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Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal were named the National and American League Cy Young Award winners, respectively, on Wednesday, capping their stellar 2025 seasons and kick-starting what could be a whirlwind offseason for both MLB star pitchers.
Skenes became the first pitcher since Dwight Gooden to win the National League Rookie of the Year and then the National League Cy Young Award. The Pittsburgh Pirates flamethrower led the majors with a 1.97 ERA. He struck out 216 batters.
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June 12, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) looks on during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 12, 2025. (Daniel Kucin Jr./Imagn Images)
Skubal became the 12th pitcher to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards as he maintained his dominance in the Detroit Tigers’ rotation. He led the American League with a 2.21 ERA and struck out 248 batters.
Pittsburgh finished the year 71-91 and last in the National League Central division. Detroit was 87-75 and earned an American League Wild Card berth, but lost in the American League Division Series to the Seattle Mariners.
Although the current odds are low, both Skenes and Skubal have been big names in trade rumors as the MLB offseason has gotten underway.
Skenes was linked to the New York Yankees in a report by NJ Advance Media. A former Pirates teammate of Skenes reportedly said the pitcher is “hoping for a trade” before he becomes a free agent in 2029.
“Trust me, he wants to play for the Yankees,” the teammate told NJ Advance Media. “I’ve heard him say that several times.”
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said he dismissed the idea that Skenes wanted to be traded, but said, “I understand.”
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) walks out of the bullpen before the game against the Athletics at PNC Park on September 21, 2025. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
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“What we want to focus on is just how we win games with him in a Pirates uniform,” he added. “… I have a lot of respect for the Yankees, but we just want to focus on what we have to do.”
The Los Angeles Angels as a potential destination were also mentioned in the report, as he was born in Fullerton, California and a fan of the team when he was younger.
He may not exactly be shopped around, but teams looking for pitching help with deep farm systems could offer the Pirates a “Godfather” deal the team won’t be able to refuse. Skenes’ trade value may never be as high as it is right now.
However, Cherington promised Skenes would be with the Pirates in 2026.
“It’s always respectful. The teams have to ask the question, right?” Cherington said, via MLB.com. “I suspect it won’t end. But the response has been consistent.
“Paul Skenes to be a pirate in 2026.”
As for Skubal, the Tigers reportedly kept the door open to a potential deal for him. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox have already been mentioned as potential suitors.
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers looks on prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Grace Hoppel/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) walks back to the dugout after the bottom of the fifth inning in a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Friday, July 11, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The Tigers will “at least listen” to offers for Skubal, but would be blown away by a deal, according to USA Today.
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Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg said Wednesday that he will not disclose whether Skubal or other Tigers players have been mentioned in trade talks, according to MLB Network.
Wilder things have certainly happened in the MLB offseason, and the winter meetings haven’t even started yet.
