The first pitch of the Major League Baseball season is upon us, making this prime time to discuss 2023 MLB player futures, starting with 2023 MLB Cy Young odds. Bettors can find an array of betting markets at the top sportsbook apps, including but not limited to futures, player, team, and game props.
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2023 MLB Player Futures, Props, Odds, Picks
Odds for MLB player props, just like other betting markets, are subject to change over the course of a season. Be sure to check the best MLB betting sites for the most up-to-date numbers and prices.
2023 MLB Cy Young Odds & Picks
MLB Cy Young Favorites
Jacob deGrom, who’s now a Texas Ranger, and Gerrit Cole are the favorites to claim the prize as the AL’s best pitcher. Sandy Alcantara and Corbin Burnes top the senior circuit’s odds board.
Burnes and Alcantara are tough to contend with in the NL, but we would turn on the yellow light for prospective deGrom bettors.
deGrom’s rate stats have been absolutely stellar over the last two seasons – 1.90 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, 14.3 K/9. Those are numbers us mortals merely daydream about. However, and this is the singular overwhelming reason for fading his short odds, those numbers came over 156.1 innings, a modest total for an ace and supposed Cy Young favorite.
In comparison, Cole logged a robust 382 frames over that span. Pitchers may get away without dominant win totals these days, but they still need to carry their load.
MLB Cy Young Value Picks
Cristian Javier is priced as a relative long-shot in the American League, but is worth considering nonetheless. We just talked about innings as it pertains to deGrom, and that will be a key factor in Javier’s success this season.
He threw a career-high 148.2 last season plus an additional 12.2 in the playoffs. In theory, that puts him in position to flirt with 180-200 innings. It’s reasonable to expect organizational motivation to push Javier to the next level in his career progression. Not only because he’s a quality, cost-controlled pitcher, but also because the departure of Justin Verlander requires everyone to pick up his game a notch or two.
A lot still needs to go right in 2023, but Javier was literally unhittable over stretches last season. He allowed 10 hits across five September starts before eventually tossing six no-hit innings to kick off a combined no-no in Game 4 of the World Series.
Aaron Nola is underrated in the NL. He placed himself in the discussion on a few occasions over his career, but just didn’t break through. That doesn’t mean he hasn’t demonstrated everything you envision from an eventual Cy Young winner:
- Workload – Nola compiled over 200 innings three times since 2015.
- Ratios – Nola’s career ERA (3.60) and WHIP (1.12) are respectable, but he’s demonstrated he can do much better.
- Wins – Even though wins are not quite as heavily weighted as in years past, Nola pitches for a team that has big expectations.
The elements are present for Nola to deliver a monster season, and he’s worth a look from prospective bettors seeking profit from their wagers.
