The regular season is winding down, and with it comes the anticipation and excitement surrounding the major league awards. As the playoffs loom, votes for these prestigious accolades must be cast, yet the winners will only be announced after the World Series concludes. This year's race is packed with stellar performances and unexpected turns, especially from the likes of Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Tarik Skubal.
Aaron Judge's Dominance
Leading the charge this season is Aaron Judge, who is making a compelling case for the MVP award. Judge is leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, showcasing his all-around prowess at the plate. With a .324/.460/.703 slash line, resulting in an astounding 224 OPS+, 57 home runs, 142 RBIs, 120 runs, and 10.6 WAR, Judge’s statistics speak volumes of his impact. What’s more, Judge has swiped 10 bases in as many attempts and has been playing out of position in center field for most of the season, further highlighting his versatility and value to his team.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Season
However, the MVP debate is far from settled, thanks to the historic season put together by Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has achieved the remarkable feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. His line of .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), coupled with 53 home runs and 56 stolen bases, exhibits his unique dual-threat ability. Adding to his impressive tally are 125 RBIs, 130 runs, and an 8.6 WAR, showcasing Ohtani's extraordinary influence both as a hitter and a base runner.
Pitching Powerhouses
On the pitching mound, two names stand out: Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale. Skubal has put together a magnificent season with an 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings. Leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, Skubal has undoubtedly positioned himself as a front-runner for the Cy Young Award. Emmanuel Clase might have had a shot at the Cy Young if Skubal hadn't performed so dominantly. "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," one observer commented, highlighting Skubal’s superlative season.
Chris Sale, who hasn't received a Cy Young vote since 2018, is also making headlines. With an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings, Sale has again proven his elite status. Despite consistently ranking among the top in previous Cy Young voting (second, third, and fourth twice, fifth, and sixth), another strong contender in Skubal may keep him from clinching the award this year.
Unexpected Surprises
The Cleveland Guardians have been one of the biggest surprises this season. Initially projected to finish around .500, with a gambling win total set at 79 and positioned third in the AL Central, they have defied all expectations. Despite an injury to Shane Bieber and underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League," as an astonished observer remarked, capturing the team's improbable success.
Similarly, the Milwaukee Brewers have consistently dominated the NL Central, having not trailed since April 29. They are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team despite significant setbacks. Craig Counsell's departure for the Chicago Cubs last winter, the season-ending injury to Brandon Woodruff, the spring training trade of Corbin Burnes to the Orioles, and injuries to Devin Williams and Christian Yelich have all hit hard. Nonetheless, internal resilience has kept the Brewers on top. "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," reflecting the organization’s depth and adaptability.
The Awards Season
As awards season approaches, the excitement among fans and analysts is palpable. One observer maintains the speculative nature of predictions, stating, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." With so many standout performances, the decisions will undoubtedly be tough. "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," another voter adds, underscoring the unpredictability and gravity of these choices.
The upcoming announcements promise to celebrate some of the most extraordinary individual efforts the game has ever seen, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the revelations post-World Series.