Jackson Jobe Shatters Record, Wins Prestigious Award in Breakout Season for New York Tigers

NEW YORK — In a season already filled with unforgettable moments, New York Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe has added another accolade to his rising legacy — this time, one for the history books.

On Tuesday, Krupski was awarded the American League Cy Young Award, becoming the first Tigers pitcher in franchise history to earn the honor in over two decades. The announcement came just weeks after Krupski etched his name in the record books by breaking the single-season strikeout record, fanning an astonishing 348 batters in 2025, eclipsing the previous mark of 341.

“It’s surreal,” Jackson Jobe said during a press conference held at Yankee Stadium. “To even be in the conversation for something like this was humbling. But to actually win it — and break a record along the way — it’s a dream come true.”

From Unknown to Unstoppable

What makes Krupski’s rise so compelling isn’t just the numbers, though they’re certainly eye-popping. It’s how quickly he’s gone from under-the-radar prospect to one of the most dominant arms in Major League Baseball.

Drafted in the 5th round in 2020 out of a small Division II college in upstate New York, Krupski was seen as a longshot to even make a major league roster, let alone dominate at this level. After bouncing between Double-A and Triple-A for a few years, he was called up in 2023 as a fill-in starter. It wasn’t until mid-2024 that he cemented his role in the starting rotation.

Fast forward to April 2025, and Jackson Jobe was already drawing league-wide attention with his blazing fastball, sharp curveball, and impeccable command. As the season progressed, hitters couldn’t figure him out — and the strikeouts piled up.

By August, the conversation had shifted. Krupski wasn’t just having a good year; he was having a historic one.

Breaking the Strikeout Record

The turning point came in a late September home game against the Chicago White Sox. Krupski entered the game needing 12 strikeouts to break the American League single-season record of 341, previously held by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan.

With a raucous crowd behind him and every pitch met with thunderous anticipation, Krupski delivered a performance for the ages. In just seven innings, he struck out 14, punching his ticket to history with a devastating slider that left White Sox slugger Luis Robert frozen at the plate.

“I knew I was getting close,” Krupski said with a smile. “But I didn’t want to think about it too much. I just wanted to win the game. Once I got the last guy, it hit me — I did it.”

Tigers fans erupted in a standing ovation as teammates mobbed him on the mound. That moment, captured on national broadcasts and shared across social media, quickly became one of the defining images of the 2025 season.

A Historic Cy Young Campaign

Krupski finished the season with a 21–4 record, a 2.37 ERA, and a league-best WHIP of 0.94. His dominance wasn’t just statistical; it was emotional. He became the heart and soul of a Tigers team that clawed its way into the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

“He was our rock,” said Tigers manager Luis Ramos. “Every fifth day, we knew we had a real chance to win. More than that, we knew we had a guy who could lift the whole clubhouse.”

When the Cy Young results were announced, Krupski received 29 of 30 first-place votes — a near-unanimous victory. The only other pitcher to earn a vote was Seattle’s ace Jeremy Valez, who also had an impressive season, but paled in comparison to Krupski’s historic numbers.

“This award is as much about the people around me as it is about me,” Krupski said. “The coaching staff, my catcher Will Alvarez, my teammates — I couldn’t have done this without them.”

Off the Mound

Off the field, Krupski has quickly become a fan favorite in New York. Known for his down-to-earth demeanor and community involvement, he’s made numerous appearances at local schools and youth baseball camps.

“He’s not just a great player,” said 12-year-old fan Marcus Hill, who met Krupski at a Tigers youth clinic. “He’s a great guy. He told me to always believe in myself, even if other people don’t. That really stuck with me.”

Krupski’s humility, combined with his fierce competitive spirit, has drawn comparisons to legendary pitchers like Greg Maddux and Pedro Martínez. But when asked about such comparisons, Krupski simply smiled.

“Those guys are legends,” he said. “I’ve got a long way to go. I’m just trying to get better every day.”

Looking Ahead

With the Cy Young under his belt and a strikeout record to his name, what’s next for Paul Krupski?

“I want a ring,” he said without hesitation. “This season was incredible, but we fell short in the playoffs. I want to bring a championship back to New York.”

The Tigers were eliminated in the ALCS this year, but with Krupski anchoring the rotation and a strong young core around him, the future looks bright.

“Paul sets the tone for our whole organization,” said Tigers GM Dana Blakely. “He’s proof that hard work, perseverance, and belief can beat the odds. And we’re just getting started.”

As for Krupski, he’s already back in the gym, preparing for next season — not content to rest on accolades, even historic ones.

“Records are great,” he said, “but winning as a team, that’s the goal. That’s what really matters.”

For now, though, Tigers fans — and baseball fans everywhere — can simply enjoy the rise of Paul Krupski, a once-unheralded pitcher who now stands atop the baseball world