2022 AL Cy Young update: Best bets for Shane McClanahan, Gerrit Cole, more

Shane McClanahan is the favorite to win the AL Cy Young this year. Last year, Robbie Ray won the award. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and a host of other pitchers are still in the running.

Shane McClanahan is the odds-on favorite to win the AL Cy Young this year. Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and a host of other names are still vying for the title.

Shane McClanahan is the favorite for the AL Cy Young. He is second in the league in wins, ERA, strikeout minus walk ratio, WHIP, and wins above replacement. His xFIP is almost a full run better than Gerrit Cole. He's a +210 bet. The odds are good. It's not luck. They're simply better pitchers. There's no reason to think his first-half performance should come crashing down.

Justin Verlander is a two-time Cy Young winner and a very good pitcher. He is 1st in wins, 2nd in ERA, 5th in K-BB%, 9th xFIP, 3rd in SIERA, and 3nd on WAR. However, he hasn't pitched since 2019 and he's already thrown 109 innings this season.

Gerrit Cole is the bigger name and has been in the AL Cy Young conversation before. Dylan Cease has the more well-rounded resume and is tied with Cole for 3rd in AL in wins. Ceas is a few meltdown starts away from being at the top of the race. Shane McClanahan is also a good bet. He's +1000. The White Sox offense should improve in second half. They play for a very good team. It's unlikely that they'll win more than 10 games. Justin Verlander is not a candidate. His .298 BABIP is much higher than the league average.