AL Cy Young Futures: Shane McClanahan The Frontrunner

We’re now a few months into the 2023 MLB season, which means it’s a perfect time to take a look at the AL Cy Young futures. Last year, Justin Verlander won it after putting up eye-popping numbers but with him now in the National League, there are a few others who have been making their mark to win the prestigious award. Below, we’ll discuss a few of the candidates, headlined by Tampa Bay Rays stud Shane McClanahan.

Shane McClanahan

McClanahan has proven to be one of the most dominant starters in the sport over the last few years and even finished sixth in Cy Young voting last season after posting a 2.54 ERA. In 23’, he’s been even better, hence why the lefty is a +300 favorite at Bodog.

The All-Star is 9-1 with a 2.02 ERA in 13 starts, striking out 87 in 75.2 innings of work. While he has walked 29 batters, McClanahan typically pitches out of trouble thanks to his electrifying fastball and off-speed offerings. With Tampa dealing with several injuries to key arms, they need McClanahan to keep dealing. At this rate, he’s shown no signs of slowing down, either.

Gerrit Cole

Cole is always in the Cy Young mix and that’s no different in 2023. The veteran owns a perfect 7-0 record, 2.82 ERA, and 1.13 WHIP in 13 outings, striking out 84 in 79.2 frames. He’s also tossed one complete game shutout. The former first-overall pick has actually never won the award, although he’s finished as a runner-up twice. Cole has even won the ERA title. As the Yankees ace, he’ll definitely be McClanahan’s biggest threat to win AL Cy Young.

Kevin Gausman

With Alek Manoah struggling immensely, Kevin Gausman has taken the bull by the horns and emerged as the ace of the Blue Jays staff. He’s 5-3 with a 2.63 ERA and actually leads the big leagues in strikeouts with 113. The right-hander also just carved up a very good Astros lineup, striking out 13 in seven innings. With phenomenal command and an array of above-average pitches, Gausman could potentially be in line to win his very first AL Cy Young if he continues to deal. But, that’ll depend on how Cole and McClanahan fare moving forward, too, with their odds slightly better than Gausman at most MLB betting sites.

Framber Valdez

Houston has the best pitching staff in the big leagues and Valdez is a huge reason why. The southpaw is absolutely dicing, compiling a 6-4 record and 2.17 ERA in 12 starts. That’s top five in the MLB. Being in the Cy Young race isn’t new for Valdez, who was fifth in voting last season. With Verlander now a Met, there’s more pressure on Valdez to perform and needless to say, he’s living up to expectations. The 29-year-old strikes out his fair share of hitters and also limits the free passes. He could very well be a sleeper in the AL Cy Young futures.