2026 Cy Young Candidates Who Could Shock MLB

Steele isn’t flashy, but he’s dangerous. A lefty with elite command, he can deliver a full season of steady dominance. If he stays healthy and the Cubs contend, Steele could quietly rack up strikeouts and WAR, making him a sleeper MVP for pitchers.

Why he’s a sleeper: 200 innings, low ERA, and under-the-radar excellence. Perfect for voters who love consistency over hype.

2. Logan Webb – San Francisco Giants

Webb already flirted with Cy Young glory in 2025, finishing top-five in NL voting while leading the league in innings and strikeouts. He combines ace-level stuff with remarkable durability.

Why he’s a sleeper: Webb can quietly dominate without headlines — the type of pitcher voters can’t ignore once stats like ERA+ and WAR start piling up.

3. David Peterson – New York Mets

Peterson is entering a contract year, which always motivates big performances. He flashed brilliance in 2025, including an All-Star nod, and could put together a full-season breakout.

Why he’s a sleeper: High-spin fastball, devastating curve, and trade buzz all make him a perfect sleeper pick for the NL Cy Young.

AL Dark Horses

1. Gavin Williams – Cleveland Guardians

Williams is one of the most exciting young arms in the AL. He has the velocity, command, and strikeout-to-walk ratio to dominate over 200 innings.

Why he’s a sleeper: He can quietly lead the league in key stats, giving voters a compelling narrative without the hype.

2. Garrett Crochet – Boston Red Sox

When healthy, Crochet is electric. His strikeout stuff is top-tier, and 2026 could be the year he finally puts together a full, consistent season.

Why he’s a sleeper: Elite K/BB ratio, high-leverage innings, and voters love a bounce-back story.

3. Seth Lugo – Kansas City Royals

Lugo brings veteran savvy and a complete pitch mix. He may not be a household name, but if he leads the Royals rotation and stays consistent, he could quietly climb the Cy Young ladder.

Why he’s a sleeper: Craftiness, experience, and team context make him the perfect under-the-radar candidate.

The Last Word

The 2026 Cy Young races in both leagues aren’t just about the big-name aces. Steele, Webb, Peterson, Williams, Crochet, and Lugo all have the tools to quietly dominate. Whether it’s command, durability, strikeouts, or contract-year motivation, these pitchers could shock the voting and steal headlines by season’s end.

MLB fans should watch these under-the-radar stars closely — because dark horses make the biggest noise.