The regular season is winding down, and with it comes the anticipation of major award announcements. As votes must be cast before the playoffs, speculation is rife and debates are heating up around the potential winners. This year, the performances of Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, and others have set the stage for an exciting awards season.
The Phenomenal Performances of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani
Leading the majors in multiple offensive categories, Aaron Judge has had a season for the ages. He tops the charts in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. His staggering statistics include a .324/.460/.703 slash line (224 OPS+), 57 home runs, 142 RBIs, 120 runs, and a 10.6 WAR. Not only has Judge showcased his power and plate discipline, but he's also excelled on the basepaths with a perfect 10-for-10 in stolen base attempts. Moreover, Judge’s versatility has been on display as he's admirably filled in at center field for most of the season.
On the other hand, Shohei Ohtani continues to amaze with his two-way prowess. Achieving the rare feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, Ohtani's numbers are equally impressive: a .303/.386/.642 slash line (187 OPS+), 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBIs, and 130 runs, culminating in an 8.6 WAR. Ohtani’s unique contribution as both a hitter and a pitcher cannot be overstated, cementing his status as one of the most versatile players in baseball history.
Both Judge and Ohtani's extraordinary seasons have ignited discussions about MVP honors, and given their contributions, it remains anyone’s guess as to who will emerge victorious.
Pitching Marvels: The Cy Young Race
The battle for the Cy Young award is equally fierce, with Tarik Skubal leading the charge. Boasting an 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings, Skubal leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. His dominance on the mound has made a significant impact, prompting high praise from analysts and fans alike. One quote sums it up perfectly: "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, another contender, has produced an 18-3 record with a 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Remarkably, Sale hasn't received a Cy Young vote since 2018 despite consistently performing at an elite level, finishing second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in past voting. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler also merits consideration with his 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings, rounding out a competitive field for the prestigious pitching award.
Surprising Contenders: Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers
The Cleveland Guardians have defied 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, their season faced early adversity. Shane Bieber’s season-ending injury after just two starts, coupled with underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, painted a grim picture. Yet, against all odds, the Guardians now find themselves 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," captures the implausible nature of their success.
Similarly, the Milwaukee Brewers have demonstrated incredible resilience. They have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29 and are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. Despite facing significant challenges such as the departure of Craig Counsell to the Chicago Cubs last winter, and injuries to key players including Brandon Woodruff, Devin Williams, and Christian Yelich, the Brewers have maintained their dominance. The internal promotion of Murphy to manage the team exemplifies their ability to adapt and persevere. "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," highlights the internal strength and adaptability that have propelled the Brewers this season.
The Speculative Nature of Awards Season
As the voting deadline approaches, it's important to remember the speculative nature of these awards. As one expert put it, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." The excitement and debates surrounding the end-of-season awards are a testament to the incredible performances we've witnessed this year.
Indeed, for voters, it's a careful balancing act to ensure their predictions do not hint at their actual votes. "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," one voter admits, emphasizing the tough decisions yet to be made.
As we await the announcements following the World Series, the anticipation continues to build. This season's tremendous individual and team performances have set a high bar, and whichever way the votes swing, this year’s awards are bound to be unforgettable.