MLB Cy Young Award 2025: Updated Betting Odds and Pitchers to Back

By Oliver Wiener June 18, 2025 09:52

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, the race for the prestigious Cy Young Award is heating up, with bettors and analysts closely watching the top pitchers in both the American and National Leagues. The Cy Young Award, given annually to the best pitcher in each league, is determined by a combination of traditional stats like ERA and strikeouts, as well as advanced metrics such as WHIP and K/9. This year’s field features a mix of proven veterans and rising stars, making the betting landscape both exciting and unpredictable.

American League Favorites

Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal remains the overwhelming favorite to repeat as the AL Cy Young winner. After a breakout 2024 season where he led the league in wins (18), strikeouts (228), and posted a stellar 2.39 ERA, Skubal entered 2025 with odds around -180 to -300, depending on the sportsbook. ESPN’s MLB analyst Jeremy Woo remarked, “Skubal’s dominance last year was undeniable, and if he stays healthy, he’s the clear frontrunner to claim back-to-back Cy Young honors.” Skubal’s ability to command the strike zone and generate swings and misses makes him a formidable contender.

Close behind are Houston Astros’ Hunter Brown (+700 to +800) and New York Yankees’ Max Fried (+700 to +900). Brown, known for his electric fastball and sharp breaking pitches, has impressed with his consistency and strikeout ability. Fried, a crafty left-hander, continues to be a reliable ace for the Yankees, combining control and movement to stifle hitters. Meanwhile, Texas Rangers’ Jacob deGrom (+1100 to +1300), despite injury concerns, remains a threat when healthy, bringing elite velocity and experience.

Boston Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet (+700 to +1100) is also garnering attention after a strong comeback season post-Tommy John surgery, projecting to rack up 13 wins and over 230 strikeouts with an ERA around 2.70.

National League Contenders

In the National League, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes is the favorite, with odds ranging from -300 to +300 depending on the sportsbook. The 23-year-old phenom finished third in Cy Young voting last year, boasting a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in just 133 innings. His electric stuff and poise on the mound have made him the “award to lose,” according to MLB.com analyst Mike Petriello.

Philadelphia Phillies’ Zack Wheeler (+750 to +1000) and Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale (+800 to +1600) are the next closest contenders. Wheeler’s 224 strikeouts over 200 innings pitched in 2024 highlight his durability and dominance, while Sale’s impressive 18-3 record and 2.38 ERA last season earned him the 2024 NL Cy Young Award despite long odds.

Other notable names include San Francisco Giants’ Logan Webb (+2500), who continues to improve as a reliable ace, and Washington Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore (+3000), a promising young pitcher leading the NL in strikeouts and showing potential to be a future Cy Young winner.

Betting Insights and Predictions

For bettors, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes represent the safest bets given their recent performances and current form. However, the relatively low payouts on these favorites encourage looking at value picks like Garrett Crochet in the AL and MacKenzie Gore in the NL, who offer upside at longer odds.

Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna advises, “While favorites like Skubal and Skenes are solid choices, savvy bettors should watch for emerging talents and pitchers returning from injury who could surprise the market.”

The 2025 Cy Young race promises to be a thrilling contest between established stars and rising talents. With pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes leading the charge, and intriguing challengers like Hunter Brown, Garrett Crochet, and MacKenzie Gore lurking, the award could go to any of these elite hurlers.

As the season unfolds, monitoring health, performance trends, and advanced metrics will be key for bettors and fans alike. For now, backing Skubal and Skenes offers a strong foundation, while keeping an eye on the long shots could yield significant rewards.