The 2025 American League Cy Young Award competition is proving to be fiercely contested, featuring some of the most outstanding pitching performances in recent memory. Among the frontrunners are Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal, last year’s winner, and Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, both of whom have distinguished themselves this season. Just behind these two stands Hunter Brown, the Houston Astros’ standout starter, who has been dominant on the mound and is solidifying his role as an elite pitcher in the league.
Brown has sustained an impressive 9-5 record with a 2.95 ERA and a WHIP of 0.983 through 136.1 innings this season. His strikeout ability is particularly noteworthy, having amassed 160 strikeouts at an exceptional rate of 10.56 strikeouts per nine innings. Brown’s combination of velocity, control, and consistency has made him one of the American League’s most feared pitchers.
Consistent Excellence Leads to Brown’s First All-Star Recognition
While Brown has long shown the tools necessary to thrive at the highest level, his current season marks a turning point in his career, as he has finally married potential with sustained success. His fourth year in Major League Baseball has culminated in his first All-Star Game selection, held recently in Atlanta. This honor speaks volumes about how Brown has elevated his game and earned recognition among the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB’s pitching elite.
His growth this year reflects not just his raw talent but also his increasing ability to handle pressure and deliver consistent quality performances over long stretches. This steady advancement is exactly what the Astros have needed throughout this challenging season.
Brown Carries the Astros Rotation Through Ongoing Injury Setbacks
The Houston Astros’ pitching staff has been severely impacted by injuries in 2025, particularly within their starting rotation. Aside from Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, dependable starters have been hard to come by as the team copes with an unprecedented series of setbacks. Primary rotation members Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski have missed the entire season following Tommy John surgeries, while Lance McCullers Jr. and Brandon Walter have battled various nagging injuries.
This situation has placed immense responsibility on Brown’s shoulders, where he has become the team’s indispensable ace, regularly locking down opposing batters and maintaining competitive performance under significant strain. His ability to keep the Astros competitive despite the battered roster highlights his value and resilience.
The Outlook for Brown’s Cy Young Campaign and Astros’ Season
While it may be unlikely that Hunter Brown will surpass Skubal or Crochet for the Cy Young Award, his 2025 campaign remains highly impressive and worthy of recognition. Maintaining his current level of performance through the end of the regular season and into the playoffs could elevate his status further, possibly leading to additional accolades beyond the Cy Young conversation.
For Houston, Brown’s rise as a reliable ace provides a foundation to build upon amid ongoing roster challenges. His emergence not only boosts the Astros in the short term but also promises potential leadership and elite pitching for seasons to come.