Overview
- MLB.com's opening 2026 Cy Young survey names Tarik Skubal in the AL and Paul Skenes in the NL as the early leaders.
- Thirty-nine MLB.com experts submitted top-five ballots that awarded points on a 5-4-3-2-1 scale, and 36 pitchers received at least one vote.
- Skubal has started 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 38 strikeouts over six outings, while Skenes sits at 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA and an MLB-low .141 average against.
- Angels right-hander José Soriano has surged with a 5-0 record and a 0.24 ERA, and Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler has posted a 1.51 ERA with 49 strikeouts.
- In the NL chase behind Skenes, Mets rookie Nolan McLean has a 2.55 ERA and 0.85 WHIP, Shohei Ohtani owns a 0.60 ERA through five starts, and Chris Sale is 5-1 with a 2.31 ERA.