The regular season is winding down, and it’s time to cast votes for the major awards before the playoffs begin. Winners of these prestigious accolades will be announced after the World Series. This year, the race for MVP and the Cy Young Award features some familiar faces, alongside unexpected contenders who have captured the baseball world’s imagination.
Incredible Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge has been a tour de force this season. Leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, Judge’s statistics tell the tale (.324/.460/.703, 224 OPS+). With 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and a WAR of 10.6, Judge's performance is nothing short of phenomenal. But his contributions don’t stop there. With a perfect record of 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts, Judge displayed a comprehensive skill set. Furthermore, he played out of position in center field for most of the season, adding another layer of difficulty to his already impressive year.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Feat
In another corner of the league, Shohei Ohtani continues to rewrite the record books. Achieving an astonishing milestone of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, Ohtani’s versatility and prowess are reflected in his impressive stats: .303/.386/.642, 187 OPS+. With 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and a WAR of 8.6, he too has solidified his case for MVP contention.
Tarik Skubal and the Cy Young Race
The race for the Cy Young Award brings forward a riveting showdown. Tarik Skubal boasts an 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings. Leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, Skubal’s dominance on the mound is undeniable. As one commentator remarked, "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."
Strong Contenders: Sale and Wheeler
Chris Sale also makes a compelling case, with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Although he hasn’t received a Cy Young vote since 2018, his past performances—which saw him finish second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth—show he’s a perennial contender. Zack Wheeler is making his presence felt too, with a 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings, rounding out the league’s elite pitchers this season.
Guardians' Stunning Season
The Cleveland Guardians have defied all expectations this season. Initially projected to finish around .500, with a gambling win total set at 79 and positioned in third place in the AL Central, the Guardians have overcome significant hurdles. Despite losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and underperformance from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the team is only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. As noted, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League." This attests to the remarkable turnaround Cleveland has achieved.
Brewers Commanding the NL Central
Over in the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have been a model of consistency and resilience. They have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29 and are on course to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team, despite losing several key players. Manager Craig Counsell departed for the Chicago Cubs last winter, and the Brewers also saw Brandon Woodruff lost for the 2024 season, Corbin Burnes traded to the Orioles in spring training, and injuries taking out Devin Williams and Christian Yelich whose season ended in July. Highlighting the internal resilience, it was said, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
As awards season comes to a close, voters navigate their decisions with caution and care. "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win," reminds one of the noted commentators. It is a tight race, with performances this season ensuring that any decision remains deeply contested. "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." By the end of the World Series, the baseball world will hold its breath, waiting to see which of these celebrated athletes will take home the sport’s highest individual honors.