Predicting The 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Awards: Will Paul Skenes Overcome Early Struggles?

David

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Post on Jun 12, 2025

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Predicting the 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Awards: Will Paul Skenes Overcome Early Struggles?

The 2024 MLB season is still unfolding, yet baseball fans and analysts are already gazing into the crystal ball, speculating on potential contenders for the 2025 American League (AL) and National League (NL) Cy Young Awards. One name frequently mentioned, albeit with a caveat, is that of the highly touted Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Paul Skenes. His early-season struggles have fueled debate: can Skenes overcome these challenges and live up to his pre-season hype?

Skenes' Potential: A High Ceiling, But a Rocky Start

Drafted first overall in 2023, Skenes arrived in the majors with sky-high expectations. His college performance was nothing short of phenomenal, showcasing a devastating fastball and a sharp breaking ball. However, his transition to the big leagues hasn't been seamless. He's experienced some growing pains, facing higher-caliber hitters and adjusting to the increased pressure and scrutiny. This early inconsistency raises questions about his readiness to contend for a Cy Young award just a year or two into his professional career.

Factors Affecting Skenes' 2025 Cy Young Chances:

• Command and Control: Refining his command will be crucial. While his stuff is electric, inconsistent location can lead to walks and home runs, quickly negating his raw talent. Improved control will significantly boost his chances.
• Durability: Pitching a full season at the major league level requires stamina and resilience. Skenes needs to prove he can handle the workload without injury. A shortened season due to injury would drastically diminish his Cy Young prospects.
• Adaptability: Major league hitters are incredibly skilled at adapting to different pitchers. Skenes' ability to adjust his approach and arsenal throughout the season, particularly against hitters who’ve already seen him, will determine his long-term success.
• Team Support: While individual performance is paramount, a strong defensive team behind him can significantly reduce his earned run average (ERA), improving his overall statistics.

Alternative Contenders: A Competitive Landscape

While Skenes' potential is undeniable, the path to a Cy Young is far from guaranteed. Several other young pitchers are poised to make significant impacts in 2025. Names like [insert potential AL contenders, e.g., Gunnar Henderson (if he transitions to pitching successfully) or a high-performing rookie] in the AL and [insert potential NL contenders, e.g., a breakout star from a strong pitching farm system] in the NL could easily challenge for the award. The competition will be fierce.

Predicting the Future: A Difficult Task

Predicting baseball awards this far in advance is inherently speculative. Injuries, unexpected breakouts, and team performance all play significant roles. While Skenes possesses the raw talent to win a Cy Young, his early struggles remind us that the path to greatness in MLB is often paved with challenges and requires consistent improvement. Only time will tell if he can overcome these initial hurdles and fulfill his immense potential.

Conclusion: The Skenes Story is Far From Over

Paul Skenes' journey is a compelling narrative. His early struggles don't necessarily diminish his long-term prospects. He’s still young, with ample time to refine his skills and become a dominant force in MLB. The 2025 Cy Young race promises to be exciting, and Skenes, despite his current challenges, remains a strong contender, albeit one with a lot to prove. Keep an eye on his development—this is a story worth following.

What are your predictions for the 2025 Cy Young winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!