Paul Skenes arrived in the Major Leagues in 2024 with the label of a superstar and has not disappointed. In just his first full season, the right-hander for the Pittsburgh Pirates has put up elite numbers, establishing himself as the favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award in 2025, despite being on a team out of playoff contention.
Pittsburgh has been a rollercoaster, with a catastrophic start, the manager’s dismissal and a locker room full of uncertainty that marked their year. However, Skenes was the exception with consistency, dominance and oblivious to the chaos. Although his record does not reflect his total impact, his advanced statistics and media prominence put him ahead of the rest.
Cristopher Sanchez and Freddy Peralta: Real Rivals or Symbolic Threats?
The Phillies’ left-hander has had a spectacular campaign with 13 wins, a 2.66 ERA and an extra load of responsibility after injuries to Nola and Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez has stepped up, his constant presence in a competitive rotation has made him crucial for his team. However, despite his merits, Skenes surpasses his metrics including strikeouts per inning and adjusted ERA.
Freddy Peralta, meanwhile, has been a steady piece in the Brewers’ rotation. Playing for a team with more offensive support has inflated his record, which could influence voters’ perception. However, when external factors are removed, his individual performance still falls short of Skenes.
Can Paul Skenes close with a flourish and win the 2025 Cy Young?
If Paul Skenes wins the Cy Young, he will be the first pitcher to do so from a non-playoff team in more than two decades, something Roger Clemens achieved in 2004.
The Pirates have limited him in innings and pitch count recently, but he is expected to have at least one more start before the end of the season. Unless an unexpected collapse occurs, it looks like Skenes will become the new pitching king in the National League.
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