37
5
The Cy Young Award is one of the most prestigious honors in Major League Baseball, awarded annually to the best pitchers in the American and National Leagues. Named after Hall of Famer Cy Young, it recognizes excellence in pitching, considering factors like earned run average (ERA), strikeouts, and overall performance. Winning the award can enhance a player's legacy, increase their market value, and solidify their status among the game's greats.
Before Tarik Skubal's consecutive wins in 2024 and 2025, the last pitchers to achieve this feat were Jacob deGrom, who won in 2018 and 2019. Historically, back-to-back winners are rare, highlighting the exceptional performance required to maintain such high standards over multiple seasons. Other notable winners include Pedro Martínez and Randy Johnson, who also achieved this distinction.
In the 2025 season, Tarik Skubal led the American League with a 2.21 ERA and a 0.891 WHIP, showcasing his dominance on the mound. He struck out 241 batters while allowing only 33 walks over 195.1 innings. These impressive statistics not only secured his second consecutive Cy Young Award but also positioned him among the elite pitchers in the league, as he outperformed many competitors, including Garrett Crochet, who finished second.
Winning the Cy Young Award can significantly impact a player's career by enhancing their reputation and marketability. It often leads to lucrative contract extensions or free-agent opportunities, as teams seek proven talent. Additionally, it cements a player's legacy in baseball history, influencing Hall of Fame considerations and fan recognition. For example, both Skubal and Paul Skenes are now seen as franchise cornerstones for their respective teams.
Following his Cy Young victories, Tarik Skubal has been the subject of trade rumors, particularly as teams consider reshaping their rosters during the offseason. Speculation suggests that the Detroit Tigers may explore trading him for a substantial return, given his high value as a top-tier pitcher. Such rumors often arise as teams evaluate their competitive windows and seek to acquire young talent or bolster their lineups.
Paul Skenes' unanimous win of the NL Cy Young Award in 2025 marks a historic achievement, making him the first pitcher in 40 years to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in consecutive seasons. This places him in elite company alongside legends like Dwight Gooden, who accomplished this in the 1980s. Skenes’ rapid rise reflects his exceptional talent and potential for a long, successful career.
The Cy Young Award voting is conducted by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), which evaluates pitchers based on their performance during the regular season. Key criteria include ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, innings pitched, and overall impact on their team's success. Voters also consider intangibles like consistency and clutch performances. Each voter ranks their top choices, and points are awarded based on these rankings.
Performance metrics play a crucial role in determining Cy Young Award winners. Metrics like ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts are fundamental indicators of a pitcher's effectiveness. Advanced statistics, such as FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) and xFIP (Expected FIP), provide deeper insights into a pitcher's performance by isolating their contributions from fielding. These metrics help voters assess a pitcher's true value and consistency throughout the season.
Cy Young winners often face heightened expectations and pressure in the following season. Teams and fans anticipate continued dominance, which can lead to increased scrutiny of their performance. Additionally, they may encounter tougher competition, as opponents adjust their strategies against them. Injuries can also pose a risk, as maintaining peak physical condition is essential to replicate previous success.
Media narratives significantly influence Cy Young Award discussions and perceptions. Coverage of a player's performance, personality, and off-field stories can shape public and voter opinions. Positive narratives, such as a player's resilience or standout moments, can boost their candidacy, while negative coverage may detract from it. The media's framing of a player's season often plays a critical role in how voters perceive their overall contributions.
