Tarik Skubal Targets Historic Third Consecutive Cy Young Award
Tarik Skubal’s remarkable back-to-back American League Cy Young awards have thrust the Detroit Tigers ace into an elite category of pitchers. As the 2026 season looms on the horizon, Skubal is poised to pursue a feat that has only been achieved by two other pitchers in Major League history: winning three consecutive Cy Young awards.
A Stellar Track Record
The 2025 season saw Skubal, a left-handed pitcher, achieve a commendable 13-6 record, complemented by an impressive 2.21 ERA. His performance was underscored by a league-leading 6.5 bWAR (Wins Above Replacement), along with a staggering tally of 241 strikeouts against just 33 walks. His journey to this point began in 2024 when he won his first Cy Young award, boasting an 18-4 record, a Major League-leading 6.4 bWAR, and 228 strikeouts, earning him the AL pitching triple crown.
If Skubal aims to extend his streak, he must emulate the exceptional seasons enjoyed by pitching legends Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux, the only two players to have captured three or more Cy Young awards consecutively.
Randy Johnson: The Dominator
Randy Johnson’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest pitchers is highlighted by his four consecutive Cy Young awards from 1999 to 2002. Having already secured his first award in 1995 with the Seattle Mariners, Johnson found new life with the Arizona Diamondbacks after a mid-season trade in 1998. During his time with the Diamondbacks, he became a force in the National League.
In those four seasons, Johnson not only led the league in strikeouts—amassing a staggering 372 in 2001—but also showcased his dominance by winning at least 21 games twice, including an MLB-leading 24 victories in 2002. His exceptional performance included three seasons with an ERA under 3.00, and he consistently topped the charts in bWAR, finishing that span with a stellar 81-27 record, a 2.48 ERA, and an eye-popping 1,417 strikeouts across 140 games.
Greg Maddux: The Master Craftsman
In contrast, Greg Maddux’s approach was a study in precision and control. Winning four consecutive Cy Young awards from 1992 to 1995, Maddux began his streak with the Chicago Cubs, where he achieved a 20-11 record and a 2.18 ERA in 1992. After signing with the Atlanta Braves prior to the 1993 season, he continued to dominate, leading the league in wins, ERA, complete games, and shutouts during his peak years.
Maddux’s four-year stretch was marked by an impressive 75-29 record and a 1.98 ERA over 124 starts, along with 37 complete games and 11 shutouts. His ability to limit walks to just 176 while striking out 733 batters exemplified his mastery on the mound. Over his illustrious 23-year career, Maddux concluded with a record of 355-227, a 3.16 ERA, and 3,371 strikeouts.
Skubal’s Path Forward
As Skubal sets his sights on joining the ranks of Johnson and Maddux, the pressure mounts to replicate their extraordinary success. The upcoming season will not only test his skills but also determine whether he can etch his name in the annals of baseball history as one of the few to achieve three Cy Young awards in a row. With a combination of talent, determination, and the right mindset, the stage is set for Skubal to make his mark.
