2026 Cy Young Odds: Can Ohtani Challenge Skenes in NL?

There is a stark difference in the recent history of the American League Cy Young award and the National League one. 

First, let's check out the odds for this season's winners at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 14. 

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American League Cy Young

Cam Schlittler: +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total)
Dylan Cease: +260 (bet $10 to win $36 total)
Jacob deGrom: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
Jose Soriano: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
George Kirby: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Logan Gilbert: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)

National League Cy Young 

Paul Skenes: +165 (bet $10 to win $26.50 total)
Shohei Ohtani: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Cristopher Sanchez: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
Chris Sale: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Jacob Misiorowski: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)

Here is what to know about these two oddsboards:

AL Injuries: When the season began, Detroit's Tarik Skubal was favored to win a third straight Cy Young. That's how dominant he's been. However, he was forced to have surgery to remove loose bodies in his throwing elbow, and is now sidelined for months, opening the door for a new winner. Atop the board is the Yankees' Cam Schlittler, who is 5-1 in nine starts with a 1.35 ERA and 59 strikeouts. Keeping him company near the top of the board is Toronto's Dylan Cease (3-1, 2.41 ERA, 75 Ks) and Texas' Jacob deGrom (3-2, 2.62 ERA, 57 Ks). 

The NL Race: Paul Skenes took home the award last season, after leading all baseball in ERA, and he remains the favorite in the NL, after opening the year atop the oddsboard. Through seven starts, Pittsburgh's Skenes is sporting a 6-2 record and a 1.98 ERA, 56 Ks and a 0.64 WHIP. However, this race is tightening up, mainly due to the dominance of a few premier pitching names, including the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, the two-time reigning NL MVP. Ohtani was at +700 a little over a week ago, but in his latest start, he gave up four hits to the Giants in seven innings, with eight strikeouts, two walks and no runs. On the year, in seven starts, he is 3-2 with a ridiculous 0.82 ERA, alongside 50 Ks and a 0.82 WHIP.