NL Cy Young 2025: Early Predictions & Top Contenders

The NL Cy Young Award is an annual honor bestowed upon the best pitcher in the National League. As baseball fans, we're always eager to look ahead and speculate about future stars. So, let's dive into some early predictions and top contenders for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award. It's tough to predict the future with absolute certainty, especially in baseball where so many factors can influence a player's performance, such as injuries, trades, and unexpected breakout seasons. However, by examining current trends, player potential, and past performance, we can identify some likely candidates who could be in the running for the prestigious award in 2025. Think about it: which pitchers have consistently demonstrated dominance? Who's on the cusp of superstardom? Who might surprise us all?

Early Favorites

When we're talking about early favorites for the NL Cy Young, a few names immediately jump to mind. These are the pitchers who have already established themselves as top-tier talents and are expected to continue their dominance. These guys have the track record, the stuff, and the consistency to be considered frontrunners. Let's break down some of the top contenders:

Spencer Strider

Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves has quickly become one of the most exciting pitchers in baseball. With his blazing fastball and wipeout slider, Strider possesses the kind of strikeout stuff that Cy Young voters drool over. In his relatively short career, he's already shown flashes of brilliance, and if he can maintain his health and continue to develop his command, he'll be a perennial Cy Young contender. One of the key things that makes Strider such a formidable pitcher is his ability to miss bats. His high strikeout rate not only limits the damage opponents can do but also showcases his dominance on the mound. As he gains more experience, he'll likely learn to pitch smarter, using his arsenal more effectively to keep hitters off balance. Strider's development will be crucial for the Braves, who are looking to solidify their position as a top contender in the National League for years to come. His impact extends beyond just individual accolades; he's a key component of a team with championship aspirations.

Zac Gallen

Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks has quietly emerged as one of the most consistent and reliable pitchers in the National League. With excellent command, a diverse pitch mix, and a knack for keeping hitters off balance, Gallen has all the tools to be a Cy Young contender. He doesn't overpower hitters with sheer velocity, but he excels at locating his pitches and exploiting weaknesses in opposing lineups. Gallen's durability is another factor working in his favor. He's consistently made his scheduled starts and has shown the ability to pitch deep into games, which is something that managers and voters alike value highly. As the Diamondbacks continue to improve as a team, Gallen's importance to their success will only grow. He's a pitcher who can be relied upon to deliver quality starts week in and week out, providing a steady presence at the top of their rotation. Gallen's approach to pitching is methodical and intelligent, often setting up hitters with one pitch to make another more effective. He's the kind of pitcher who can dissect a lineup and adjust his strategy based on the situation, making him a tough matchup for any team.

Corbin Burnes

After being traded to the Baltimore Orioles, it is to be seen how Corbin Burnes of the Baltimore Orioles will adjust to his new surroundings. Prior to the trade, Burnes established himself as one of the top pitchers in the National League. With a devastating cutter and a variety of other effective pitches, Burnes has the ability to dominate hitters and rack up strikeouts. He has already won a Cy Young Award, demonstrating his potential for greatness. Now, in the American League, the biggest question mark surrounding Burnes is how well his stuff will play against unfamiliar hitters. The change in scenery could either reinvigorate him or present new challenges. Pitching in a different division means facing new lineups and adjusting to different ballparks. However, given his track record and his proven ability to adapt, it's likely that Burnes will find a way to succeed in Baltimore. His new team will be counting on him to anchor their rotation and provide a veteran presence in the clubhouse. Ultimately, Burnes' performance in his new environment will determine whether he can remain among the elite pitchers in baseball.

Dark Horse Candidates

Okay, guys, now let's talk about some dark horse candidates. These are the pitchers who might not be on everyone's radar right now, but they possess the talent and potential to surprise us all and make a serious run at the Cy Young Award. Keep an eye on these guys – they could be the breakout stars of 2025.

Eury Pérez

Eury Pérez of the Miami Marlins is a young phenom with electric stuff. At just 21 years old, Pérez possesses a fastball that can reach triple digits and a developing slider that has the potential to be a wipeout pitch. While he's still raw and needs to refine his command, his upside is undeniable. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, Pérez could quickly emerge as one of the most dominant pitchers in the National League. One of the biggest challenges for young pitchers is learning how to manage their workload and stay healthy over the course of a full season. Pérez will need to prove that he can handle the rigors of pitching in the majors, but if he can, his potential is limitless. The Marlins are counting on him to be a cornerstone of their pitching staff for years to come, and he has the talent to live up to the hype. As he gains more experience, he'll learn how to better control his pitches and exploit hitters' weaknesses, making him an even more formidable opponent.

Hunter Greene

Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds boasts a fastball that rivals anyone in the game. With incredible velocity and a natural ability to generate strikeouts, Greene has the potential to be a dominant force on the mound. However, he needs to improve his secondary pitches and develop more consistency to reach his full potential. Greene has shown flashes of brilliance, but he needs to put it all together to become a true Cy Young contender. One of the key areas for Greene to focus on is developing a reliable off-speed pitch that he can use to keep hitters off balance. If he can add a quality changeup or curveball to his repertoire, it will make his fastball even more effective. Additionally, improving his command and control will be crucial for reducing his walk rate and pitching deeper into games. The Reds are hoping that Greene can become a frontline starter and help lead them back to contention. With his raw talent and work ethic, he has the potential to become one of the best pitchers in the league.

Jesús Luzardo

Jesús Luzardo of the Miami Marlins is a talented left-hander with a diverse pitch mix and the ability to generate strikeouts. After overcoming some early career struggles, Luzardo has shown signs of putting it all together. If he can stay healthy and continue to refine his command, he could be a surprise contender for the Cy Young Award. Luzardo's journey to becoming a top-tier pitcher has been marked by both promise and adversity. He has had to overcome injuries and inconsistencies, but he has always possessed the talent to succeed. One of the key things that makes Luzardo effective is his ability to mix his pitches and keep hitters guessing. He has a good fastball, curveball, and changeup, and he knows how to use them all to his advantage. As he gains more experience, he'll likely become even more adept at reading hitters and exploiting their weaknesses. The Marlins are counting on Luzardo to be a key member of their pitching staff, and he has the potential to make a significant impact.

Factors to Consider

Predicting the Cy Young Award winner is never easy, as several factors can influence a pitcher's performance over the course of a season. Here are some key things to keep in mind when evaluating potential candidates:

• Health: Staying healthy is perhaps the most crucial factor for any pitcher. A prolonged injury can derail even the most talented player's season.
• Consistency: Consistently delivering quality starts week after week is essential for Cy Young consideration. Voters tend to favor pitchers who can be relied upon to perform at a high level on a regular basis.
• Team Success: While not always a deciding factor, playing for a winning team can certainly boost a pitcher's Cy Young chances. Voters often give preference to pitchers who contribute to their team's success.
• Advanced Metrics: In addition to traditional stats like ERA and strikeouts, advanced metrics like FIP, xFIP, and SIERA can provide a more accurate picture of a pitcher's true performance.

Final Thoughts

The race for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award is sure to be an exciting one, with a number of talented pitchers vying for the prestigious honor. While it's impossible to predict the future with certainty, these early predictions and top contenders give us a glimpse into who might be in the mix. Keep an eye on these players as the season unfolds, and be sure to follow all the latest baseball news and analysis to stay informed about the Cy Young race. It's going to be a fun ride!