Which MLB Cy Young finalists' cards are worth buying
Every finalist has a card you can buy for $25 or less before MLB names the winners Wednesday.
MLB names its Cy Young winners on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Polymarket gives Jacob Misiorowski and Cam Schlittler better than a 99% chance in their leagues as of Monday. The card I'd watch is Misiorowski's 2022 Bowman Draft Chrome #BDC-132, with 27% gem rate, against 51% on Schlittler's 1st Bowman Chrome.
PSA has graded only 140 10s of that card. One sold for $650 on Oct. 23 while raw copies go for about $20. The award itself is no sure bump: Paul Skenes's 2023 Bowman Draft Chrome PSA 10 went from around $158 to around $200 in the month after his first Cy Young last year, while Tarik Skubal's 1st Bowman Chrome PSA 10 slipped after both of his wins. I'd still bid $600 on one, because those 140 copies are just as scarce after Wednesday.
NL Cy Young finalists
Jacob Misiorowski
Jacob Misiorowski will almost certainly top his World Series Championship by winning the National League Cy Young Award, he was lights out this season. He pitched to a 16-5 record while leading all of Major League Baseball with a 1.80 ERA, 252 strikeouts, and a 0.80 WHIP. His 2024 Topps Pro Debut Autograph is $168, while his 2022 Bowman Draft Chrome 1st Bowman is $20. I think this is the first of several Cy Young Awards he'll win. I'd take the Bowman Draft Chrome over the autograph because collectors chase a pitcher's 1st Bowman once he turns into an ace.
Chris Sale
Chris Sale may be a Hall of Famer after his career ends. He already has one Cy Young, the 2024 National League award with Atlanta. He has battled injuries, but since returning to health, he has excelled on the mound. This season, he went 14-9 with a 2.16 ERA, striking out 200 batters and posting a 0.98 WHIP.
His 2011 Topps base rookie card goes for about $3. I'd say it's a buy, especially given his possible Cooperstown trajectory. But I'd pass on his 2026 Topps Update 1991 Topps All-Star Autograph at $30 to $65, because a Hall of Fame case sends collectors to his rookie card, not to a 2026 insert.
Cristopher Sánchez
The Philadelphia Phillies left-handed ace had one heck of a season. He posted an 18-7 record, tying him with Sonny Gray for most wins in Major League Baseball, while leading the National League in wins for a pitcher. Sánchez also held a 2.91 ERA, struck out 231 batters, and posted a 1.20 WHIP. His higher-end cards do sell well. For example, his 2026 All Aces card is about $240, while his 2026 Topps Chrome base card sits around only $1. If you're into cool cards, buy the All Aces. I don't think Sánchez will win the Cy Young Award this season. But it isn't unlikely he'll win in the future. That could drive up the card's value.
AL Cy Young finalists
Dylan Cease
Dylan Cease is an underrated buy. I would consider buying his cards. He started the All-Star Game this year and has thrown a no-hitter before (July 25, 2024, with the Padres). He had a great season. I feel like fans don't talk about his game enough. He went 11-6 with a 2.40 ERA. He struck out 239 batters and held a 1.10 WHIP. You can buy his 2026 Topps Update 1991 Topps Autograph for around $18. I believe that's super fair. His 2020 Topps Chrome Rookie Autograph ranges from around $10 to $16. It's another great, affordable buy.
Parker Messick
While I don't think Parker Messick will win the American League Cy Young Award, his cards are pretty affordable and worth a look for his ace potential. He pitched to a 12-9 record with a 2.56 ERA, striking out 193, and a 1.06 WHIP. Being a Cy Young finalist and Rookie of the Year finalist in the same season is not something to just blink at. It shows early-career dominance. I recommend looking into his card market.
His 2026 Topps Pristine Rookie Autograph is worth about $32, but even more affordable, and more recommended, is his 2026 Topps Chrome Rookie Autograph at only $25. I recommend the Topps Chrome over Pristine because of the set's name recognition, longer-term value, and lower price.
Cam Schlittler
The young ace of the New York Yankees, who lit up the pitching scene upon his call-up last year, is going to win the American League Cy Young Award this year. Cam Schlittler pitched to a 14-6 record, a 1.95 ERA, 239 strikeouts, and a 0.92 WHIP. His 2026 Topps 1991 Topps Autograph at $270 reflects those numbers, while his 2025 1st Bowman Chrome at around $7 hasn't caught up. That's the card I'd buy before Wednesday.
