Reflecting on the recipients of the 2025 Cy Young Awards — Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers and Paul Skenes representing the Pittsburgh Pirates — one is naturally drawn to contemplate the years ahead. The groundwork seems to be there for both of these exceptional pitchers to achieve legendary status.
This occurs precisely as the previous cohort of dominant pitchers nears the end of their careers. Clayton Kershaw has formally announced his retirement, Justin Verlander is currently 42 years of age, and Max Scherzer is 41.
The number of pitchers in Major League Baseball’s history who have secured at least three Cy Young Awards is relatively small. Within that exclusive group, one finds the aforementioned three pitchers, in addition to Roger Clemens (who boasts seven wins), Randy Johnson (with five), Greg Maddux (four), Steve Carlton (four), Jim Palmer, Tom Seaver, Sandy Koufax, and Pedro Martinez.
Skubal’s recent achievement marks him as the first pitcher in the American League to secure consecutive Cy Young Awards since Martinez accomplished the feat.
Tarik Skubal named 2025 American League Cy Young winner: Tigers star earns the accolade for the second consecutive year
Dayn Perry
Doesn’t this feel like a transitional moment? Skubal and Skenes embody the existing and prospective caliber of elite pitchers. Their opportunities to rival Verlander, Scherzer, and Kershaw by attaining three Cy Young Awards each appear reasonably promising.
Skubal is projected to be 29 years of age during the upcoming season. Since his recovery from flexor tendon surgery performed on his elbow back in 2023, he has achieved a record of 38 wins and 13 losses, accompanied by a 2.39 earned run average (ERA) translated to 175 ERA+, a 0.90 walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP), and a total of 571 strikeouts while conceding only 82 walks across 467 and two-thirds innings pitched. There is minimal indication to suggest any imminent decline within the forthcoming years. He has been managed responsibly in terms of workload, exhibits a robust physical constitution, and showcases exceptional talent.
Undoubtedly, stiff competition exists in the form of Garrett Crochet. However, under the assumption that the Tigers either retain Skubal or opt to trade him to a team within the American League, Skubal presently holds the position as the leading candidate to secure the Cy Young Award once again in the ensuing year and quite possibly in the subsequent year as well.
It is reasonable to assert that Skubal represents the preeminent pitcher presently active.
However, when placing wagers on which pitcher will accumulate the highest number of Cy Young Awards going forward, Skenes has to be the clear choice.
Skenes will not reach his 24th birthday until the month of May next year. During his rookie season, he registered an impressive 1.96 ERA across 23 starts. He assumed pitching duties on 32 occasions throughout this year, accumulating 187 and two-thirds innings, maintaining an exceptional 1.97 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and achieving 216 strikeouts compared to 42 walks. Possessing a larger frame and greater strength than Skubal, it could be argued that he has superior skills. Despite its potential overuse in sports discourse, the expression “the sky is the limit” finds genuine applicability in this context.
Paul Skenes recognized with 2025 National League Cy Young Award: Pirates sensation takes home the title in only his second Major League Baseball season
Dayn Perry
Are you aware of how many pitchers have already recorded two seasons with an ERA below 2.00, while also having pitched at least 130 innings, before reaching the age of 25 during the modern era of Major League Baseball (spanning from 1901 to the present)? The count is merely five. Among them, Walter Johnson achieved this feat on four separate occasions and is regarded as one of the most statistically accomplished pitchers in the annals of the sport. Three others, Ed Reulbach, Ernie Shore, and Smoky Joe Wood, competed during the Deadball Era. Then there’s Paul Skenes. And he even has another year to spare! He has the potential to replicate this performance for a third time in the upcoming year.
It warrants reiteration that we must delve as far back as the Deadball Era. ERA+ serves as a statistic that adjusts for variations in eras and stadium conditions. Considering starting pitchers with a minimum of 200 innings pitched through the age of 24, the highest ERA+ values are as follows:
1. Skenes, 215 (signifying that he surpasses the average run prevention capability by 115%)
2. Bill Foster, 193
3. Reulbach, 174
4. Jeff Tesreau, 173
5. Dave Brown, 169
Walter Johnson’s ERA+ measured 165. Throughout the age of 24, Roger Clemens posted a 3.08 ERA and a 141 ERA+, alongside his two Cy Young Awards and MVP title. Dwight Gooden, before the age of 25, maintained a 2.64 ERA and a 132 ERA+. Kershaw’s record included a 2.79 ERA and a 138 ERA+.
Regarding the rate of run prevention, Skenes exhibits more than just a strong base. It can be argued that his foundation stands as the most impressive ever observed.
Skubal, over the recent two years, has recorded a 2.30 ERA and a 180 ERA+. While it is clear that he is older than Skenes and might lag behind in terms of accumulating career statistics relevant to Hall of Fame consideration, he has established a significant advantage currently. He will attempt to secure his third consecutive Cy Young Award next year. The pitchers who have previously accomplished the feat of winning three consecutive Cy Young Awards are Maddux and Randy Johnson, both of whom each did it four times in succession.
Skubal is suitably skilled to potentially achieve that level of success. Likewise, Skenes possesses the ability to conclude his career with more Cy Young Awards than Skubal. The recipients of the 2025 Cy Young Awards have positioned themselves for enduring excellence.
