Cy Young Award: Skubal goes back-to-back, Skenes gets his First

Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes won the Cy Young awards on Tuesday night, which is just another step on their incredible journeys. Coming out of high school, these two pitchers had only three division one offers combined. Skubal had one which was from Seattle University. Skenes had two from Navy and Air Force. Skenes started as a catcher in college and would later become a pitcher and transfer to LSU. The fact that the two best pitchers in the world had just three offers shows how commitment and hard work can get you anywhere.

Skubal is the first back-to-back Cy Young winner since Jacob DeGrom in 2018-19. He also joins Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer for consistent winners. Skubal’s numbers from the 2024 season were extremely impressive, but somehow, he was able improve a year later.

2.21 ERA: 1st in AL

195.1 IP: T-2nd in AL

241 Ks: 2nd in AL

0.891 WHIP: 1st in MLB

6.6 fWAR: 1st in MLB

This outstanding season lead the Detroit Tigers back to the Wild Card and the ALDS with Skubal leading the way the whole time. This season was one to remember with Skubal not seeming like he’s slowing down.

Paul Skenes just completed his first full season which resulted in a Cy Young. Skenes was outstanding in his first year but didn’t start early enough to win the Cy Young. (He won the Rookie of the Year award).

1.97 ERA: 1st in MLB

187.2 IP

216 Ks: T-4th in MLB

0.95 WHIP: 4th in MLB

7.6 WAR

Skenes did all he could to try and boost a good year for the Pittsburg Pirates, but the Pirate bats weren’t nearly good enough. His 10-10 record doesn’t explain how good of a year he had. The 23yr old had a great first full season of his career and is set for a great career.