Skubal and Skenes Lead the Pack in Latest Cy Young Poll: A Mid-Season Look at the Pitching Elite
As the 2025 MLB season enters its crucial latter stages, the conversation surrounding the coveted Cy Young Award is intensifying. A recent poll published on MLB.com, titled “Latest Cy Young poll: Can anyone catch the frontrunners?”, offers a fascinating glimpse into the current landscape of pitching excellence. The results reveal a clear pecking order, with Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal and Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes firmly entrenched as the leading candidates for both the American League and National League awards, respectively.
Tarik Skubal: A Dominant Force in the American League
Tarik Skubal has been nothing short of spectacular for the Tigers this season. His ascent to the top of the AL Cy Young conversation is a testament to his consistent brilliance and mastery of the mound. The poll highlights Skubal’s impressive statistical profile, which includes a remarkably low earned run average (ERA) and a high strikeout rate. His ability to consistently limit opposing offenses, coupled with his newfound command and devastating arsenal of pitches, has made him a nightmare for hitters throughout the league.
Skubal’s journey to Cy Young contention has been a remarkable one. After showing flashes of his potential in previous seasons, he has truly blossomed in 2025, demonstrating the poise and execution of a seasoned ace. His contributions have been vital for the Tigers, providing them with a reliable stopper and a beacon of hope in their rotation. The poll suggests that Skubal has built a significant lead, and it will take an extraordinary stretch of pitching from his rivals to unseat him from his current position.
Paul Skenes: The Rookie Sensation Lighting Up the National League
On the National League side, the emergence of Paul Skenes has been one of the most captivating storylines of the 2025 season. The young Pirates pitcher has not only met but exceeded the sky-high expectations placed upon him as a highly touted prospect. His dominance from the outset has been breathtaking, and the MLB.com poll firmly places him as the frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award.
Skenes’ statistical achievements are truly remarkable for a rookie. His ability to rack up strikeouts at an elite clip, combined with a remarkably low ERA and a penchant for keeping runners off base, has elevated him to the top tier of National League pitchers. He possesses an electric fastball and a devastating slider that have proven virtually unhittable for many opponents. The impact Skenes has had on the Pirates’ resurgence cannot be overstated, as he has provided them with a genuine ace to build around.
The Challenge Ahead: Can Anyone Close the Gap?
While Skubal and Skenes appear to be in strong positions, the poll also implicitly raises the question of whether any other pitchers can mount a serious challenge to their leading status. The nature of baseball, however, is that performance can fluctuate, and unexpected surges can occur. The remaining weeks of the season will be crucial for any aspiring contenders to make their case.
For Skubal, maintaining his current level of performance and continuing to be the anchor of the Tigers’ rotation will be key. Any faltering in his ERA or strikeout numbers could open the door for others to gain ground. Similarly, Skenes will need to continue his historic rookie campaign, navigating the pressures of a pennant race and the increased scrutiny that comes with being a frontrunner.
The MLB.com poll serves as an excellent barometer of the season’s pitching narrative thus far. Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes have undoubtedly set a high standard, captivating fans with their exceptional performances. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to observe whether they can maintain their formidable leads and ultimately claim the prestigious Cy Young Awards, etching their names into baseball history. The race is far from over, but for now, these two aces are leading the charge.
Latest Cy Young poll: Can anyone catch the frontrunners?
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www.mlb.com published ‘Latest Cy Young poll: Can anyone catch the frontrunners?’ at 2025-09-03 12:34. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply i n English with the article only.