NEW YORK, NY – July 11, 2025 – With the MLB season rapidly approaching the All-Star break, the races for the prestigious Cy Young Award are heating up across both leagues. While one American League ace looks set to repeat, the National League features a compelling battle between a veteran seeking his first win and a dazzling young phenom.
American League Cy Young: Tarik Skubal Eyes Repeat, Hunter Brown Soaring
The American League Cy Young race has seen one pitcher firmly establish himself as the dominant force, with a few strong contenders vying for recognition.
- Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers): The reigning AL Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal, is making a formidable case for a repeat performance. Through 18 starts, Skubal boasts an incredible 10-2 record with a sparkling 2.02 ERA. He leads all MLB pitchers in FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) at 1.87 and holds elite numbers in WHIP (0.81) and K/9 (11.5). His consistent ability to shut down opposing lineups, including three scoreless starts in his last five outings, solidifies his position as the clear frontrunner.
- Hunter Brown (Houston Astros): A significant surprise and a major bright spot for the Astros, Hunter Brown has elevated his game dramatically in 2025. After refining his approach last season, Brown currently holds an MLB-best 1.82 ERA and a remarkable .180 opponents’ batting average over 18 starts (9-3 record). His 0.94 WHIP is third-best in the AL, and his 129 strikeouts rank fourth. Brown’s increased velocity and an often unhittable four-seamer have put him squarely in the Cy Young conversation, providing a crucial boost to the Astros’ pitching staff.
- Garrett Crochet (Boston Red Sox): The Red Sox’s major offseason acquisition has paid dividends. Garrett Crochet has delivered precisely the ace-level performance Boston desired. The left-hander leads all of baseball in strikeouts with 151 and is tied for the MLB lead in innings pitched (120.1) over 19 starts. His 2.39 ERA is a career best, and he has been a workhorse, holding opponents to two or fewer earned runs in 16 starts, including a stretch of seven consecutive such outings.
- Max Fried (New York Yankees): In his debut season with the New York Yankees after a high-profile free-agent signing, Max Fried has largely met expectations. He leads the majors with 11 wins (11-2 record) and boasts a strong 2.27 ERA through 19 starts. His 0.96 WHIP is also among the AL’s best, and he has proven to be a vital stabilizing force for a Yankees rotation that has faced its share of injury challenges.
- Dark Horses: Keep an eye on Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers), who, when healthy, has shown flashes of his past dominance with a 2.29 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 106.1 innings over 18 starts (9-2 record). Framber Valdez (Houston Astros) also continues to be a consistent top-tier performer, with a 2.90 ERA and 10 wins in 18 starts, always a threat to land in the top-10 of Cy Young voting.
National League Cy Young: Wheeler and Skenes in a Tight Battle
The National League Cy Young race is shaping up to be a fascinating duel, with a few other pitchers aiming to crash the party.
- Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies): After two previous second-place finishes in Cy Young voting, the veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler is making a powerful push for his first career award. At 35, Wheeler is showing no signs of slowing down, posting a stellar 2.17 ERA and 0.84 WHIP over 18 starts (9-3 record). He leads the NL in WHIP and is second in opponents’ batting average (.192), while striking out hitters at a career-high rate (148 strikeouts in 116 innings). He is currently leading recent polls for the award.
- Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates): The phenom continues to electrify in his sophomore season. Despite a modest 4-7 record, Paul Skenes boasts an incredible 1.94 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP through 19 starts. He leads qualified NL starters in WHIP and batting average against (.186), while consistently showcasing his wicked seven-pitch mix. Skenes has allowed one run or fewer in six consecutive starts, proving he is one of baseball’s nastiest and most exciting young pitchers.
- Logan Webb (San Francisco Giants): Webb remains a picture of consistency for the Giants, always a factor in the Cy Young discussion with his groundball-inducing prowess. He holds a 2.62 ERA and 8-6 record over 19 starts, with 133 strikeouts in 120.1 innings.
- Other Contenders: Cristopher Sánchez (Philadelphia Phillies) is having a career year with a 2.59 ERA over 18 starts (7-2 record) and impressive command. MacKenzie Gore (Washington Nationals) (3.02 ERA, 138 SO in 110.1 IP over 19 starts) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Los Angeles Dodgers) (2.77 ERA, 8-7 record over 18 starts) are also putting together strong campaigns and could make a late surge.
As the second half of the 2025 MLB season gets into full swing, the performances of these elite pitchers will be closely scrutinized, making the Cy Young races must-watch theatre.