The Cy Young Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in baseball, awarded annually to the best pitchers in both the American and National Leagues. Named after Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, the award recognizes pitchers who demonstrate outstanding performance, dominance, and consistency throughout the season.
Top Contenders for the AL Cy Young Award
Here are the top Cy Young contenders for the American League (AL) this season as of June 1:
Tarik Skubal (+200)
Tarik Skubal has been a standout pitcher this season, showcasing remarkable control and velocity. His strikeout rate (10.9 per nine innings) is impressive, and he consistently limits opposing hitters as evidenced by his 2.01 ERA and 7-1 record. Skubal’s performance has placed him among the frontrunners for the Cy Young, making him a solid bet with good potential returns.
Corbin Burnes (+460)
Corbin Burnes continues to dominate the mound with his exceptional pitching arsenal. His ability to generate strikeouts while minimizing walks and hits has made him a top contender. He already has 71 strikeouts and is on pace to throw more than 200 this season. Burnes’ consistent excellence and competitive odds make him a compelling choice for Cy Young bettors. Additionally, his favorable pitcher win props add another layer of appeal for bettors.
Seth Lugo (+1500)
Seth Lugo’s versatility and reliability as both a starter and reliever have been critical for his team’s success. His strong 1.72 ERA and ability to pitch effectively in high-pressure situations make him a viable candidate for the Cy Young Award. Betting on Lugo offers a promising potential return.
Top Contenders for the NL Cy Young Award
Here are the top Cy Young contenders for the National League (NL) this season:
Zack Wheeler (+300)
Zack Wheeler has consistently delivered outstanding performances, helping lead the Phillies to MLB’s best record and making him a top contender for the NL Cy Young Award. His ability to rack up strikeouts (currently 85) and limit opposing hitters has made him a reliable ace. Wheeler’s current odds make him a solid choice for bettors looking for a dependable option.
Chris Sale (+600)
Chris Sale from the Atlanta Braves has been a force on the mound, combining power and precision to dominate hitters. His impressive strikeout rate, combined with a modest ERA of 2.12 and ability to pitch deep into games make him a strong candidate for the Cy Young Award. Sale’s higher odds provide an opportunity for significant returns.
Tyler Glasnow (+750)
Acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, Glasnow has continued his strong pitching with the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Clayton Kershaw recovering from an injury, Glasnow has stepped up as the top guy, going 6-3 with a 3.04 ERA. Glasnow leads the league with 95 strikeouts but needs to limit his walks and wild pitches if he is to take it to the next level this year.
Dark Horse Candidates
Here are some dark horse candidates to consider this season:
Logan Webb (+1500)
With an ERA of 2.74 compared to his 2023 ERA of 3.25, Logan Webb has shown remarkable improvement and consistency this season. He has kept hitters off balance and delivered quality starts, making him a dark horse candidate for the Cy Young Award. Betting on Webb could yield high returns if he continues his upward trajectory.
Freddy Peralta (+2500)
Freddy Peralta’s electric stuff and high strikeout rate (82) make him a formidable pitcher. His ability to dominate on the mound has positioned him as a potential Cy Young winner. Peralta’s odds offer a good balance between risk and reward for bettors.
Conclusion
The race for the Cy Young Award is filled with talented pitchers in both the American and National Leagues. From established stars like Corbin Burnes and Tyler Glasnow to rising talents like Tyler Skubal and Logan Webb, FanDuel provides a range of options for bettors. Whether you’re looking for a safe bet or willing to take a chance on a dark horse, the current odds offer exciting opportunities to capitalize on the season’s best pitching performances.
