The closing chapters of the regular season in Major League Baseball are upon us, with significant awards and honors hanging in the balance. As the focus shifts towards the postseason, it’s also the moment when votes for major awards need to be submitted. Winners will be officially announced after the completion of the World Series, leaving fans and analysts eagerly speculating on who will take home the coveted accolades.
Aaron Judge: A Season to Remember
Aaron Judge stands as a formidable contender, dominating numerous statistical categories. Leading the majors in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR), Judge has crafted a season for the ages. His numbers - a .324 batting average, .460 on-base percentage, .703 slugging percentage (224 OPS+), 57 home runs, 142 RBIs, 120 runs, and 10.6 WAR - are nothing short of spectacular.
Adding to his multifaceted prowess, Judge has swiped 10 bases in 10 attempts and spent significant time patrolling center field out of his usual position. These factors further bolster his case for MVP, showing his versatility and commitment to the team's needs.
Shohei Ohtani: The Dual Threat
Shohei Ohtani continues to captivate with his rare two-way excellence, achieving an unprecedented milestone of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. His season metrics are equally impressive: a .303 batting average, .386 on-base percentage, .642 slugging percentage (187 OPS+), 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBIs, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR. Ohtani's unique ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate makes his bid for MVP highly compelling.
The Pitcher's Race: Skubal, Sale, and Wheeler
In the pitching realm, Tarik Skubal has emerged as a standout performer, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. His 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings showcase his dominance. Echoing the sentiments of many, “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.”
Meanwhile, Chris Sale has crafted a remarkable season with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Despite not receiving a Cy Young vote since 2018 and having multiple top-six finishes in previous years, Sale’s performance this year has reignited his status as one of the elite pitchers in the game.
Zack Wheeler also remains a significant contender, posting a 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings. Each of these hurlers has made a compelling case for Cy Young consideration, ensuring a tight race to the finish.
The Guardians' Improbable Run
Preseason projections placed the Cleveland Guardians around a .500 finish with a gambling win total set at 79, initially ranking them in third place in the AL Central. They have defied these expectations spectacularly, currently just half a game out of the best record in the American League.
Their remarkable run has come despite significant obstacles, such as losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after only two starts and underperformance from pitchers Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen. “And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League,” capturing the essence of their underdog success story.
The Brewers' Resilience
The Milwaukee Brewers have been a model of consistency in the NL Central, not having trailed since April 29. On track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team, they have shown remarkable resilience despite a challenging season.
The team has faced adversity, including the departure of manager Craig Counsell to the Chicago Cubs last winter, losing ace Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season, trading Corbin Burnes to the Orioles in spring training, and injuries to key players Devin Williams and Christian Yelich.
Undaunted, the Brewers have persevered. “Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season,” highlighting their ability to adapt and thrive amid turmoil.
Awaiting Awards Season
As the regular season winds down and the stakes heighten, speculation about award winners intensifies. “Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win,” indicates the anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the awards.
One key voter summarized the sentiment succinctly: “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.” As the playoffs approach, these final weeks will be pivotal in shaping the legacies of these remarkable athletes.