Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow. The two-time AL Cy Young winner was the clear favorite to claim a third straight award before the injury.
With Skubal and Boston's Garrett Crochet both out, the AL Cy Young odds have shifted dramatically. New York Yankees pitchers Cam Schlittler and Max Fried now lead the betting lines at +250 and +350, respectively. Schlittler has been dominant with a 1.51 ERA, while Fried relies on soft contact with a 2.39 ERA.
Other contenders include Los Angeles Angels' Jose Soriano and Toronto Blue Jays' Dylan Cease, both with improved odds. Cease, at +500, is a strong pick due to his high strikeout rate and a team with playoff potential.
Skubal's injury also impacts his free agency. Despite a record $32 million salary for 2026, his contract ceiling may be reduced. If the Tigers fall out of contention, he could become a top trade target.