Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, both leading candidates for the 2025 Cy Young Awards, began their careers in less-traditional environments like the Air Force Academy and Seattle University. Skenes was the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year, while Skubal received the AL Cy Young Award last season. Their presence significantly influences game dynamics, as teammates note they consistently dominate opposing hitters. Both pitchers are described as having advanced skills and a unique ability to control games, leading to dramatically lower offensive output from opponents during their starts.
"Really advanced stuff and fill up the strike zone; they go right at guys. So, they're in advantageous counts a lot, applying a lot of pressure."
"You just know the other team isn't going to do very much when it's a Skubal day. Defense is kind of boring that game."
"When they get strike one, the at-bat is over."
"You can almost be blindfolded playing behind him."
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