As we dive into the 2025 Cy Young Rankings, the landscape of Major League Baseball is finally starting to take shape. With June in full swing, contenders are beginning to distinguish themselves from the pack, and the performances of these pitchers are nothing short of compelling. Let’s take a closer look at the top five pitchers in each league, examining what makes their seasons extraordinary as we near the three-month mark.
American League
5. Kris Bubic, Royals
Bubic’s current form in Kansas City is hard to overlook. With a league-leading 1.43 ERA, he’s certainly turning heads, but that’s just scratching the surface of his impact. His 2.5 fWAR places him second in the AL, and he shows remarkable control, allowing only three home runs in over 75 innings pitched, translating to a minuscule 0.36 HR/9 rate. Despite a fastball that doesn’t overpower opponents — ranking in the 21st percentile for velocity — he’s been able to induce swings and misses, boasting a whiff percentage in the 83rd percentile. With exceptional command across all five pitches, Bubic is proving that finesse has its place among the big guns.
4. Hunter Brown, Astros
For the Houston Astros, Brown has been an integral part of their rotation this season. He holds a stellar 1.82 ERA and has solidified his spot among the top AL pitchers, ranking third in both ERA and opponent’s batting average at .187. With an impressive strikeout count of 93 and a K/9 rate of 10.6, he’s demonstrated that he’s not just a flash in the pan. Brown has limited opponents to just six home runs and has shown versatility by bringing different pitches to bear on hitters. If you’re looking for a standout right-hander, it’s hard to argue against Brown being among the best in the league.
3. Garrett Crochet, Red Sox
Crochet has truly answered the bell this season. After taking our advice to curb his walks, he’s made marked improvements, dropping his BB/9 rate to under three. This has catapulted him into the top tier of AL pitchers. Leading the league in strikeouts with 110 while also landing in the top five for K/9 and fWAR, he continues to impress. Throwing an impressive 88 innings so far, Crochet has maintained his effectiveness, proving that a successful comeback from Tommy John surgery isn’t just a dream. His durability and performance thus far solidify his place well into the summer months.
2. Max Fried, Yankees
In his inaugural season with the Yankees, Fried is outperforming even the loftiest expectations. He consistently finds himself among the top ten across multiple pitching categories, including fWAR and WHIP. Only once has he allowed more than two earned runs in a start, and even with a rare hiccup against the Dodgers in late May, he still has managed to keep his numbers in check. Fried’s ability to minimize walks keeps him in contention, and with his continued excellence, he certainly has the potential to keep the AL race close as the season progresses.
1. Tarik Skubal, Tigers
There’s a reason Skubal is pulling ahead in the Cy Young Race: his dominance is stark. Leading the majors in FIP and fWAR, he’s showing astonishing levels of control with a staggering 15.00 K/BB ratio that’s setting records this season. Pitching over 83 innings, Skubal’s astonishing numbers indicate he’s truly in a class of his own, as evidenced by his nearly flawless control, allowing only three walks in his last 72.2 innings. His dominance on the mound makes a transition to a sub-2.00 ERA seem imminent, and that’s going to be a tall order for anyone trying to dethrone him.
National League
5. Zack Wheeler, Phillies
Wheeler continues to be a linchpin for the Phillies, recently turning in a masterful performance against the Cubs that halted a rough patch. His impressive 2.41 xERA remains among the best in the game, and he ranks near the top for WHIP and opponent’s average. While he hasn’t pitched into the eighth inning yet this season, his ability to secure quality starts suggests that he’s more than equipped to keep pushing toward the upper echelon of this ranking.
4. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers
Yamamoto is cementing his place in the Cy Young conversation with exceptional consistency. With a solid 2.20 ERA, he ranks third in the National League and remains a tough competitor, sitting high on the charts for WHIP and strikeouts as well. Known as a ground-ball specialist, this has been a hallmark of his success, and even with a high BB/9 rate recently, he’s proven he’s among the elite pitchers in the league.
3. MacKenzie Gore, Nationals
Gore has emerged as one of baseball’s most electric strikeout pitchers this season. Leading the majors in strikeouts and K/9, his stuff is simply unhittable at times. The combination of his fastball and a wicked curveball-slider duo makes him a nightmare for hitters, as his pitches consistently generate whiffs. It’s a testament to his talent that he holds the third spot in these rankings, and there’s no denying he has the potential to climb even higher as the season progresses.
2. Paul Skenes, Pirates
Skenes has cemented himself as a workhorse this season, leading the NL in innings pitched while also showcasing an outstanding WHIP. He’s the real deal, and although his team struggles have left him with a personal losing record, his performance on the mound speaks volumes. Consistency in his early outings indicates he’s capable of historic strides, and it will be fascinating to see how he navigates the rest of the season.
1. Logan Webb, Giants
Webb is surging in a big way, as his skill set reaches new heights this season. Tied for the most strikeouts in the NL, he’s showcasing an array of abilities that have allowed him to thrive in pressure situations. This is as good as we’ve seen Webb, and with his combination of ability and presence on the mound, he’ll likely remain crowded in this tight race with Skenes. As the competition grows fierce, Webb’s performances are underscoring why he deserves to lead this charge in the NL.
In both leagues, the Cy Young race is heating up, and each of these pitchers has shown they’re more than capable of handling the spotlight. As the season rolls on, expect some thrilling matchups and standout performances that will continue to shape these rankings. Buckle up, baseball fans — this is going to be exhilarating!
