The American League Cy Young race is beginning to look like a two-man battle, but there are still several pitchers making a strong case to challenge for the award and a lot of baseball left to play. MLB.com recently released its latest Cy Young poll, with Yankees Cam Schlittler continuing to lead the way.
Behind him are Dylan Cease, Drew Rasmussen, Parker Messick and Sonny Gray, giving the AL one of its deepest groups of pitching candidates.
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1. Cam Schlittler — YankeesJul 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn ImagesCam Schlittler remains the No. 1 choice in MLB.com’s latest poll. The Yankees ace has been one of the biggest pitching stories in baseball this season, and his workload has helped separate him from the competition.
Schlittler leads the American League in ERA at 2.16, innings with 152, and bWAR with 5.1. His 0.94 WHIP is also among the league’s best, while opponents are hitting just .196 against him.
2. Dylan Cease — Blue JaysDylan Cease continues to put serious pressure on Schlittler. The Toronto right-hander has been one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers in baseball, leading the AL with 201 strikeouts.
Cease owns a 2.42 ERA and has been especially impressive recently, posting a 1.49 ERA over eight starts since July 3. That recent run has kept him firmly in the Cy Young conversation.
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3. Drew Rasmussen — RaysApr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn ImagesDrew Rasmussen comes in at No. 3 and has quietly put together an excellent season for Tampa Bay.
His 0.91 WHIP leads the American League, while he has allowed just 23 walks. Rasmussen has also been outstanding lately, carrying a 1.20 ERA over his past five starts.
4. Parker Messick — GuardiansThe Cleveland Guardians have another young pitcher making noise in the award race with Parker Messick.
Messick ranks fourth in the poll and is also competing for AL Rookie of the Year. His 2.59 ERA ranks third in the American League, and he has been even better recently with a 1.96 ERA since July 4.
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5. Sonny Gray — Red SoxMay 24, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesRounding out the top five is veteran Sonny Gray of the Boston Red Sox.
Gray has been one of the league’s most successful starters in terms of wins, with 15, which ranks second in the majors. He also owns a 2.65 ERA, fourth-best in the AL, while Boston has gone 17-6 in his starts.
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