Predicting The 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Awards: Skenes' Contenders And Challenges

3 min read Post on Jun 12, 2025

Predicting the 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Awards: Skenes' Contenders and Challenges

The 2024 MLB season is still unfolding, but baseball fans and analysts are already looking ahead to 2025, speculating on potential Cy Young Award winners. One name frequently mentioned is that of highly touted pitching prospect, Paul Skenes. But will the hype translate into hardware? Let's delve into the predictions for both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) Cy Young Awards in 2025, focusing on Skenes's potential path to glory and the formidable competition he'll face.

Paul Skenes: The Rising Star and His Path to the Cy Young

Paul Skenes, the number one overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft, possesses a rare combination of power and precision. His blazing fastball and devastating breaking ball have already generated significant buzz, even before his MLB debut. His transition to the major leagues will be crucial, and how quickly he adapts to the higher level of competition will greatly impact his Cy Young chances in 2025.

Challenges Facing Skenes:

The Adjustment Period: The jump from college to the majors is notoriously difficult for pitchers. Skenes will need to refine his command and learn to exploit hitters' weaknesses at the highest level.
Maintaining Durability: Pitching a full season in the MLB requires immense stamina and resilience. Injuries can derail even the most promising careers. Skenes’s durability will be a key factor.
The Pressure of Expectations: The immense hype surrounding him could create significant pressure. Handling the expectations and maintaining focus will be critical for his success.

Contenders for the 2025 AL Cy Young Award:

While Skenes's potential is undeniable, the AL is packed with pitching talent. Several established aces are likely to remain strong contenders, including:

Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels): The two-way superstar continues to defy expectations. His pitching prowess alone makes him a perennial Cy Young candidate.
Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays): McClanahan is known for his electric stuff and consistent performance. He'll undoubtedly be in the mix.
Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees): A consistent top performer, Cole will always be a threat to win a Cy Young.

Contenders for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award:

The NL also boasts a deep pool of pitching talent. Skenes, if he makes the NL, will face stiff competition from:

Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves): Strider's incredible strikeout rate makes him a serious threat.
Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins): A workhorse known for his durability and ability to go deep into games.
Blake Snell (San Diego Padres): Snell, a former Cy Young winner, always has the potential to dominate.

Conclusion: A Long Shot, But Not Impossible

Predicting the Cy Young Awards this far out is inherently speculative. However, while Paul Skenes faces significant challenges, his talent suggests he has a real shot at contention. His path to winning in 2025 will depend heavily on his ability to adapt, stay healthy, and manage the pressure. The 2025 Cy Young race promises to be fiercely competitive, with established stars and rising prospects battling for the prestigious award. Only time will tell if Skenes can live up to the immense hype and claim the coveted prize. Keep an eye on his progress throughout the 2024 and beyond! What do you think? Who are your picks for the 2025 Cy Young Awards? Share your predictions in the comments below!