Cam Schlittler's MVP Odds Rise as Cy Young Appears All But Certain
Despite a strong Cy Young case, the New York Yankees pitcher is also emerging as a dark horse candidate for American League MVP.
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler is heavily favored to win the American League Cy Young Award, with odds reflecting a near certainty at -25000 on bet365 Sportsbook. Prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket also place his probability at 96 percent. However, the 25-year-old's performance has also sparked a debate about his candidacy for the AL MVP award.
No pitcher has won MVP in either league since Clayton Kershaw in 2014. Kershaw's Cy Young season saw him go 21-3 with a 1.77 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 239 strikeouts in 198.1 innings, earning an 8.2 WAR. Schlittler's current season stats are comparable, leading the league in innings pitched, ERA, WHIP, and scoreless starts, while ranking second in strikeouts and quality starts. His FanGraphs WAR of 5.9 trails only Bobby Witt Jr. (6.5) and Yordan Alvarez (6.0) in the American League.
Despite Schlittler's impressive statistics, Yordan Alvarez remains the overwhelming favorite for AL MVP at -4000 odds, representing a 97.6 percent implied probability on bet365 and 89 percent on Kalshi. Schlittler is listed at 50/1, making him the third favorite, behind Junior Caminero (14/1) and Witt Jr. (125/1).
Schlittler's emergence as an MVP contender is notable, especially considering the significant injuries to fellow Yankees starters Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodon. He has been a consistent presence in the rotation, delivering a 1.95 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 184.2 innings pitched this season. His performance has been crucial for the Yankees, who remain in contention for the best record in the American League, a position they might not have reached without his contributions.
With two starts remaining against the Diamondbacks and a significant matchup against the Rays, Schlittler has opportunities to further bolster his case. If his performance in these final outings mirrors his recent outings, he could sway voters to consider him for the MVP award, despite the long odds.
The article suggests a speculative play on Schlittler to win AL MVP at 50/1 odds on bet365, noting that his value has been immense to the Yankees, potentially making him the most valuable player to his team this season.