Predicting The 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Awards: Will Paul Skenes Be A Contender?

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 12, 2025

4.9

Share

Predicting the 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Awards: Will Paul Skenes Be a Contender?

The 2024 MLB season is still underway, but baseball fans are already looking ahead to the future, particularly to the potential stars who could dominate the 2025 Cy Young Award races. One name consistently rising to the top of those predictions is Paul Skenes, the highly touted pitching prospect. But will he truly be a contender? Let's delve into the predictions for both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) and examine Skenes' chances.

The Contenders: A Look at the 2025 Landscape

Predicting baseball awards is always a risky business. Injuries, unexpected slumps, and breakout performances can dramatically alter the course of a season. However, based on current performance and potential, we can identify some likely candidates for the 2025 Cy Young Awards.

American League (AL):

The AL is packed with pitching talent. Returning aces like [insert a couple of likely AL Cy Young contenders for 2025, e.g., Shane McClanahan, Gerrit Cole] will undoubtedly be in the mix. Young stars are also emerging, making the competition fierce. The AL Cy Young race in 2025 promises to be a thrilling battle.

• Established Aces: Expect veterans to continue their dominance. Their experience and consistency will make them tough to beat.
• Rising Stars: Keep an eye on promising young pitchers who could break out and challenge the established veterans. Their potential for improvement is immense.
• The X-Factor: Unexpected performances will always play a role. A breakout season from a less-heralded pitcher could shake up the entire race.

National League (NL):

The NL boasts a similar level of pitching depth. Current top performers like [insert a couple of likely NL Cy Young contenders for 2025, e.g., Spencer Strider, Sandy Alcantara] will be vying for the award, but the competition will likely be even more intense than in the AL.

• The NL's Depth: The National League consistently produces strong pitching performances, making the competition for the Cy Young exceptionally fierce.
• Injury Concerns: As always, injuries could significantly impact the race. A key injury to a frontrunner could open the door for others to emerge.
• Team Success: While individual performance is paramount, a team's overall success often influences Cy Young voting.

Paul Skenes: A Potential Cy Young Contender?

Paul Skenes, selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates, is widely considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. His electric fastball and devastating breaking pitches have captivated scouts and fans alike. However, translating minor league success to the major leagues is never guaranteed.

Factors Favoring Skenes:

• Exceptional Talent: His raw talent is undeniable, possessing a skill set that could easily translate to MLB success.
• Rapid Progression: His progression through the minor leagues will be a key indicator of his readiness for a Cy Young challenge.
• Pirates' Development System: The Pirates' improved farm system and coaching staff could play a crucial role in his development.

Challenges for Skenes:

• The Adjustment Period: The jump from college to the majors is significant. Adapting to the higher level of competition will be crucial.
• Injury Risk: All pitchers face the risk of injury, especially those throwing as hard as Skenes.
• Team Support: A strong team defense and consistent offensive production will be vital for Skenes' success.

Conclusion:

While predicting the 2025 Cy Young Awards is challenging, Paul Skenes possesses the potential to be a serious contender. His success will hinge on his ability to navigate the challenges of major league baseball and continue his upward trajectory. The next two years will be crucial in determining whether he can live up to the immense hype and join the elite group of Cy Young Award winners. Keep an eye on his development; he might just surprise us all. What are your predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!