Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

New Leader Emerges in NL Cy Young Race

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan White | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 1:55 PM ET

There’s a new leader in the race to win the 2025 NL Cy Young.

According to MLB.com’s latest Cy Young rankings, Philadelphia Phillies ace Zach Wheeler takes the top spot, edging out superstar Paul Skenes.

Wheeler, a consistent candidate who placed second in 2024 and 2021, has never taken home the prize but is putting up a strong fight in 2025. With two months remaining in the season, he has risen to the top thanks to his outstanding June performance and ongoing excellence.

Zack Wheeler takes the top spot in the latest https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39 NL Cy Young poll pic.twitter.com/hrA5IeK3qD
— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2025

He currently leads the NL in strikeouts with 148 and is second in ERA with a 2.17, only trailing Skenes’ 1.94.

His June was especially impressive as he gave up only two earned runs during the month, displaying elite control and dominating play. Wheeler improved to 9-3 on July 6 after throwing a complete game against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up just one hit. The only blemish was a leadoff homer in the fifth inning.

His strikeout-to-walk ratio is impressive, with 148 strikeouts against just 25 walks, bolstered by a career-best 32.5% strikeout rate and a 52.7% zone rate.

Zack Wheeler’s five June starts:

- 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
- 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
- 5 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
- 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
- 8 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K

31 IP, 20 H, 2 ER, 7 BB, 42 K

0.58 ERA, 0.87 WHIP pic.twitter.com/KhjR4IAKMn
— John Foley (@2008Philz) July 1, 2025

Although Skenes has also been dominant this year, it feels like the former New York Met deserves the No. 1 spot right now. His edge in strikeouts, whip, and durability stand out.

According to Teamrankings.com, Wheeler is second in the MLB with 14 quality starts and is only behind Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants.

Wheeler’s ability to dominate matchups while limiting walks has cemented him as one of MLB’s best pitchers. His blend of experience and current high-level play positions him to capture his first Cy Young award, potentially.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: