MLB’s Cy Young Favorites Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes Shine Bright
UPDATE: In a thrilling showcase of talent, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, the leading contenders for the 2025 Cy Young Award, proved their dominance in Major League Baseball. Both aces recently took the mound as the starting pitchers at the 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta, drawing attention to their meteoric rise from humble beginnings.
Both pitchers started their journeys far from the limelight: Skenes at the Air Force Academy and Skubal at Seattle University. As they approach the season’s climax, the urgency for their teams—the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers—to secure playoff spots intensifies. ESPN caught up with teammates and coaches to uncover the secret behind their striking success on the mound.
“They go right at guys,” said Casey Mize, a starter for the Tigers. “When they get strike one, the at-bat is over.” This aggressive approach has allowed both pitchers to maintain a significant edge against hitters, making them two of the most feared arms in the league.
The atmosphere shifts dramatically on days when Skubal or Skenes pitch. Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry noted, “You just know the other team isn’t going to do very much.” Teammate Spencer Torkelson added, “You can almost be blindfolded playing behind him.” On Skenes’ days, Tommy Pham even joins him in wearing a suit, dubbing it “Skenes Day.”
Despite their intimidating presence, both pitchers retain a unique approachability. “He’s a guy you can talk to when he’s starting,” Pham said about Skenes. “That’s rare.” The Tigers share a similar bond with Skubal, who engages with teammates as if every game is just another day at the park.
As the postseason approaches, both pitchers are providing their teams with much-needed confidence. Comerica Park erupts in excitement whenever Skubal takes the mound, with fans sporting his jersey in droves. “They love him, and he loves what he does,” McKinstry emphasized.
Statistically, Skubal is leading the league, throwing a first pitch strike 70% of the time and boasting a 55% overall strike rate. His aggressive style has led him to pitch an impressive number of innings this season, placing him among the top three in the league. “When it gets to those later innings, you do feel like he has a chance to go the distance,” said Tigers reliever Will Vest.
Meanwhile, Skenes, who relies on a broader array of pitches, ranks 33rd in first-strike percentage but has a swinging-strike percentage that places him 7th in the league. “He has a larger toolbox,” stated Pirates assistant pitching coach Brent Strom. This versatility keeps hitters off balance and showcases Skenes’ advanced pitching repertoire.
Skenes’ meticulous preparation is legendary. “Everything is by the numbers, and he leaves nothing to chance,” Strom noted. Even during bullpen sessions, Skenes is known to throw daily, a commitment that has astonished teammates. “I’ve never seen anybody do that,” Pham remarked, highlighting Skenes’ unique work ethic.
Skubal also emphasizes preparation and confidence, leading to extraordinary performances on the mound. He commands the game with a presence that intimidates opponents. “He comes after you,” Torkelson said, noting that Skubal trusts his best stuff in critical situations.
With both pitchers poised to continue their stellar performances, the excitement surrounding their careers is palpable. As they chase further accolades this season, baseball fans worldwide are eager to witness the unfolding drama of their journeys.
As the playoffs draw near, all eyes will be on Skubal and Skenes as they aim to etch their names into baseball history. This season is shaping up to be just the beginning for these remarkable athletes, and the baseball community is ready to embrace every moment.
