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Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal were named National and American League Cy Young Award winners, respectively, on Wednesday, capping their tremendous 2025 seasons and kicking off what could be a whirlwind offseason for the two star MLB 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, United States; 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 consecutive Cy Young Awards as he continued 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 a Wild Card berth in the American League, but lost in the American League Division Series to the Seattle Mariners.
Although the current odds are low, Skenes and Skubal have been major names in trade rumors as the MLB offseason has begun.
Skenes was linked to the New York Yankees in a report from NJ Advance Media. A former Pirates teammate of Skenes reportedly told the outlet that the pitcher was “hoping for a trade” before becoming a free agent in 2029.
“Trust me, he wants to play for the Yankees,” his teammate told NJ Advance Media. “I’ve heard him say it many times.”
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said he rejected the notion that Skenes wanted to be traded, but said, “I understand it.”
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) enters from 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’re going to focus on is how to win games with him in a Pirates uniform,” he added. “…I have a lot of respect for the Yankees, but we’re just going to focus on what we need to do.”
With the Los Angeles Angels being a potential destination, he was also mentioned in the report given that he was born in Fullerton, California and was a fan of the team when he was younger.
He may not really be wanted, but teams looking for help with deep farm systems can 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 now.
Cherington, however, vowed that Skenes would be with the Pirates in 2026.
“It’s always respectful. The teams have to ask themselves the question, right?” Cherington said, via MLB.com. “I suspect it won’t end. But the response has been consistent.
“Paul Skenes will be a pirate in 2026.”
As for Skubal, the Tigers have reportedly kept the door open on 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 before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photos by Grace Hoppel/MLB via Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) returns to the dugout after the bottom of the fifth inning of 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 on Skubal but should be blown away by a deal, according to USA Today.
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Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg said Wednesday he would not reveal whether Skubal or other Tigers players had been mentioned in trade talks, according to the MLB Network.
Crazier things have certainly happened during the MLB offseason and the winter meetings haven’t even started yet.
