2020 MLB Cy Young Award Futures Odds
How might a potentially shortened MLB season have an effect on who takes home the Cy Young Award in the National League and American League this season?
In the NL the current favorite on the Cy Young futures odds at Bovada Sportsbook should be no surprise. Jacob deGrom has won the last two NL Cy Youngs and he’s the favorite to make it three straight at +350. If deGrom can win a third, he’ll become the first three-peat winner since Randy Johnson nabbed four in a row from 1999 to 2002.
Following deGrom on the NL odds list is three-time winner Max Scherzer at +500, Walker Buehler at +550 and Jack Flaherty at +700. The only other former Cy Young winner on the odds list is three-time winner Clayton Kershaw at +1600.
Paddack offers value in NL Cy Young odds
If you’re looking for a value bet from the NL, one standout is Chris Paddack at +3000.
Paddack burst onto the scene as a rookie last year, anointing himself as the San Diego Padres’ new ace. An innings count meant he was shut down before the end of the campaign but that wouldn’t be an issue in a shortened season.
Over in the AL, the Cy Young favorite is Gerrit Cole at +245. Cole was runner-up last season and after signing a monster deal with the New York Yankees, he’ll get plenty of attention this season. If he lives up to his contract, the Cy Young could easily be his.
The reigning Cy Young winner comes in next with Justin Verlander listed at +400. Verlander looked like he would miss the beginning of the season after groin surgery, but the delay means he could be ready to go when opening day arrives. Father Time seems to have forgotten about the two-time Cy Young winner, who went eight years between Cy Young wins.
Bieber +700 in AL odds after breakout year
Following Verlander on the AL Cy Young odds are Shane Bieber at +700 and Lucas Giolito at +950. Bieber went from relative unknown to staff ace for the Cleveland Indians last year. He finished fourth in Cy Young voting and it will be interesting to see what he can do for an encore.
Giolito went from one of the AL’s worst pitchers in 2018 to among its best in 2019. He ran out of gas at times in the second half of last season, so a shortened season could also benefit the White Sox’ young ace.
The most interesting name on the AL odds is Shohei Ohtani at +2000. Ohtani returns after being held off the mound all last season due to Tommy John surgery. As a rookie, he only pitched in 10 games before suffering the elbow injury so no one knows what to expect from him against MLB hitters over an entire season.