2025 MLB Cy Young Odds: Zack Wheeler Overtakes Paul Skenes in NL CY Young Race
With the All-Star Break in the books, the MLB Cy Young races are speeding down the back half of the season. Zack Wheeler has gained an advantage over Paul Skenes in the latest NL Cy Young Odds, but will he be able to hold off the Pirates superstar as the losses mount in Pittsburgh? Matt MacKay discusses the latest Cy Young Award Odds as July wraps up.
Matt MacKay - July 21, 2025, 12:55 PM EDT
5 Minute Read2025 MLB Cy Young Odds: Zack Wheeler Overtakes Paul Skenes in NL CY Young Race
The Cy Young Award, reserved for the best pitcher in the American League and National League conferences, has seen some movement over the past month. Now that all 30 MLB teams are back from the All-Star break, the second half of the 2025 MLB season is where pitchers will either make or break their team's chance to qualify for the playoffs.
Detroit Tigers ace, Tarik Skubal, is a heavy betting favorite to win his second consecutive AL Cy Young award at -200 odds. Garrett Crochet's performance during his first year with the Boston Red Sox has garnered a lot of praise, which is why he's the only pitcher in the American League in contention to win this award right now at +275 odds.
In the National League, it's a two-man race between Zack Wheeler and Paul Skenes. Wheeler is a veteran in the league, playing in his 11th season, still seeking his first Cy Young Award. Skenes took the league by storm in 2024, winning Rookie of the Year and getting nominated as an All-Star twice.
MLB handicapper Matt MacKay is back with the latest odds for the 2025 MLB Cy Young awards market, analyzing updated favorites in both conferences. Follow Matt's X account for more betting insight and free picks.
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American League Cy Young Award Winner Odds
American League Cy Young Award Winner
Tarik Skubal (-200) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Tarik Skubal has a 2.23 ERA with a .826 WHIP and a 4.6 WAR in 2025. The 2024 AL Cy Young winner has stayed red-hot this season, posting a 10-3 record as a starter for the Tigers.
The lefty has allowed four runs in two of his last four starts. However, Skubal also logged 13 strikeouts and zero earned runs against the Twins, followed by another performance against the Guardians that saw him shut down their offense with 10 strikeouts.
Skubal is a dominant force on the mound and has helped the Tigers jump into contention to win the American League. As long as his current form continues, he'll likely be adding a second AL Cy Young Award to his mantel.
Garrett Crochet (+275) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
A native of Massachussetts, Garret Crochet's arrival from the Chicago White Sox this offseason has turned out to be a great investment for the Boston Red Sox. In 2025, Crochet has posted a 10-4 record with a 4.1 WAR, a 2.23 ERA and a 1.036 WHIP.
Crochet has held four of his past five opponents faced to two or fewer runs. He's also logged seven to 10 strikeouts in five straight outings, which is why Crochet is the league-leader in strikeouts with 160. He's another left-handed ace who seems to be matchup-proof.
The Red Sox were riding a huge winning streak into the All-Star break. They just lost to the Chicago Cubs but as long as the team remains in playoff contention, with Crochet continuing to throw at his elite level, he'll have a legitimate shot to upset Skubal, claiming his first career AL Cy Young Award.
National League Cy Young Award Winner Odds
National League Cy Young Award Winner
Zack Wheeler (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Philadelphia Phillies continue to get top-tier pitching from 35-year-old ace, Zack Wheeler. The righty has a 2.36 ERA in 2025, posting a 0.861 WHIP and a 9-3 record as a starter.
In his last start, Wheeler struggled, allowing four runs in six innings pitched to the San Diego Padres, resulting in a 5-4 road loss. Prior to that performance, Wheeler had allowed one total run in four straight starts.
He's a strikeout machine and has aided a Phillies offense that lacks consistent production at the plate. Wheeler has not won an NL Cy Young award, despite playing over a decade in the MLB.
He'll be motivated to finish the season strong, especially with Philadelphia only holding a 0.5 game lead over the New York Mets in the NL East division. Wheeler's essentially valued as a pick'em against Paul Skenes, so there isn't much juice to lay if you prefer backing the Phillies' seasoned ace.
Paul Skenes (-105) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Paul Skenes has done everything possible to put the Pittsburgh Pirates in winning position. Unfortunately, the Pirates' offense has been one of the worst units in the MLB this season, which is why the 23-year-old has a 4-8 record as a starter in 2025.
Skenes has a 2.01 ERA, a 0.926 WHIP and a 4.8 WAR. He blanked St. Louis and Seattle, before giving up two runs in a 2-1 road loss to the Minnesota Twins in his last start.
The righty has only pitched more than five innings once in his last five starts for Pittsburgh. With the Pirates currently 19.5 games back in the NL Central division, sitting at 39-59, with a league-worst 327 runs scored, Skenes feels the burden of carrying the team when he starts on the bump.
Skenes has allowed only two home runs in his previous eight starts. Leads the league in WAR for pitchers, tied with Wheeler, while sitting as the solo leader in ERA and adjusted ERA+.
Odds were shorter on Skenes earlier this season, which indicates Wheeler is gaining steam in this market. Skenes has all the talent in the world but it'll be interesting to see how he continues to pitch with lack of support at the plate.
MLB ODDS
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