Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' ace pitcher, is making significant strides in his rookie season, currently ranked as the third-best starter in baseball by ESPN's Buster Olney. With an impressive 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in just 133 innings, he has outperformed expectations set for him as the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. While he fell short of winning the NL Cy Young Award in his debut, Skenes' record-setting rookie season has placed him in the spotlight, setting franchise records for strikeouts and achieving milestones never before seen in Major League Baseball history.

Skenes' accolades include being named the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and his historic ability to maintain an ERA below 2.20 while striking out over 150 batters in his first 21 games. He is on track to become the first Pirates pitcher since Doug Drabek in 1990 to clinch the NL Cy Young Award if he can continue this level of performance throughout the season. The baseball world is watching closely as he develops into one of the league's elite pitchers.

Entering the 2025 season, Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates stands as a strong contender for the NL Cy Young Award, following a remarkable rookie year where he posted an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA. MLB.com’s Will Leitch highlights Skenes as the favorite, suggesting he could outdo his impressive first season. Other contenders include Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies, who faces pressure to capture his first Cy Young, and Corbin Burnes from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Skenes' historical achievements, including record strikeouts for a Pirates rookie, position him as a defining talent in the league.

If Skenes improves upon his rookie performance, he may also enter the MVP conversation, especially if the Pirates aim for their first playoff appearance since 2015. His trajectory suggests the beginning of an era where he could redefine pitching excellence in the National League.

The current state of Major League Baseball's starting pitchers is uncharacteristically weak, with no pitcher exceeding 230 strikeouts last season, a notable decline from previous years. Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates stands out with an average fastball speed of 98.8 mph, ranking first in ERA but facing injury risks. Tarik Skubal, excelling in multiple pitching metrics, may lack offensive support. Zack Wheeler remains a consistent choice, though his strikeout rate is moderate. Chris Sale, a former Cy Young winner, poses injury concerns as he ages. Dark horse candidates include Blake Snell and Garrett Crochet, both capable of leading in strikeouts but plagued by inconsistencies. Lastly, Jacob deGrom's historical excellence contrasts with recent injury struggles.

The Philadelphia Phillies have established themselves as a formidable force in the National League, boasting an impressive record over the past six seasons, including 95 wins and an NL East title in 2024. However, their postseason performance has been disappointing, with recent exits including a NLCS loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023 and a quick exit in the 2024 NLDS against the New York Mets. Pressure mounts as key players like Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto become free agents, and the core group ages, raising questions about the team's future competitiveness.

Insiders from a survey noted the urgency for the Phillies to capitalize on their success, as their core, including aging stars like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, may need rejuvenation soon. The upcoming trade deadline could prompt significant changes, including how the organization navigates extension talks with aging veterans. With the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets emerging as serious contenders, the Phillies face a critical juncture to maintain their competitive edge in a challenging division.

The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for the 2025 season, looking to shake off past disappointments after a strong offensive showing against the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, winning five out of six matchups. While the Dodgers went on to claim the World Series title, the Phillies, bolstered by key players like Bryce Harper and Zack Wheeler, remain a formidable contender. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is optimistic about his team's chances, emphasizing their strong starting rotation and depth in positional players. However, the question looms: Can they overcome their late-season struggles and take that next step towards a championship?