Pitching on Fire: A New Era of Flamethrowers
Pitching is once again the star of the show in Major League Baseball (MLB). The 2024 season saw a remarkable resurgence of ace pitchers, both seasoned veterans and fresh faces, who dominated the mound with their exceptional skills. As the 2025 season approaches, the anticipation is palpable, with fans and analysts alike eager to see which pitchers will etch their names in the history books by winning the prestigious Cy Young Award. The early odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, as of February 19, offer a glimpse into the potential frontrunners for both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) Cy Young Awards.
American League Cy Young 2025: A Battle of the Aces
In the American League, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal is the clear favorite, with odds of +400. Skubal’s breakout year in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. He won the pitching triple crown, leading the AL in wins (18), strikeouts (228), and ERA (2.39). This achievement is a testament to his growth and dominance, especially considering that entering 2024, he had a modest record of 23-27 as a starter and a career-high of 164 strikeouts in 2021. Skubal’s transformation from a promising young pitcher to a league-leading ace has been nothing short of remarkable, and he is poised to continue his stellar performance in 2025.
Following Skubal is Boston’s Garrett Crochet, with odds of +600. Crochet’s journey back to the top of his game is equally inspiring. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, he returned to form and was named the AL Comeback Player of the Year. Despite a record of 6-12 with the White Sox, Crochet struck out a career-high 209 batters, showcasing his ability to dominate even in challenging circumstances. His resilience and talent make him a strong contender for the Cy Young Award in 2025.
Rising Stars and Seasoned Veterans
The oddsboard also features several other promising pitchers. Cole Ragans of the Texas Rangers is listed at +900, a nod to his potential and the strong start he made in 2024. Jacob deGrom, the New York Mets’ ace, is at +1100, reflecting his consistent excellence and the high expectations placed on him. deGrom has a history of delivering outstanding performances, and his return to the AL with the Mets adds an exciting dynamic to the race.
Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees and Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners are both listed at +1600. Cole, a former AL Cy Young winner, has the experience and track record to make a strong case for the award. Gilbert, on the other hand, is a rising star who showed significant promise in 2024, with his ability to strike out batters and keep runs off the board. Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros rounds out the top contenders with odds of +1700. Valdez’s consistent performance and his ability to pitch deep into games make him a formidable competitor.
National League Cy Young 2025: A Rookie’s Impact
In the National League, the odds are just as competitive, with Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes leading the pack at +300. Skenes’ rookie season in 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. He finished third in the NL Cy Young voting, behind Chris Sale and Zack Wheeler, with an impressive 1.96 ERA. Although his 133 innings pitched did not qualify him to lead in that category, his 170 strikeouts in those innings were a clear indication of his potential. Skenes’ performance as a rookie has set the stage for a potentially historic 2025 season.
Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies is the second favorite, with odds of +750. Wheeler’s consistency and durability make him a strong contender. He finished second in the NL Cy Young voting in 2024, with 224 strikeouts in 200 innings pitched. His ability to maintain high performance levels over a full season is a key factor in his favor. Chris Sale, the 2024 NL Cy Young winner, is listed at +800. Sale’s return from injury and his dominant performance last year have solidified his status as one of the league’s top pitchers.
Veterans Making a Comeback
Blake Snell of the San Diego Padres is listed at +1000, a reflection of his past Cy Young success and his potential to return to form. Snell has a history of excellence, and his ability to bounce back from setbacks makes him a compelling choice. Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers is at +1200, with his consistent performance and strong track record in recent years. Burnes’ ability to strike out batters and limit walks has made him a fan favorite and a reliable ace for the Brewers.
Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox and Tyler Glasnow of the Tampa Bay Rays are both listed at +1600 and +1700, respectively. Cease’s rise to prominence in recent years has been notable, and his ability to mix pitches effectively and keep hitters off balance makes him a strong contender. Glasnow, known for his overpowering fastball and slider, has the potential to make a significant impact if he can stay healthy and maintain his form.
The Art of Pitching: A Blend of Skill and Resilience
The early odds for the 2025 Cy Young Awards highlight the blend of skill, resilience, and potential that defines the current pitching landscape in MLB. Tarik Skubal’s transformation from a promising young pitcher to a league leader, Garrett Crochet’s comeback from injury, and Paul Skenes’ rookie impact are just a few examples of the compelling narratives that make the Cy Young race so exciting. These pitchers, along with the veterans like Jacob deGrom, Gerrit Cole, and Zack Wheeler, represent the best of the best in their respective leagues.
As the 2025 season approaches, the competition for the Cy Young Award is sure to be fierce. Each pitcher brings a unique set of strengths and a compelling story, making the race a must-watch for baseball fans. Whether it’s a rookie making a splash or a veteran reclaiming their throne, the 2025 Cy Young Award will be a testament to the art and science of pitching in the modern era.
Stay Tuned for the 2025 Season
For those who want to stay updated on the latest news, game results, and player performances, creating or logging into a FOX Sports account is a great way to follow the action. By following your favorite leagues, teams, and players, you can receive personalized newsletters and notifications, ensuring you never miss a moment of the 2025 MLB season. The Cy Young race is just one of the many exciting storylines that will unfold, and it’s sure to be a season to remember for baseball enthusiasts.
