Paul Skenes Wins 2025 NL Cy Young, Commits to Pirates in 2026

Paul Skenes, the extraordinary young pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has won the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, recognizing him as the best pitcher in the league. Despite rumors about his desire to join another team like the New York Yankees, the Pirates have confirmed that Skenes will remain with them for the 2026 season. This news comes after a spectacular season where Skenes posted an impressive 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts, proving why he is considered one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) today.

Who Is Paul Skenes

Paul Skenes is an American professional baseball pitcher who plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on May 29, 2002, in Fullerton, California, Skenes gained attention as a standout player in college baseball before being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB draft by the Pirates. He played college baseball initially for the Air Force Falcons and later transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU), where he excelled as a dominant pitcher.

Skenes is known for his fastball that exceeds 100 mph and a unique "splinker" pitch, a mix between a splitter and sinker, which confuses hitters. He made his MLB debut in May 2024 and quickly made a mark by being named the National League starting pitcher for the 2024 All-Star Game as a rookie—a rare achievement. His rookie season was impressive, with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year award.

In 2025, he continued to shine, winning the NL Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the league, with a 1.97 ERA and over 200 strikeouts. The Pittsburgh Pirates have confirmed he will stay with the team through at least the 2026 season, despite interest from other franchises. Skenes combines his high-level pitching skills with steady growth and has quickly become one of MLB's Sports most exciting young talents.

Paul Skenes’ Outstanding Performance in 2025 Season

Skenes had a standout year in 2025, showing remarkable skill and growth since his debut. His ERA (Earned Run Average) was an amazing 1.97 over 32 starts, and he struck out 216 batters in nearly 188 innings. This level of dominance earned him the Cy Young Award, which is given to the top pitcher in each league. He also developed new pitches, including a "splinker," a mix of splitter and sinker, to keep batters off guard. His variety of pitches and consistent control make him a tough competitor in any game.

Pittsburgh Pirates Commit to Keeping Paul Skenes in 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ General Manager Ben Cherington has publicly stated that Paul Skenes will stay with the Pirates for the 2026 season. While other teams have expressed interest in trading for him, the Pirates plan to hold on to their star pitcher. This is important news for Pirates fans who look forward to the team building around Skenes, hoping to make the team more competitive in the upcoming seasons. Despite the team’s current struggles, Skenes remains committed to helping change the Pirates’ fortune.

Cy Young: Tarik Skubal wins AL again; Paul Skenes unanimous NL choice | 740 The FAN https://t.co/4chJksFXEQ

— 740 The Fan (@740TheFAN) November 13, 2025

Challenges and Future Prospects of Paul Skenes and the Pirates

Although Skenes has been an outstanding individual performer, the Pirates as a team have faced challenges, with losing records in recent seasons. The team finished at 71–91 in 2025 and changed managers mid-season. But Skenes remains optimistic and focused on his personal growth and team success in the future. He considers the early elimination from playoffs as a chance to experiment and improve his pitching skills.