The Evolution of the Ace: How Modern Pitching Redefines Success in 2025
As the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season approaches its conclusion, the landscape of pitching has undergone a significant transformation compared to previous decades. The expectations for starting pitchers today starkly contrast with those of the past, raising questions about what defines an “ace” in the modern game.
A Shift in Expectations
Historically, the role of a starting pitcher was characterized by durability and the ability to complete games. In 1985, for instance, Dwight Gooden, then just 20 years old, achieved a remarkable 24-4 record with a 1.53 ERA, leading the National League with 16 complete games. Fast forward to 2025, and the complete game has become a rarity; no pitcher has recorded more than one nine-inning complete game this season. The average pitch count has also dropped significantly, with 100 pitches now considered the upper limit for most starters.
This evolution reflects broader changes in how pitchers are managed, with more emphasis on health and longevity. According to recent statistics, pitchers today are given more days off between starts, and the concept of a “workhorse” pitcher has largely faded.
Comparing Eras: The Aces of 2025
In 2025, Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal stand out as the leading candidates for the Cy Young Award. Skenes boasts an impressive 2.03 ERA and leads the National League in strikeouts and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). However, his win-loss record is a modest 10-10, a stark contrast to the expectations of past eras where a 20-win season was often a prerequisite for Cy Young consideration. Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, is also on track for another strong season, but with only 13 wins and a potential lack of 200 innings pitched, he exemplifies the modern pitcher’s reality.
Historical Context: Aces Through the Decades
To better understand the current state of pitching, it is essential to compare the performance of today’s aces with those from previous decades.
The 1970s: Durability and Wins
In 1975, the average ace had a record of 20-12 with a 2.69 ERA, completing 51% of their starts. The era was defined by pitchers like Jim Palmer and Tom Seaver, who routinely pitched over 300 innings in a season. The expectation was clear: if you were an ace, you finished what you started.
The 1980s: The Rise of Secondary Pitches
By 1985, the average ace’s line had shifted to 18-8 with a 2.54 ERA. This decade saw the emergence of pitchers with exceptional secondary pitches, such as Gooden’s curveball and John Tudor’s changeup. The introduction of the five-man rotation also began to change the dynamics of pitching, leading to fewer complete games.
The 1990s: The Super Pitcher Era
The 1995 season marked a turning point, with aces like Greg Maddux and Randy Johnson dominating in a high-offense environment. The average ace’s line was 16-7 with a 2.99 ERA, but the strikeout rate began to rise significantly, reflecting the changing nature of the game.
The 2000s: The Strikeout Revolution
In 2005, the average ace had a record of 16-8 with a 2.82 ERA, but the defining characteristic was the strikeout-to-walk ratio, which had climbed to 4.0. This era saw the emergence of pitchers who could dominate with strikeouts while maintaining control, exemplified by Roy Halladay and Johan Santana.
The 2010s: The High-Velocity Era
By 2015, the average ace’s line was 17-8 with a 2.56 ERA, and the strikeout rate had climbed to over one per inning. This decade featured a remarkable three-way Cy Young race, showcasing the increasing importance of strikeouts in evaluating pitcher performance.
The Modern Ace: What Defines Success in 2025?
In 2025, the average ace’s line reflects a significant drop in innings pitched, with an average of 174 innings and a record of 13-6. The focus has shifted to dominance over shorter outings, with pitchers expected to excel in six or seven innings rather than complete games. Skenes, for example, has pitched more than seven innings only three times this season.
This shift in expectations raises questions about how we evaluate success. While the traditional metrics of wins and innings pitched have diminished in importance, modern statistics like WAR provide a more nuanced understanding of a pitcher’s value. Skenes’ 7.2 WAR, for instance, surpasses the totals of many Cy Young winners from previous decades, illustrating that he is just as valuable in today’s game as past legends were in theirs.
Conclusion: Embracing the New Era of Pitching
The days of multiple 20-game winners competing for Cy Young honors may be behind us, but the achievements of pitchers like Skenes and Skubal deserve recognition. As the game evolves, so too must our understanding of what constitutes an ace.
While the statistics may differ from those of the past, the essence of pitching excellence remains. Just as Gooden captivated fans in 1985, Skenes and Skubal are making their mark in 2025, showcasing the enduring allure of the starting pitcher in a rapidly changing sport. The evolution of the ace is not a decline but rather a transformation, reflecting the complexities of modern baseball.
