Consecutive Cy Youngs

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Michael W

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Jan 30, 2026, 6:01:13 PM (2 days ago) Jan 30

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I was reviewed the 11 pitchers who won consecutive Cy Young awards prior to Skubal. My expectation was that there would be significant reversion to the mean, but I was definitely wrong about that!

Only one of the 11 pitched poorly in the subsequent season - it was Denny McClain (ERA+ of 81). I had known that, which probably was the source of my incorrect assumption.

Among the others, Sandy Koufax retired, so not much to say there. Pedro Martinez made only 18 starts due to injury, but still pitched very well (ERA+ 188).

The other 8 all pitched well enough to receive Cy Young votes. Nearly all finished in the top 5 in the Cy Young voting (with a few famously winning a 3rd consecutive award).

That's pretty strong trend, with essentially 9 of 10 pitching very well, and only one getting injured. At that level of quality, there is something sustainable about it.