The 2025 AL Cy Young Race is Wide Open

For enthusiasts of pitching, prepare for an exhilarating season. This year’s AL Cy Young race is exceptionally competitive. We have last year’s champion continuing to perform at a high level, several newcomers making a significant impact, and a few seasoned veterans throwing as if they are a decade younger. The competition is fierce and could unfold in any number of ways, and we’re ready to cover every moment.

1. Tarik Skubal, SP, Detroit Tigers

4-2, 2.87 ERA, 79 strikeouts

The reigning AL Cy Young award recipient remains the frontrunner for this year’s title in 2025. Although Skubal has not quite matched the overpowering dominance he showcased last year, his performance remains impressive. Achieving a repeat of winning the pitching triple crown—which involves leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts within the same season—is an exceptionally challenging feat. As the ace of the Detroit Tigers, currently leading the major leagues, Skubal is instrumental to the team’s success. He ranks second in the American League in strikeouts and has issued only seven walks all season, demonstrating exceptional control on the mound.

2. Max Fried, SP, New York Yankees

6-0, 1.29 ERA, 60 strikeouts

Fried has fulfilled the high expectations the Yankees had when they enlisted him under an eight-year, $218 million contract during the offseason. After the unfortunate loss of their ace, Gerrit Cole, to injury, the Yankees turned to Fried to assume that vital role, and he has certainly met the challenge with remarkable success. With six wins, which tie him for the league lead, and the best ERA across the league, Fried has been pivotal in positioning the Yankees as leaders of the AL East. It is difficult to envision where the team would stand without his outstanding pitching. He is off to the best start of his career and is closely pursuing Skubal in the Cy Young race.

3. Garrett Crochet, SP, Boston Red Sox

4-3, 1.98 ERA, 78 strikeouts

The Red Sox acquired Crochet during the offseason with considerable expectations, and thus far, they could hardly ask for more from their emerging ace. Although Boston's season has been marked by inconsistency, reflected in their 25-26 record, they have heavily relied on Crochet's strong performances. With four victories, a minuscule ERA of 1.98, and ranking third in the American League for strikeouts, he is bound to be involved in the Cy Young discussions throughout the remainder of the season. His exceptional pitching has enabled the Red Sox to remain competitive despite difficulties encountered in other areas.

4. Hunter Brown, SP, Houston Astros

6-3, 2.04 ERA, 71 strikeouts

Hunter Brown has undeniably emerged as a breakout star this season. While he may not be the most anticipated name on this list, Brown has always possessed the talent required to excel as a top-tier starter. This season, he has successfully pieced together all facets of his game. The Astros are thrilled with the progress of their young standout. An increase in his pitching velocity has significantly contributed to the notable improvements in his performance this year. With six wins that tie him for the lead in the American League and a position among the top five in strikeouts, Brown has become a vital component of Houston's rotation. The Astros are keen on having their right-hander sustain this remarkable upward trajectory as they strive to enhance their 25-24 record.

5. Nathan Eovaldi, SP, Texas Rangers

4-3, 1.60 ERA, 71 strikeouts

It is unusual to see a pitcher in his 14th season improve, yet that is precisely what 35-year-old Eovaldi is accomplishing. With four victories, the second-best ERA in the AL at 1.60, and a spot in the top five for strikeouts, he is forming an imposing one-two punch at the forefront of the Rangers' rotation alongside Jacob deGrom. Given the outstanding performances of both pitchers, one might expect Texas to hold a better record than their current 25-26 standing. It will be intriguing to observe whether Eovaldi can sustain this level of excellence throughout the entire season, considering his age and the toll of wear accumulated over his extended career. Nevertheless, as of now, he is undoubtedly in the thick of this competition.

The real excitement is just beginning. As we transition into the summer months, each pitching outing becomes increasingly significant for these five competitors. Skubal finds himself with a target on his back as the defending champion, but Fried, Crochet, Brown, and Eovaldi are not showing any signs of retreating. Keep a close watch on this race, as it promises to be an exhilarating journey all the way into October.