Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal win Cy Young Awards as trade rumors swirl around star pitchers

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Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal were named the National and American League Cy Young Award winners, respectively, Wednesday, capping their terrific 2025 seasons and kick-starting what could be a whirlwind offseason for both 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 while striking out 216 batters.

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore 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 wiild-card spot but lost in the American League Division Series to the Seattle Mariners.

While the chances are low, both Skenes and Skubal have been mentioned in trade rumors as the MLB offseason has gotten underway.

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 the pitcher was "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 it multiple times."

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said he