MLB Awards Watch: Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal in front of Cy Young race, but neither is running away with it
Skubal, Skenes Lead Early Cy Young Award Chase
Updated June 12, 2025
As the MLB season approaches its midpoint, the race for the 2025 Cy Young Award is heating up, with two clear frontrunners emerging in each league. While there’s ample time for shifts in the landscape, several pitchers have established themselves as strong contenders for the prestigious award.
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers is currently the favorite in the American League. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates is the National League frontrunner.
AL Cy Young Analysis
Tarik Skubal (-190 odds via BetMGM) is the clear favorite. After a stellar return from injury in 2023 and a unanimous Cy Young win in 2024, Skubal continues to dominate. Through 13 starts, he boasts a 6-2 record with a 2.16 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP, and 105 strikeouts in 83 innings, accumulating a 3.1 WAR.
max Fried (+700) of the New York Yankees has been a significant asset, especially with Gerrit Cole’s injury. Fried is 9-1 with a 1.84 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 88 innings, positioning him as a legitimate contender.
Hunter Brown (+700) of the Houston Astros has also impressed, holding an 8-3 record with a 1.82 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 79 innings, resulting in a 3.2 WAR. Despite his strong numbers, some bettors are hesitant due to his lack of a proven track record.
Jacob deGrom (+800) of the Texas Rangers, while possessing a strong track record, faces concerns due to his injury history. He’s currently 6-2 with a 2.12 ERA but is unlikely to exceed 150 innings this season.
Garrett Crochet (+800) of the Boston Red sox has posted impressive numbers, including a 2.35 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 88 innings. However, his workload is being closely monitored, potentially limiting his impact.
NL Cy Young Analysis
Paul Skenes (-160 odds via BetMGM) is the favorite.
What’s next
As the season progresses, the performance and health of thes pitchers will be crucial in determining the ultimate Cy Young Award winners. Skubal, Fried, and brown appear to be the leading contenders in the AL, while Skenes aims to maintain his dominance in the NL.