first overall in 2023, expectations are sky-high. But a slightly rocky start to his MLB career has some questioning whether he can realistically contend for a Cy Young Award in 2025. Can he overcome early challenges and live up to the hype?

The answer, while complex, is a resounding maybe. Skenes possesses the raw talent to become an elite pitcher, but the path to a Cy Young is rarely straightforward. Let's examine the factors working for and against him.

The Arguments For Skenes' 2025 Cy Young Contention:

• Unmatched Potential: Skenes' college statistics were phenomenal. He consistently showcased a power fastball, devastating breaking balls, and impressive control. These are the building blocks of a future ace. While the transition to the major leagues is always challenging, his inherent ability is undeniable.
• Room for Growth: His early struggles aren't necessarily indicative of future performance. Many young pitchers experience growing pains as they adjust to the higher level of competition. Learning to harness his incredible arsenal and develop consistency are key areas where improvement will significantly boost his chances.
• Pirates' Support System: The Pirates are committed to developing their young talent. They're providing Skenes with the resources and support he needs to succeed. This includes coaching, data analysis, and a development plan specifically tailored to his needs. This organizational backing is crucial for a young pitcher's growth.
• The Power Pitch: Skenes' fastball is a weapon. In today's MLB, power pitching still reigns supreme. If he can refine his command and secondary offerings, his already intimidating fastball becomes even more effective.

The Challenges Facing Skenes' Cy Young Bid:

• Early Season Struggles: His early MLB performances have shown inconsistencies. Command issues, occasional struggles against specific hitters, and learning to pitch effectively at the Major League level are all significant hurdles he needs to clear.
• The Length of the Road: Even with rapid development, two years is a short timeframe to go from promising rookie to Cy Young contender. Injuries, setbacks, and the sheer consistency required to dominate over a full season are significant obstacles.
• Intense Competition: The NL is brimming with talented pitchers. Skenes will be competing against established stars and up-and-coming talents, making his path to the award incredibly challenging.
• The Pressure: The weight of expectations can be a burden for any young player. Managing the pressure associated with being a first-overall pick and the hype surrounding his potential is critical for his mental game.

Conclusion:

Predicting a Cy Young winner two years out is always speculative. Paul Skenes has the talent to win a Cy Young Award; there’s no doubt about that. However, his success hinges on overcoming his early inconsistencies, maintaining health, and continuing his development under the Pirates' guidance. His 2025 Cy Young aspirations are certainly a long shot, but not an impossible one. Keep an eye on his progress – the next two seasons will be crucial in determining if this young phenom can truly live up to his incredible potential. Will he win the coveted award? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the baseball world will be watching closely.