MLB Cy Young Tracker: Ohtani's Pursuit of Greatness

Reflecting on the Early Season

Congratulations to all 30 teams in Major League Baseball; we've made it through the first month of the season! While teams like the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets might dispute this claim, they all remain active as we shift our attention toward May and the vibrant summer ahead.

As we navigate into this crucial stretch, it's time to focus on the best pitchers that Major League Baseball has to offer. Though we only have four to five games of data for most players, trends are starting to emerge in both the American and National Leagues, setting the stage for an exhilarating Cy Young race.

The Cy Young Favorites: National League

Let's dive into the top contenders vying for the illustrious Cy Young Award:

1. Tyler Glasnow (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Tyler Glasnow boasts the potential to be the best pitcher in baseball when healthy. He has an electrifying fastball and a knockout curveball that make him nearly unhittable in peak form. If Glasnow can maintain his health, the award could very well fall into his hands, especially if he keeps up his current performance levels.

2. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Ohtani is a name we can't overlook. The Los Angeles Dodgers, alongside star Yoshinobu Yamamoto, are showcasing some of the top Cy Young candidates this season. Ohtani possesses an incredible arsenal that challenges batters on every pitch. His success hinges on his health and the number of innings he can log. With his track record of achieving accolades he sets his sights on, betting against him would be unwise.

“Every title or accolade Ohtani has put his mind to has become his.”

3. Nolan McLean (New York Mets)

The Mets may be struggling overall, but Nolan McLean has been a shining star amidst the chaos. His performance early in the season has offered a glimpse of hope for Mets fans. As a standout pitcher for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, McLean's emergence is perhaps the only reason to tune in when the Mets take the field.

The Cy Young Favorites: American League

1. José Soriano (Los Angeles Angels)

No one expected José Soriano to make such an explosive start this season. Soriano has been virtually untouchable, sporting an astonishing ERA of just 0.24 while averaging over ten strikeouts per nine innings. While it seems unlikely that this pace will continue indefinitely, even a slight regression would still keep him very much in the Cy Young conversation.

2. Cam Schlittler (New York Yankees)

Cam Schlittler has confirmed he's not a fluke, shocking fans with his poise at the end of the 2025 season. He's showcased even more skill in 2026, leading the league in fWAR at 1.7 after the first month. Yankees fans should be optimistic about his potential as their future ace.

3. Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers)

Tarik Skubal is back at it again! Having won back-to-back AL Cy Young Awards in 2024 and 2025, he continues to pitch at an elite level. The only question remains whether voters will grow weary of awarding him amidst fears of vote fatigue.

Looking Ahead: Ohtani's Journey

Shohei Ohtani's pursuit of the Cy Young Award in 2026 is more than just a statistic-driven journey; it's about transcending expectations and making history. Despite his dual-threat reputation, Ohtani has shown he can stand toe-to-toe with the league's best pitchers. I've been captivated watching him progress, and I can't wait to see how this season unfolds.

Wrap Up

In this thrilling race for the Cy Young Award, each contender brings unique skills and storylines, and as fans, we have a front-row seat to one of baseball's most exciting phases. Ohtani is indeed a player to watch as we continue this season – will he achieve the impossible?