2026 AL Cy Young Race Analysis: Is it Skubal's to Lose?

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AL Cy Young Award Discussion: Scoble, Crochet, and deGrom in the Mix

The MLB landscape is currently dominated by standout performances, with players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge setting high standards. In pitching, Tarek Scoble has sparked interest, already achieving back-to-back successes and being a favorite for another win if he maintains his health. His odds are at +240, closely followed by Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox, who delivered an impressive season last year.

Jacob deGrom continues to be a notable mention with odds at 10 to 1 for the year 2026, despite the ongoing challenge of staying healthy throughout the season to compete effectively. The discussion also touches on Hunter Brown, Max Fried, Franmer Valdez, and others as we look into potential Cy Young winners.

A point of contention is the potential for voter fatigue with Scoble, similar to what has been observed in other sports leagues like the NBA with Nikola Jokić. If Scoble continues with his consistent performance, he might either win or lose the Cy Young award, largely depending on how Garrett Crochet performs, as he was just a notch below Scoble last season. There is a general sentiment that fatigue might lead voters to favor Crochet if he manages to outdo his previous season's performance or even if he matches Scoble's output.

Looking at other contenders, Hunter Brown and Jacob deGrom are discussed, but with caution. Brown may offer a viable betting option at 12 to 1, while deGrom is seen as less favorable due to his health concerns, despite his skill set. Brian Wu and Logan Gilbert are also mentioned as potential dark horses in the Cy Young race, with Wu being a more preferred choice due to better odds and less competition from a teammate.

In conclusion, while Tarek Scoble and Garrett Crochet are currently considered top contenders for the AL Cy Young, the bets are oriented towards looking for value beyond the favorites, considering factors like player health, potential voter fatigue, and overall performance prospects heading into the new season.