National League 2023 Cy Young Best Bets: Predictions & Analysis 7-7-23

If any race has been tight all season, it’s been the sports betting odds for the NL Cy Young in 2023. Depending on the platform you look at, there are four players with odds of +1000 or better, and the list has changed a few times, as we’ve looked into with our bi-weekly review.

Our last check-in was June 22 — what’s changed?

Below we’ll find out. 

Favorites for the 2023 NL Cy Young Award

Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks

6/22/23 Pitching Stats: 9-2, 2.84 ERA, 98.1 IP, 104 Ks, 20 Walks

6/22/23 Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook (+190)

7/6/23 Pitching Stats: 10-3, 3.15 ERA, 111.1 IP, 120 Ks, 23 Walks

7/6/23 Odds: FanDuel Sportsbook (+240)

The MLB betting odds are tightening up for the NL Cy Young award, and a big part of that is Gallen’s last two starts. Going up against the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels, Gallen allowed eight runs, 10 hits, and had 16 strikeouts. He went 1-1 in these games. 

The 12 strikeouts against the Angels certainly helped, but as you can see from his ERA, he’s now over 3.00. However, seeing him still leading despite back-to-back poor starts is encouraging. If he can return to his prior form and keep it steady for the rest of the season, he should be able to hold on barely. 

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

6/22/23 Pitching Stats: 9-4, 2.72 ERA, 89.1 IP, 103 Ks, 23 Walks

6/22/23 Odds: Caesars Sportsbook (+400)

7/6/23 Pitching Stats: 10-4, 2.55 ERA, 95.1 IP, 105 Ks, 24 Walks

7/6/23 Odds: DraftKings Sportsbook (+270)

Kershaw is 35 years old, but he’s not slowing down. NL Cy Young odds weren’t available at Caesars Sportsbook at this writing, so we opted to use DraftKings. 

Also under +300, Kershaw has had just one start since we last checked in, and he was electric. He went six innings in Colorado against the Rockies, allowing just one hit and one walk. He had just two strikeouts, though.

Unfortunately, Kershaw was placed on the injured list with a shoulder injury. 

Kershaw had a chance to eclipse Gallen for the odds-on favorite. Still, he’ll need to get back sooner rather than later to do so before Gallen strings together some solid performances. 

Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves 

6/22/23 Pitching Stats: 8-2, 3.93 ERA, 84.2 IP, 136 Ks, 30 Walks

6/22/23 Odds: DraftKings Sportsbook (+900)

7/6/23 Pitching Stats: 10-2, 3.66 ERA, 98.1 IP, 155 Ks, 33 Walks

7/6/23 Odds: DraftKings Sportsbook (+700)

Over his last two starts, the strikeout king Spencer Strider has allowed just three runs on nine hits and has 19 strikeouts. Strider will always be a contender for this award this year, thanks to his strikeouts, but he needs to get that ERA under control. 

He’s allowed two runs or less in his last three starts, so if this is a sign of things to come and he can push that ERA closer to 3.00 while striking out a bunch of batters, expect Strider to be back in the driver’s seat. 

Keep placing wagers on Strider. His 155 strikeouts are phenomenal for his resume.