As the regular season draws to a close, the anticipation for major awards in baseball is at a fever pitch. While votes for these prestigious accolades must be cast before the playoffs begin, winners won't be revealed until after the World Series. This year's contenders have made a compelling case with their extraordinary performances, making the decision a challenging one for voters.
Aaron Judge's Historic Season
One name that consistently dominates the conversation is Aaron Judge. Leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, Judge is an offensive powerhouse. His statistics are nothing short of remarkable: a .324 batting average, a .460 on-base percentage, and a .703 slugging percentage, resulting in an OPS+ of 224. Adding to his impressive tally are 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and 10.6 WAR. Additionally, Judge has accomplished a perfect 10-for-10 in stolen bases, showcasing his versatility. Impressively, he has managed to play out of his natural position, taking on center field duties for much of the season.
Shohei Ohtani's Dual Talent
Another standout is Shohei Ohtani, who has etched his name into the history books by achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani's numbers also speak volumes: a .303 batting average, a .386 on-base percentage, and a .642 slugging percentage, yielding an OPS+ of 187. With 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR, his two-way prowess has captivated fans and analysts alike. Ohtani’s unique ability to dominate both as a hitter and a baserunner sets him apart in the MVP race.
Pitcher's Duel: Skubal, Sale, and Wheeler
The battle for the Cy Young Award is equally intense. Tarik Skubal has made a significant case with an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, and a 0.92 WHIP, coupled with 228 strikeouts in 192 innings. Skubal leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, a trifecta difficult to ignore. Reflecting on his performance, one observer aptly noted, "Kudos to Emmanuel Clase for an absolutely top-shelf relief season, and if Skubal didn't exist this season in the AL, I would have been ready to make the argument for a reliever." This statement underscores Skubal's dominant presence on the mound.
Chris Sale is another formidable contender with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Despite his impressive stats, Sale hasn't received a Cy Young vote since 2018, despite finishing in the top six multiple times in previous years. Zack Wheeler’s performance also deserves recognition, boasting a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings.
Surprising Results from the Cleveland Guardians
One of the most surprising stories of the season has been the Cleveland Guardians. Initially projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79, and preseason predictions placing them third in the AL Central, the Guardians have defied expectations. Despite losing key pitcher Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the Guardians are just half a game away from the best record in the entire American League. This unexpected success is captured best in the words of one analyst, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League."
Milwaukee Brewers: Steadfast at the Top
In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29 and are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. Despite facing setbacks such as the loss of Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season, a trade of Corbin Burnes to the Orioles during spring training, and injuries to Devin Williams and Christian Yelich, the Brewers have remained resilient. The team’s internal strength is highlighted by the promotion of Murphy to take over managerial duties, reflecting the organization’s stability: "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
With the Awards Voting Near
As awards season approaches, voters face tough decisions. Some voters aim to provide insight, yet remain cautious to avoid revealing their leanings. One voter emphasized the speculative nature of the process, saying, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." This sentiment is echoed by another voter: "I'm an actual voter and any prediction might be perceived as a hint as to which way I'm leaning. I will say, though, it's close enough that I do not yet know for sure how I'm voting."
The culmination of a thrilling season beckons an equally exciting awards season. With outstanding performances across the board, it’s clear that deciding the winners will be no easy task.