Historic Rise: Paul Skenes Captures NL Cy Young
In a season that seemed destined for record books, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates claimed the National League Cy Young Award unanimously, cementing his status as one of the game’s brightest pitching stars. The votes, cast by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, left no room for doubt: Skenes was the league’s most dominant pitcher in 2025. This achievement comes just a year after he earned NL Rookie of the Year honors, marking a rare double ascent from rookie to Cy Young winner.
A Bold Continuation of a Historic Path
Skenes’ arc mirrors a small but notable piece of baseball history. He joined Dwight Gooden as the only players to win the NL Cy Young in the season immediately following a Rookie of the Year award. Gooden did it decades earlier, illustrating how an early-season breakout can evolve into sustained excellence. Skenes’ award also underscores the Pirates’ confidence in developing young pitching talent and converting it into meaningful franchise impact.
Season Highlights: Dominance on the Mound
Throughout the year, Skenes showcased a blend of elite strikeout ability, outstanding control, and strategic game planning. His fastball velocity and movement combined with a devastating secondary pitch arsenal kept hitters off-balance night after night. The most compelling stat lines weren’t just about win totals; they included a low earned run average, high strikeout rate, and a minuscule WHIP that consistently put the Pirates in position to win when he took the mound.
Beyond the numbers, Skenes demonstrated adaptability in high-pressure moments, including late-season starts against division rivals and playoff-contending teams. His performance provided a foundation for Pittsburgh’s rotation, offering the club a reliable ace as it pursued postseason contention. The unanimous vote underscores the league’s recognition of his consistency and impact.
Impact on the Pirates and Team Philosophy
The Pirates’ franchise philosophy has long emphasized player development, strategic acquisitions, and a culture of accountability. Skenes’ ascent from ROY to Cy Young winner validates the organization’s approach to cultivating homegrown talent, particularly on the mound. For Pirates fans, the award is a beacon of what is possible when young pitchers are given a structured path to growth, coupled with the experience of a competitive big-league environment.
What This Means for the NL and Future Seasons
With Skenes now etched into the Cy Young conversation, the NL landscape may begin to evolve around a premier starter who can carry a rotation through the toughest parts of the schedule. The award may accelerate expectations for his durability, leadership, and ability to influence pitching culture across the Pirates’ organization. For other teams, Skenes’ year-by-year improvements provide a measurable model of progression from rookie excellence to Cy Young-caliber performance.
Looking Ahead: Legacy and Longevity
While a single season earns a trophy, the true measure of Skenes’ legacy will be his capacity to sustain elite performance over multiple seasons. If he can maintain command, velocity, and ingenuity against a constantly evolving lineup of opponents, he could redefine what a modern Cy Young winner looks like in the National League. Pirates fans will be watching closely for continued dominance, leadership on the mound, and the continued maturation of a pitcher who already has carved out a historic path from NL Rookie of the Year to NL Cy Young.
Bottom Line
Paul Skenes’ unanimous Cy Young victory is more than a trophy; it’s a statement about his potential and the Pirates’ commitment to building around young pitching. Following an NL Rookie of the Year campaign, he has not only confirmed the promise shown a season ago but also elevated expectations for the franchise’s next era of success.
