The close of the regular season is upon us, and with it comes the anticipation of Major League Baseball's awards season. As always, votes for major awards must be cast before the playoffs begin, with the winners announced after the World Series. This year, the spotlight has shone brightly on a few standout players, making the race for honors particularly riveting.
Aaron Judge's Dominance
Aaron Judge has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. With statistics reading .324/.460/.703 (224 OPS+), 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and 10.6 WAR, Judge has set a high bar. Perhaps equally impressive, Judge has stolen ten bases in ten attempts and played out of position in center field for most of the season. His versatility and excellence at the plate make a compelling case for MVP consideration.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Season
Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what is possible in baseball. Achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, Ohtani’s stats are astounding: .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR. His dual-threat capability as both a hitter and pitcher adds layers to his MVP candidacy. The MVP race seems destined to be a showdown between these two extraordinary talents.
Pitchers in the Spotlight
On the mound, several pitchers have distinguished themselves. Tarik Skubal boasts an 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Reflecting on Skubal's performance, one observer 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." Skubal’s dominance has certainly set him apart.
Chris Sale, with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings, reasserts his position among the elite. Despite not receiving a Cy Young vote since 2018, Sale has consistently been in the running, finishing second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in previous years. Add to this the exceptional season of Zack Wheeler, who posts a 16-7 record with a 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings, and the competition for the Cy Young award is incredibly fierce.
Surprising Contenders
It's not just individual players making headlines. The Cleveland Guardians have defied expectations this season. Initially projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79, and positioned third in the AL Central, the Guardians have surpassed all predictions. Despite losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury and underperformances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, Cleveland sits just half a game out from the best record in the entire American League. One commentator aptly captured the surprise, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League." Their resilience and success highlight a season of notable overachievement.
Milwaukee Brewers' Command
Another team narrative worth noting is that of the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite losing key players – Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams, and Christian Yelich – the Brewers have displayed remarkable fortitude, not trailing in the NL Central since April 29. They are on pace to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. The Brewers' internal resilience can be exemplified by a statement on their situation: "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season." This internal strength and ability to overcome adversity speak volumes about their organization.
The Voting Process
As we head into awards season, it's essential to remember the intricate process behind the voting. Emphasizing the speculative nature of the awards, one insider remarked, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." The stakes are high, especially when an actual voter states, "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." This cryptic admission only adds to the intrigue and anticipation as the baseball world awaits the final decisions.
The final stretch of the season is always thrilling, with players and teams making their cases for greatness. Whether it’s the power of Aaron Judge, the historic season of Shohei Ohtani, the pitching prowess of Tarik Skubal, Chris Sale, and Zack Wheeler, or the unexpected excellence of the Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers, this season has provided ample drama and excitement. As votes are cast, the baseball community holds its breath, eagerly awaiting to see which remarkable stories will become etched in history as this year's award winners.