Paul Skenes' 2025 Cy Young Chances: Overcoming A Questionable Beginning

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 11, 2025

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Paul Skenes' 2025 Cy Young Chances: Overcoming a Questionable Beginning

Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' highly touted pitching prospect, burst onto the scene with electrifying potential. Drafted first overall in 2023, his raw talent is undeniable. However, his MLB debut hasn't been the smooth sailing many predicted, raising questions about his 2025 Cy Young chances. Can he overcome a shaky start and live up to the immense hype?

A Rocky Road to the Show:

Skenes' transition to professional baseball hasn't been without its bumps. While his college numbers at LSU were phenomenal (a 1.81 ERA in 2023), the major leagues present a different beast. He's faced challenges adjusting to the higher level of competition, experiencing inconsistencies in command and control. Early struggles with walks and occasional wild pitches have raised concerns among analysts and fans alike. This initial difficulty is a crucial factor when assessing his 2025 Cy Young potential.

The Keys to a Cy Young Run in 2025:

Despite the early setbacks, Skenes possesses the tools to become a dominant force in the MLB. His electric fastball, touching triple digits, is a weapon few hitters can handle. Couple that with a devastating slider and a developing changeup, and you have the makings of a front-line starter. To secure a Cy Young in 2025, however, he needs to focus on several key areas:

• Improved Command and Control: Reducing walks is paramount. Skenes needs to hone his command, consistently hitting his spots and avoiding free passes. This will drastically improve his pitch efficiency and lower his ERA.
• Refinement of Secondary Pitches: While his fastball is elite, a diverse arsenal is crucial at the major league level. Continued development of his slider and changeup will make him less predictable and more difficult to hit.
• Durability and Stamina: The grueling MLB season demands durability. Skenes needs to build up his stamina, ensuring he can consistently deliver quality starts throughout the year.
• Mental Fortitude: Overcoming early struggles requires mental toughness. Skenes' ability to learn from his mistakes, adapt to different hitters, and maintain confidence will be crucial for his long-term success.

The 2025 Prediction: A Realistic Assessment

Predicting a Cy Young winner so far in advance is always speculative. However, considering Skenes' prodigious talent and the Pirates' commitment to his development, a 2025 Cy Young win isn't out of the realm of possibility. His current struggles shouldn't be discounted; they are a valuable part of his learning curve. But if he addresses the issues outlined above, he has the potential to become a true ace and a serious contender for baseball's highest pitching honor.

Beyond the Numbers:

While statistics will ultimately play a significant role, Skenes' journey is more than just numbers. It's a story of growth, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. His progress will be a fascinating narrative to follow over the next two seasons.

Call to Action: Keep an eye on Paul Skenes' development. His journey is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of young players striving for greatness in the MLB. What are your predictions for his future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!