Paul Skenes Named BBWAA National League Cy Young Award Winner

The Baseball Writers Association of America tonight announced that Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes has been named the recipient of the 2025 National League Cy Young Award. He is the third pitcher in Pirates history to take home Cy Young Award honors, joining Vernon Law in 1960 and Doug Drabek in 1990.

The 23-year-old Skenes went 10-10 while recording a 1.97 ERA (187.2ip/41er), 216 strikeouts, a .199 batting average against and a 0.95 WHIP across his 32 starts with Pittsburgh during the 2025 season.

Skenes became the third Pirate since ERA became an official statistic in both leagues in 1913 to finish the season with a sub-2.00 ERA, joining Wilbur Cooper (1.87) in 1916 and Babe Adams (1.98) in 1919. He led MLB in ERA, becoming the first Pittsburgh pitcher to do that since John Candelaria (2.34) in 1977.

Skenes, who won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2024, has posted a 1.96 ERA (320.2ip/70er) through the first 55 starts of his Major League career. He joined the Pirates’ Al Mamaux (1.96, 1914-16) and the Red Sox’ Ernie Shore (1.96, 1914-16) as the only Major League pitchers since ERA became an official statistic in 1913 to post a sub-2.00 ERA through the first 55 starts of their career.

Skenes is also just the second pitcher in Major League history to win the Rookie of the Year Award and the Cy Young Award in consecutive seasons, along with the Mets’ Dwight Gooden from 1984-85.

“Paul is incredibly deserving of the Cy Young Award and all that it represents. His preparation, competitiveness and poise reflect the toughness, heart and pride that define Pittsburgh,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “He’s a leader who holds himself to the highest standard and makes everyone around him better.

“Just as meaningful as his performance on the field is his commitment to giving back — especially his support for those who have served, and continue to serve, in our armed forces. We are incredibly proud of Paul and grateful to have someone of his character representing our organization and our city.”

The BBWAA Awards Dinner will take place in New York City on Saturday, January 24.