The MLB regular season is winding down, and this year's race for major awards is more intense than ever. Voting for these coveted accolades must be completed before the playoffs begin, and the winners will be announced after the World Series. This year's contenders include outstanding performances that have captivated fans and analysts alike.
Aaron Judge: Dominance in Numbers
Aaron Judge's stellar season cannot be overstated. The powerhouse slugger is leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. Judge's jaw-dropping statistics read .324/.460/.703 (224 OPS+), with 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and 10.6 WAR. Additionally, he has an impeccable 10-for-10 record in stolen base attempts and has played out of position in center field for most of the season. These unparalleled numbers have made him a front-runner for some major hardware.
Shohei Ohtani: The Dual Threat
Yet, Shohei Ohtani is not far behind in the conversation. The two-way sensation has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first player in MLB history to notch 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani's stats are equally eye-popping: .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR. These spectacular performances have set the stage for a thrilling race to the MVP award.
Pitchers in the Spotlight
The pitching arena is no less crowded with worthy candidates. Tarik Skubal has posted an extraordinary 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings. Leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, Skubal has emerged as a top contender for the Cy Young Award. Reflecting on his performance, one analyst 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."
Chris Sale, often a bridesmaid for the Cy Young, has also enjoyed an impressive season with an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in just over 177 innings. Despite his excellence, Sale hasn't received a Cy Young vote since 2018. Yet, his consistent performance over the years, finishing as high as second and as low as sixth in past Cy Young votings, keeps him in the spotlight.
Additionally, Zack Wheeler's credentials cannot be ignored. With a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in nearly 194 innings, Wheeler is also making a strong case for Cy Young consideration.
The Cleveland Guardians: Surpassing Expectations
The Cleveland Guardians have arguably been the most surprising team this season. Initially projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79 and pegged to be third in the AL Central, they are now just 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," sums up their improbable season. This success comes despite numerous setbacks, including losing ace Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen.
The Milwaukee Brewers: A Model of Resilience
In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have displayed remarkable consistency and resilience. Remarkably, the team has not trailed in the NL Central since April 29 and is on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. This success has come despite a series of adversities. After Manager Craig Counsell departed for the Chicago Cubs last winter, Brandon Woodruff was lost for the entire 2024 season. They also traded star pitcher Corbin Burnes to the Orioles in spring training, lost closer Devin Williams to an injury, and saw their star hitter Christian Yelich's season cut short by an injury in July.
Yet, under the guidance of a promoted-from-within manager, the Brewers have powered through, a testament to their strong internal culture. As one observer noted, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
As the season reaches its climax and the playoffs loom, it's important to remember that, as one voter put it, "these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." Even though predictions are speculative, knowing just how close the races are makes every game, every at-bat, and every pitch meaningful. "I will say, though, it's close enough that I do not yet know for sure how I'm voting," the voter added, capturing the palpable excitement surrounding this awards season.