The race for baseball’s top pitching award is officially down to six. MLB has revealed the finalists for the 2025 Cy Young Award, and the list features a mix of new faces, breakout stars, and a reigning champ looking to go back-to-back. Let’s take a look at who made the cut in each league.
American LeagueGarrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet (35) pitches against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Garrett Crochet became one of the American League’s top arms in his first full season as a starter. He went 18-5 with a 2.59 ERA across 205⅓ innings, striking out 255 while walking only 46. It’s been nearly a decade since a Red Sox pitcher last claimed the Cy Young, and Crochet’s dominance has Boston fans believing it could happen again.
Hunter Brown, Houston Astros
Hunter Brown delivered a breakout season for Houston, going 12-9 with a 2.43 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 206 strikeouts over 185⅓ innings. His top-three finish also triggers a compensatory draft pick for the Astros under the Prospect Promotion Incentive rule. Brown emerged as the new ace in Houston’s rotation, showcasing command, velocity, and poise throughout the year.
Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal high-fives teammates in the dugout after a pitching change during the seventh inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Tarik Skubal is aiming to make history as the first back-to-back American League Cy Young winner since Pedro Martínez in 1999 and 2000. The Tigers left-hander posted a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts over 195⅓ innings. Skubal’s balance of precision and power has made him one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball.
National LeagueCristopher Sánchez, Philadelphia Phillies
Cristopher Sánchez took a major step forward this season, leading all pitchers with 8.0 WAR. He finished 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts against 44 walks. When Zack Wheeler went down with an injury, Sánchez stepped up as Philadelphia’s ace and carried the rotation with confidence and consistency.
Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at PNC Park on June 8, 2025. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Paul Skenes followed his Rookie of the Year campaign with another standout season, finishing with a 1.97 ERA, the best mark in the majors. He added a 0.95 WHIP, 216 strikeouts, and 7.6 WAR across 187⅔ innings. Skenes has a chance to become the first Pirates pitcher to win the Cy Young since Doug Drabek in 1990, cementing his place as one of baseball’s brightest young arms.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers
Yoshinobu Yamamoto lived up to the hype in his first MLB season, going 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts in 173⅔ innings. His steady command and ability to adapt quickly to major league hitters made him a key force in the Dodgers’ rotation. While the postseason isn’t factored into voting, Yamamoto’s regular-season excellence firmly established him as a top-tier pitcher.
Oct 25, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning during game two of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Center. Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesWhat Lies Ahead
This year’s Cy Young finalists reflect a changing of the guard in MLB. Veterans like Gerrit Cole or Max Scherzer are no longer the automatic picks. The winners will be announced very soon, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, but these six have already left their mark on a season defined by brilliance on the mound.