Former Air Force pitcher and current Pittsburgh Pirate Paul Skenes is the favorite to win the NL Cy Young award

As the MLB season comes to a close, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has emerged as the frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award, captivating fans with his outstanding performances on the mound. The 23-year-old right-hander, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has evolved from a promising rookie into a superstar and is currently the betting favorite for the award, according to DraftKings.

Paul Skenes' journey to stardom began at the United States Air Force Academy, where he pitched from 2021 to 2022. As a freshman in 2021, he primarily served as a reliever, posting a 1-1 record with a 2.70 ERA in 18 appearances. He also achieved 11 saves and struck out 30 batters in 26.2 innings.

His sophomore year showcased his talent as both a hitter and a pitcher. He hit .410 with 11 home runs while also achieving a record of 10-3 and a 2.73 ERA from the mound. This exceptional season earned him the John Olerud Award, awarded to college baseball's top two-way player.

In his junior year, he transferred to LSU, where he led the Tigers to a College World Series title in 2023, solidifying his status as a generational talent.