Predicting The 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Winners: Will Skenes' Early Struggles Matter?

David

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Post on Jun 11, 2025

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Predicting the 2025 AL & NL Cy Young Winners: Will Skenes' Early Struggles Matter?

The 2024 MLB season is still unfolding, but baseball fans and analysts are already looking ahead to 2025 and speculating on potential Cy Young Award winners. One name consistently appearing in these early predictions is that of Gunnar Skenes, the highly touted Oakland A's pitching prospect. However, Skenes' recent struggles in his rookie season raise questions about his chances of securing the prestigious award in just a year's time. Will these early challenges derail his potential Cy Young run? Let's dive into the predictions and examine the factors at play.

The Contenders: A Look at Potential 2025 Cy Young Candidates

Predicting baseball awards a year in advance is notoriously difficult. Injuries, unexpected breakouts, and consistent underperformance can all drastically alter the landscape. However, based on current form and future projections, several pitchers stand out as potential 2025 Cy Young contenders:

American League (AL):

• Gunnar Skenes (Oakland A's): Despite his current struggles, Skenes' raw talent and potential are undeniable. His electric fastball and devastating breaking pitches give him a high ceiling. A significant improvement in command and consistency could propel him to the top of the AL pitching leaderboard.
• Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves - potential AL trade): Strider's dominant performances in 2024 make him a strong candidate, but a potential trade to an AL team would be necessary for Cy Young contention in the AL. His high strikeout rate and ability to miss bats are crucial assets.
• Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays): McClanahan consistently performs at an elite level, making him a perennial Cy Young contender. His durability and ability to adapt will continue to keep him in the conversation.
• Other potential candidates: Young arms like Logan Allen (Cleveland Guardians) and more established veterans like Framber Valdez (Houston Astros) could also emerge as significant players.

National League (NL):

• Blake Snell (San Diego Padres): Snell's recent Cy Young-caliber performance demonstrates his ability to dominate the NL. His experience and consistency make him a formidable candidate.
• Zac Gallen (Arizona Diamondbacks): Gallen has shown exceptional control and durability. If he continues his current trajectory, he remains a strong competitor for the NL Cy Young.
• Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels - potential NL trade): While unlikely due to his iconic status in the AL, a hypothetical trade to an NL team would certainly shake things up and put him in the running.
• Other potential candidates: Keep an eye out for young stars like Cristian Javier (Houston Astros - potential NL trade) and established veterans like Max Scherzer (New York Mets - depending on future performance)

Skenes' Early Struggles: A Temporary Setback or a Sign of Things to Come?

Gunnar Skenes' early MLB struggles are a significant factor in assessing his 2025 Cy Young chances. While his raw talent is unquestioned, refining his command and consistency are crucial for long-term success. His high strikeout rate is promising, but he needs to reduce walks and improve his control to be truly elite. Many young pitchers experience growing pains in their rookie season, so a significant improvement is certainly possible.

Factors Influencing 2025 Cy Young Predictions

Several factors beyond individual performance can influence Cy Young predictions:

• Team success: Pitchers on contending teams often receive more recognition.
• Injury prevention: Avoiding injuries is vital for maintaining consistent performance throughout a season.
• Managerial decisions: A pitcher’s usage and workload, determined by the manager, greatly impacts their performance and chances of winning the award.

Conclusion: A Year of Uncertainty

Predicting the 2025 Cy Young winners is an exercise in educated speculation. While Skenes' potential is undeniable, his early struggles highlight the uncertainty inherent in professional baseball. Many talented pitchers could emerge, making the race a thrilling one to watch. Keep a close eye on the 2024 season's developments; they will heavily influence the 2025 Cy Young conversation. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season progresses!