As the MLB season approaches, Cy Young Award betting odds are making headlines. In the American League, Garrett Crochet stands out with impressive strikeout rates, though health is a concern. Framber Valdez of the Astros offers durability and consistency, making him a strong contender at +1700. Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober of the Twins are intriguing longshots with potential, especially if they can stay healthy.

In the National League, Paul Skenes is the favorite at +300, but injury risks loom. Tyler Glasnow could deliver value at +1700 if he remains healthy, while Spencer Strider's return from surgery makes him a wildcard. Spencer Schwellenbach offers great odds at +4000 and could break out with the Braves' support. These bets highlight the unpredictability of the upcoming season.

Pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Spencer Schwellenbach present intriguing value in upcoming drafts. DeGrom, now with the Texas Rangers, has been overlooked despite a stellar track record and signs of health after prior injuries. His ADP at SP12 doesn't reflect his potential as a top-three starter. Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves has shown significant promise since recovering from Tommy John surgery, boasting impressive stats that suggest he should be valued much higher than his current SP24 ADP.

Meanwhile, Grayson Rodriguez, Joe Ryan, and Jared Jones also deserve attention as undervalued prospects. Rodriguez, despite a slight setback last season, possesses elite strikeout potential. Ryan, returning from injury, demonstrated an impressive WHIP under 1.00 before his shoulder strain, while Jones' rookie performance shows significant upside. In contrast, Max Fried's stock might be too high following his move to the New York Yankees, where home run rates are notably elevated.

Bailey Ober, the Minnesota Twins pitcher, is focused on overcoming setbacks following a challenging start to his 2024 season. Despite a disastrous outing in Kansas City, where he allowed eight runs, Ober is determined to not let these moments define his career. He had an impressive season previously, tallying 18 quality starts, the most by a Twins pitcher in the past decade after Pablo López’s 20 in 2023.

Ober's approach is one of resilience; he rebounded from his poor performances by allowing only one run in his next two starts combined. His pitching coach encourages this mentality by referencing historical successes, including Pedro Martinez's impressive 1999 season, which also had its hiccups. Ober’s ability to adapt and improve has drawn praise from teammates, highlighting his mix of pitches and deceptive throwing style that keeps batters off balance.

The Minnesota Twins' success in 2025 is closely tied to the performance of their pitching staff, which is generating significant optimism. ESPN's preseason rankings place the Twins' starting rotation seventh in the majors, trailing only teams like the Mariners and Yankees. The rotation is expected to include Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa.

Bailey Ober's development serves as a model for the Twins' pitching prospects, showcasing the team's ability to cultivate talent. After being drafted in the 12th round, Ober has steadily improved, culminating in a career-best 178⅔ innings pitched last season with a notable 26.9% strikeout rate.

Steamer's projections further bolster the Twins' expectations for 2025, ranking them tied for the second-best ERA+ in the majors, only behind the Red Sox and Braves. With an ERA+ of 106, the Twins are projected to be 6% better than the league average. Among the starting pitchers, Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan are highlighted, ranked 11th and 17th respectively.

The St. Louis Cardinals are prioritizing long-term growth over immediate performance as they navigate a challenging rebuilding phase, having missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.

With Chaim Bloom set to take over as president of baseball operations in 2025, the team is more inclined to pursue short-term deals. Among potential targets is Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta, who is projected to receive a three-year, $48 million contract due to his durability and strong strikeout rate.