NL Cy Young Race Heats Up: Six Pitchers Stand Out as Paul Skenes Lags Behind

NL Cy Young Race Heats Up: Six Pitchers Stand Out as Paul Skenes Lags Behind

As the 2026 MLB season approaches the two-month mark, the race for the National League Cy Young Award intensifies with several standout pitchers emerging. Currently, six pitchers are making strong cases, notably excluding last season's winner, Paul Skenes, who may still find his rhythm as the season progresses. Current Top Six Candidates: Cristopher Sánchez, Phillies - Record: 6-2 - ERA: 1.47 - WHIP: 1.12 - Strikeouts: 95 - Notable: Sánchez leads the NL in both ERA and innings pitched with a remarkable 44 ⅔ scoreless innings streak. Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers - Record: 5-2 - ERA: 1.83 - WHIP: 0.83 - Strikeouts: 100 - Remark: Misiorowski showcases an electric performance, leading in strikeouts among qualifiers. Chase Burns, Reds - Record: 7-1 - ERA: 1.96 - WHIP: 0.96 - Strikeouts: 72 - Insight: Burns stands out as a top second-year pitcher, trailing only Sánchez in WAR. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers - Record: 5-2 - ERA: 0.82 - WHIP: 0.82 - Strikeouts: 61 - Note: Ohtani is just shy of qualifying for the ERA title but impresses in his limited innings. Kyle Harrison, Brewers - Record: 6-1 - ERA: 1.57 - WHIP: 1.03 - Strikeouts: 61 - Context: Similar to Ohtani, Harrison is on the verge of qualifying but has been dominant. Chris Sale, Braves - Record: 8-3 - ERA: 2.01 - WHIP: 0.94 - Strikeouts: 80 - History: The 2024 Cy Young winner is making a compelling case for a second title. Watch List: Paul Skenes: Despite a solid performance (3.03 ERA, 0.86 WHIP), his current standing doesn't reflect his potential to reclaim the award. NL Cy Young Odds (via Caesars): Cristopher Sánchez: +150 Jacob Misiorowski: +240 Shohei Ohtani: +330 Paul Skenes: +400 Chris Sale: +850 Chase Burns: +2200 Zack Wheeler: +3300 Kyle Harrison: +4500 As the season unfolds, Cristopher Sánchez remains the frontrunner, while Jacob Misiorowski is predicted to take home the award if he maintains his current form.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-29