MLB 2026: MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Probabilities
As the 2026 Major League Baseball season gets underway, the familiar names of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani once again dominate the conversation when it comes to individual award predictions. Both players are favored to capture MVP honors in their respective leagues, but a handful of other stars are generating buzz and attracting significant betting interest. Let’s break down the current odds and contenders for the MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year awards in both the American and National Leagues.
American League MVP
Fresh York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge currently leads the American League MVP odds at +195, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. However, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite playing in the National League, is a strong contender and has attracted 56.1% of the betting volume at BetMGM as of late March. While Judge is the favorite, several other players are gaining traction. Bobby Witt Jr. Is attracting 17.3% of the bets at BetMGM, and his odds have improved from +500 to +450 at DraftKings. Julio Rodríguez has also seen his odds drop considerably, moving from 17-1 to 12-1, and is the player with the highest betting volume at BetMGM among those not named Judge or Ohtani. A dark horse to watch is Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox, currently at 14-1.
National League MVP
Shohei Ohtani is the clear favorite for the National League MVP, currently listed at -135. However, the competition is heating up. Juan Soto of the New York Mets (+700) holds the highest number of bets, suggesting significant public confidence in his potential. Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies, at 30-1, is considered the biggest longshot risk for the sportsbooks. The MVP race in the National League appears to be more open than in the American League, with several players capable of making a strong push for the award.
American League Cy Young Award
In the American League, the race for the Cy Young Award is shaping up to be a compelling one. Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal leads the way at +300, closely followed by Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox at +360. These two pitchers are well ahead of the rest of the field, indicating they are considered the frontrunners for the prestigious award. Their early-season performances will be crucial in solidifying their positions as top contenders.
National League Cy Young Award
The National League Cy Young Award race took an unexpected turn with a rocky start for preseason favorite Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Skenes, the reigning award winner, saw his odds plummet from +210 to +350 after a disastrous first outing. This shift has propelled Christopher Sánchez of the Philadelphia Phillies to the top of the leaderboard at +330. Skenes will need to rebound quickly to regain his position as the frontrunner, while Sánchez will look to build on his strong start and maintain his lead.
American League Rookie of the Year
The American League Rookie of the Year race is less defined, with several promising young players vying for the award. While no single player dominates the odds, Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox is generating considerable attention. His potential impact on the Red Sox lineup has made him a popular pick among bettors.
National League Rookie of the Year
The National League Rookie of the Year race is currently dominated by one name: Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite not yet appearing in a Major League game, Griffin is the overwhelming favorite at +600, attracting over 50% of the betting volume at BetMGM. This level of support makes him the biggest risk for the sportsbook. Sal Stewart, a standout prospect with the Cincinnati Reds, is the second favorite at +400. Griffin’s anticipated arrival in Pittsburgh is generating significant excitement among fans and analysts alike.
It’s important to remember that these are just early-season odds, and the landscape can change dramatically as the season progresses. Injuries, slumps, and unexpected breakouts can all significantly impact the race for these prestigious awards. The 2026 MLB season promises to be filled with exciting storylines and compelling performances, and the award races are sure to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Note: Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook as of the time of publication. You can also find the latest odds for each team to win the World Series here.
As the season unfolds, retain an eye on these players and their performances. The MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year awards are among the most coveted honors in baseball, and the competition is sure to be fierce. The Dodgers and Yankees, already looking strong, will be teams to watch as the season progresses.
What are your predictions for the award winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
