Analyzing Top MLB Pitchers

National League Ace: Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies Leads the Pack

If the season ended today, Wheeler would be your NL Cy Young winner—and it wouldn’t be particularly close.

• ERA: 2.31

• Strikeouts: NL-leading 148

• WAR: Among the top three for all pitchers

• Team Context: Anchoring the rotation of the best team in the NL

Wheeler’s dominance has been comprehensive. He isn’t just blowing hitters away—he’s also giving Philadelphia six to seven strong innings almost every outing. As the Phillies surge toward October, Wheeler sits around +120 at most sportsbooks to win the NL Cy Young, and that price is shortening.

Betting Angle:

Wheeler is the chalk, but he’s still bettable if you expect a healthy second half. With Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates on an innings leash, no one else appears close in overall volume or impact.

The Rookie Phenom: Skenes’ Dominance, Despite Limitations

You can’t ignore Skenes. The Pirates’ flame-throwing rookie has taken MLB by storm:

• ERA: 2.64

• Strikeouts: 103 in just 70.1 innings

• First-Inning Runs Allowed: Zero in his last 25 starts (college + MLB)

But here’s the rub: he’s being carefully managed, rarely going more than 5 innings. And the Pirates’ offense isn’t helping him rack up wins. That combination hurts his traditional Cy Young résumé, even if the underlying numbers are elite.

Betting Angle:

Skenes is a tempting longshot (around +1000 or more), but his workload will cap his Cy Young chances. However, first-inning prop bettors should circle his starts—he’s been the king of clean openers, a trend worth tailing in NRFI (No Run First Inning) markets.

American League Ace: Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers Is Untouchable

Tarik Skubal has turned from a promising prospect into an undeniable ace. If there’s one AL Cy Young bet to make, it’s this one.

• ERA: 2.11 (AL best)

• Strikeouts: 142

• WHIP: 0.89

• Team Record in Starts: 14-3

Skubal has the best combination of dominance and team support in the American League. Detroit is trending toward a postseason berth, and he’s the reason they’re the current betting favorite to win the AL Central.

At around -150 to -200 to win AL Cy Young, it’s less about value and more about confirmation. Barring injury, he’s your winner.

Betting Angle:

If you’re holding an early-season Skubal futures ticket, congrats. If not, consider pairing him in Cy Young/MVP parlays for boosted value. He’s no longer a secret.

Honorable Mentions: Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros & Max Fried of the New York Yankees

• Hunter Brown (Astros): After a rocky start, Brown has been lights-out over his last eight starts. If Houston makes a second-half run, expect his +2000 AL Cy Young odds to shorten quickly.

• Max Fried (Yankees): Dominant again, but injury history and crowded headlines have kept his odds in the mid-tier. He’s a safer game-to-game wager than a season-long play.

Top Reliever: Josh Hader of the Astros is Back to Elite Form

Don’t let one bad outing fool you—Hader has been as dominant as ever for the Astros:

• Saves: 26-for-26 (before one blown save in July)

• ERA: Sub-1.50

• WHIP: Below 0.90

• Strikeout Rate: Among top 5 among relievers

That rare grand slam to the Cleveland Guardians Angel Martinez came on a Crawford Boxes fly ball that wouldn’t have left any other park. Hader has otherwise shut down hitters with a vengeance and deserves AL Reliever of the Year honors to this point.

Betting Angle:

Hader’s dominance makes the Astros -1.5 run line more attractive in close matchups. If they lead late, Hader locks it down.

Final Word: Ride the Aces, Hedge the Rookies

Whether you’re chasing Cy Young futures or betting daily strikeout props, the hierarchy is clear:

• Wheeler and Skubal are your dependable wagers.

• Skenes offers high-variance value in niche markets (like NRFI or Ks).

• Hader remains the bullpen’s gold standard.

And if you’re in the business of October futures, keep an eye on teams riding these elite arms. Dominant starters win playoff series—and they’re winning bettors’ wallets now.