As the 2026 season begins, Tarik Skubal enters as the reigning AL Cy Young winner and the favorite to claim the award again. Fantasy baseball managers everywhere are debating whether Skubal can live up to these lofty expectations or if another pitcher will rise to challenge his dominance. Examining the top AL Cy Young candidates reveals who might realistically threaten Skubal’s reign and how their respective strengths stack up.
Tarik Skubal Remains the Leading Contender for Detroit Tigers
Tarik Skubal’s 2025 performance was exceptional, marking him as the standard-bearer for AL pitchers. His combination of velocity, pitch control, and strategic acumen makes him one of the best in the league, and barring injury, he should continue to dominate the mound. For fantasy baseball managers, Skubal remains a logical first pick, though there is little room for his value to climb higher given his already elite status.
Garrett Crochet Brings High Upside from Boston Red Sox
Among the challengers, Garrett Crochet stands out with favorable odds to topple Skubal. His advanced metrics in 2026, including an expected ERA of 2.89 and batting average against of .210, showcase his effectiveness. Crochet’s pitching arsenal is notable for its depth, featuring four pitches that each account for over 16% usage, led by his sharp four-seam fastball and a 91 MPH cutter. His unique side-arm delivery further complicates hitters’ ability to predict his throws. Historically durable when healthy, Crochet’s consistent sub-3.00 ERA performances position him as a solid top-five fantasy pitcher candidate.
Veteran Jacob deGrom and His Declining Arsenal with Texas Rangers
Jacob deGrom remains in the conversation despite being 37 years old and facing natural physical decline. His 2025 statistics were strong overall, though struggles with exit velocity and hard-hit ball rates hint at vulnerabilities. DeGrom’s success hinges on his ability to command his two primary pitches with pinpoint accuracy. However, his age and history of injuries raise concerns about his durability and likelihood of regression. Fantasy managers may prefer to seek players with more upside rather than invest in deGrom for top-five consideration.
Cole Ragans Emerges as a Rising Star for Kansas City Royals
At 28, Cole Ragans has been steadily improving, showing impressive consistency throughout his young career. He has maintained an expected ERA no worse than 3.33 across three seasons, culminating in a 2.67 xERA in 2025. Ragans is revered for his exceptional control, which yielded an impressive strikeout rate and a remarkably low expected batting average against players. His pitching repertoire centers around a four-seam fastball with sharp right-to-left movement, complemented by an unpredictable mix of changeups, curveballs, and sliders. Fantasy players might view Ragans as the best sleeper candidate capable of challenging Skubal’s dominance, making him a worthwhile mid-round draft pick.
Hunter Brown of Houston Astros Faces Tough Competition
Hunter Brown’s 27 years offer promise as he approaches his prime years. Brown’s advanced metrics in 2025 reveal solid across-the-board performance, including an expected ERA of 3.14 and an expected batting average against of .217. One of his strengths is a top-tier hard-hit rate, ranking in the 97th percentile. Brown’s pitching style features three left-to-right pitch movements on his four-seam fastball, sinker, and curveball, although his velocities tend to be average. Despite steady progression since 2023, Brown’s overall profile suggests he lacks the upside necessary to contend seriously for the Cy Young. As a result, many fantasy managers may consider him a lower priority for top honors contention.
Assessing the AL Cy Young Landscape for Fantasy Baseball
Tarik Skubal appears poised for another dominant season given his exceptional skill set and previous award-winning form. However, the depth of talent across the American League means several promising pitchers could challenge his supremacy. Garrett Crochet offers proven consistency, while Cole Ragans presents a tempting high-upside option. Meanwhile, the aging Jacob deGrom and promising but somewhat limited Hunter Brown show why manager strategy must weigh durability and potential growth. Fantasy baseball participants will find value in carefully balancing these contenders according to their risk tolerance and draft position, shaping a dynamic Cy Young race throughout the 2026 season.
