The regular season is winding down, and with the playoffs on the horizon, the race for major awards is heating up. Votes must be cast before the playoffs begin, yet the winners won’t be announced until after the World Series. This delay only amplifies the anticipation as we consider the standout performances throughout the year.
Award Frontrunner: Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. Leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, Judge's statistics are a testament to his dominance: .324/.460/.703 (224 OPS+), with 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and a staggering 10.6 WAR. Additionally, he has showcased his versatility and athleticism with 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts and by playing out of position in center field for most of the season. Such a complete package makes Judge a formidable contender for major accolades.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Feat
Not to be outdone, Shohei Ohtani has also had an extraordinary season. Achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season sets him apart even further. Ohtani's statistics read .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, and 130 runs, culminating in an 8.6 WAR. These numbers not only highlight his incredible dual-threat capability but also fuel debates on whether he should win major awards despite the stiff competition from Judge.
Pitcher's Race: Skubal, Sale, and Wheeler
The race for the best pitcher is equally competitive. Tarik Skubal boasts an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings. Skubal leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, making him a prime candidate for the Cy Young Award. Reflecting on Skubal’s performance, the sentiment is clear: "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, with his 18-3 record, a slightly better 2.38 ERA, and a 1.01 WHIP, has 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Despite not having received a Cy Young vote since 2018, Sale’s past finishes—second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth—underscore his consistent excellence.
Zack Wheeler also presents a strong case with a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts over 193 2/3 innings. His performance this season provides yet another compelling narrative in the heated Cy Young race.
The Cleveland Guardians Defy Odds
The Cleveland Guardians' season can only be described as improbable. Initially projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79, the Guardians were positioned in third place in the AL Central. Losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and underperformance by Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen seemed to spell a tough year ahead. Yet, "the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League," a testament to their gritty resilience and unexpected success.
Milwaukee Brewers' Dominance
Over in the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have displayed unyielding dominance. Not trailing in the NL Central since April 29, they are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. This achievement is even more remarkable considering significant setbacks. Craig Counsell's departure to the Chicago Cubs last winter could have been a destabilizing factor, but the team’s internal promotions and strategy kept them competitive.
Moreover, they navigated the season despite losing Brandon Woodruff for 2024, trading Corbin Burnes to the Orioles in spring training, and injuries to key players like Devin Williams and Christian Yelich. "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," exemplifying the franchise's ability to adapt and thrive despite adversity.
The awards race remains uncertain, with no clear-cut winners just yet. "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win," notes a voting member, adding, "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."
As the regular season wraps up, fans and players alike will be eagerly awaiting the announcements post-World Series, celebrating the outstanding achievements of a truly memorable season.