After Tarik Skubal’s indefinite surgery and Paul Skenes’ poor Opening Day, the 2026 Cy Young race has opened up. Max Fried, who finished fourth last year and has led MLB in innings pitched, is poised to capitalize on the injury of Skubal, Garrett Crochet and Hunter Brown. Fried’s balanced four‑pitch arsenal and run‑prevention record make him a strong candidate if he surpasses 200 innings. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani, who has dominated the NL and led the Dodgers, remains the clear favorite in the National League. The award is now a crowded field, but these two pitchers stand out as the most likely winners. fish-roadgame.com
Max Fried Tops AL Cy Young Race as Ohtani Leads NL

The Cy Young race is now centered on Max Fried in the AL and Shohei Ohtani in the NL as key contenders, following the unexpected injury of Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and the poor start of NL winner Paul Skenes.
