Predicting The 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Winners: Skenes' Contender Status Analyzed

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 11, 2025

4.4

Share

Predicting the 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Winners: Skenes' Contender Status Analyzed

The 2024 MLB season is still unfolding, but baseball fans and analysts are already looking ahead. One name consistently popping up in early 2025 Cy Young Award predictions is that of Gunnar Henderson, and especially the highly touted pitching prospect, Brandon Skenes. But how realistic are these predictions, and who else might challenge for the coveted award in both the American League (AL) and National League (NL)?

Brandon Skenes: Hype vs. Reality

Skenes, the Oakland A's recent first-round draft pick, exploded onto the scene with his electric stuff. His fastball routinely hits triple digits, complemented by a devastating slider and a developing changeup. This combination has many experts already envisioning him as a future Cy Young winner. However, translating potential into performance at the major league level is a significant hurdle. Many highly touted prospects fail to meet expectations, succumbing to the pressures of the big leagues or struggling with injury.

Factors influencing Skenes' 2025 Cy Young chances:

• Adaptation to MLB: The jump from college baseball to the majors is substantial. Skenes will need to adjust to facing superior hitters who are far more patient and adept at exploiting weaknesses.
• Durability: Pitching a full major league season requires stamina and resilience. Injuries are a constant threat, especially for young pitchers with high velocity.
• Command and Control: While his stuff is undeniably impressive, Skenes needs to refine his command and control to truly dominate at the MLB level. Walking batters can quickly derail even the most talented pitchers.
• Team Support: A strong defensive team behind him will significantly improve his chances.

Other Potential Contenders:

While Skenes' potential is undeniable, he's far from a guaranteed winner. Several other pitchers are likely to be in the mix for the 2025 Cy Young Awards:

American League (AL):

• Shohei Ohtani (Angels): Ohtani continues to redefine what's possible, excelling both as a pitcher and hitter. His continued dominance makes him a perennial Cy Young contender.
• Shane McClanahan (Rays): McClanahan is already an elite pitcher, and further refinement could solidify his position as a top AL contender.
• Spencer Strider (Braves): If Strider stays healthy, his high-octane pitching style makes him a serious contender in either league.

National League (NL):

• Spencer Strider (Braves): Strider's power pitching could easily translate to NL dominance.
• Sandy Alcantara (Marlins): Known for his incredible stamina and ability to go deep into games, Alcantara remains a force in the NL.
• Blake Snell (Padres): A proven winner, Snell has the potential to deliver another strong season.

Conclusion:

Predicting the 2025 Cy Young winners this early is inherently speculative. While Brandon Skenes possesses the raw talent to become a future Cy Young winner, his success will depend on a multitude of factors. The path to the award is paved with challenges, and many other talented pitchers will be vying for the honour. Only time will tell if Skenes can live up to the hype and claim the prestigious award. We'll be closely watching his progress throughout the 2024 season and beyond. Stay tuned for updates!

Keywords: 2025 Cy Young, AL Cy Young, NL Cy Young, Brandon Skenes, Gunnar Henderson, MLB predictions, baseball predictions, Shohei Ohtani, Shane McClanahan, Spencer Strider, Sandy Alcantara, Blake Snell, baseball prospects, MLB draft.