The 2023 MLB season is just over a month away and after a wild free agency period, we've had tons of star players move around the league. One of the most popular bets for baseball bettors is AL Cy Young futures, with Texas Rangers ace Jacob DeGrom (+500) sitting as the current frontrunner after signing with the team this offseason. Right on his heels at BetOnline is five-time All-Star and New York Yankees star Gerrit Cole (+600), Toronto Blue Jays stud Alek Manoah (+800), and Dylan Cease (+900) from the Chicago White Sox.
Before we dive into the MLB Futures betting action, make sure to check out our MLB betting guide, as well as our World Series betting tips, both of which offer plenty of sound advice for wagering on baseball.
AL Cy Young Odds
| Player |  |
|---|---|
| Jacob deGrom | +500 |
| Gerrit Cole | +600 |
| Alek Manoah | +800 |
| Dylan Cease | +900 |
| Shohei Ohtani | +1000 |
| Carlos Rodon | +1200 |
| Shane Bieber | +1200 |
| Shane McClanahan | +1200 |
| Framber Valdez | +1400 |
| Kevin Gausman | +1600 |
Jacob deGrom (+500)
It's really no surprise to see deGrom at the top here ahead of the campaign. The Rangers splashed $185 million across five years on him for a reason. The right-hander is undoubtedly one of the most dominant starters in the game, but health remains a question mark. In 2022, deGrom pitched just 64.1 innings because of injury. In 2021, he also threw just 92 innings. That being said, the numbers speak for themselves. The veteran compiled a mind-boggling 1.08 ERA before going on the shelf in July of that year and has struck out 10.9 hitters per nine innings in his career. If deGrom can actually stay healthy for Texas, he's most certainly a contender to win a third Cy Young and his first in the American League.
Gerrit Cole (+600)
Cole is another name to keep an eye on in the AL Cy Young futures. He's always in the mix for the award but the 32-year-old has yet to actually take home the prestigious honor. Last year, the former first-overall pick was reliable as always for the Bronx Bombers, logging 200.2 innings and pitching to a 3.50 ERA in 33 starts, striking out 257 in the process. Cole's best finish in the Cy Young voting came in 2019 and 2021, finishing as a runner-up on both occasions. He also took home the ERA title in 19' with the Houston Astros.
Alek Manoah (+800)
In Manoah's first full season in the big leagues in 2022, Manoah shined. The hard-throwing righty emerged as the ace of Toronto's staff, posting a 16-7 record and 2.24 ERA in 31 starts. He even finished third in the Cy Young voting, too. Manoah does have control problems at times but if he can learn to command his stuff at a more consistent rate, the youngster has the potential to be one of the best arms in the American League. With another year of experience under his belt, expect Manoah to be even better in 2023 for a Blue Jays ball club with serious playoff aspirations.
Dylan Cease (+900)
The White Sox might've struggled last season, but it proved to be a breakout campaign for Cease. After a few average years to begin his MLB career, Cease put up godly numbers in 22', going 14-8 with a stout 2.20 ERA. The only glaring stat that likely hurt his Cy Young chances is the 78 free passes in 184 innings, which unfortunately led the league.
Shohei Ohtani (+1000)
Ohtani is this generation's Babe Ruth and should've probably won MVP last year. In fact, he finished as runner-up to Aaron Judge and also landed fourth in Cy Young voting. Aside from absolutely raking at the dish, the Japan native tossed 166 innings, struck out 219, and compiled a 2.33 ERA. From a high 90s fastball to a knee-buckling breaking ball, Ohtani is truly special. Even though he's also got his bat to focus on, expect Ohtani to deal on the hill again this year and be in the Cy Young mix.
Other Options
There are a few other names who could be in the running. Carlos Rodon (+1200) signed with the Yankees this winter to join Gerrit Cole at the top end of the New York rotation and has finished top-six in the Cy Young voting in back-to-back years, but that was in the National League with the San Francisco Giants. He's posted a sub-three ERA in two straight seasons. Shane Bieber (+1200) of the Cleveland Guardians won the Cy Young in 2020 and cannot be counted out here again after compiling some impressive numbers a year ago (2.33 ERA in 200 IP).
Final Picks
Since the odds are quite favorable at this point, I'd suggest putting money down on a couple of different guys. While deGrom has never pitched in the American League, he is 100% capable of winning this award if he stays healthy. Also, I'm liking Bieber, who is one of the most consistent arms around. These are two worthy picks right now in the AL Cy Young futures.
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