As the regular season winds down, the anticipation for major awards voting intensifies across the baseball world. With votes for these coveted accolades due before the playoffs commence, several standout players have emerged as frontrunners.
Aaron Judge's Historic Season
Aaron Judge has been a powerhouse for the New York Yankees, leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His astonishing statistics—.324/.460/.703 (224 OPS+), with 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and 10.6 WAR—candidly speak to a season of dominant performances. Despite his imposing frame, Judge has also managed to swipe 10 bases in as many attempts and has showcased his versatility by playing most of the season out of position in center field. His invaluable contribution certainly places him in the heart of Major League Baseball's MVP conversation.
Shohei Ohtani's Dual Talent
Yet, Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable dual-threat season makes any MVP discussion far from straightforward. Ohtani, an exceptional hitter and pitcher, achieved 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases—a rare accomplishment by any standard. His offensive numbers—.303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR—highlight his incredible prowess at the plate and on the base paths. A season like this demands deep consideration from MVP voters.
Pitching Powerhouses
The race for the Cy Young Award features stellar performances from several pitchers. Tarik Skubal's numbers are exemplary: an 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts across 192 innings. Clearly dominating in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, Skubal's contribution to his team’s success raises his Cy Young candidacy to the top tier.
Veteran ace Chris Sale is also enjoying a renaissance season with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177⅔ innings. Intriguingly, Sale hasn't received a Cy Young vote since 2018 despite consistently ranking high in prior years. His past finishes in the Cy Young voting—second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth—further affirm his sustained excellence over the years.
Zack Wheeler rounds out the top trio with a commendable 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts over 193⅔ innings, making a compelling case for Cy Young consideration.
Defying Expectations: Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have been a monumental surprise this season. Initially projected to finish around .500, and with a gambling win total set at 79, their rise to being just half a game out of the best record in the American League defies expectations. Even after losing ace Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after only two starts and experiencing underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the Guardians have soared far above their pre-season projections. The resilience of this team underscores one memorable quote: "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League." The improbability of their success adds a dynamic narrative to this year’s MLB season.
Milwaukee Brewers' Dominance
The Milwaukee Brewers exemplify steadiness and dominance in the NL Central, having not trailed since April 29 and on pace to finish with the largest division lead among first-place teams. Given significant challenges, including the loss of key figures like Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season, the injury to Christian Yelich in July, and the trade of Corbin Burnes to the Orioles in the spring, the Brewers’ achievements are particularly impressive. As one observer mused, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," underlining the internal resilience and leadership that have driven their success.
As the regular season closes, thoughts turn to who will earn the season’s highest honors. Emphasizing the speculative nature of award predictions, one seasoned writer remarked, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." Another echoed this sentiment, adding, "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 exceptional performances this season—from Aaron Judge's and Shohei Ohtani’s historic showings to stellar pitching by Tarik Skubal, Chris Sale, and Zack Wheeler, and unexpected team success by the Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers—promise an exciting and closely contested awards season.