The final stretch of the regular season is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as fans and analysts alike look forward to the culmination of an action-packed Major League Baseball year. The race for the postseason is heating up, and with it comes the anticipation of the annual awards that honor the sport’s best and brightest.
Award Voting Deadline and Announcements
As the regular season concludes, it's important to note that votes for the major awards must be cast before the playoffs begin. The winners will be announced post-World Series, making the lead-up to the grand finale even more exhilarating.
Aaron Judge: Dominating the Leaderboards
Aaron Judge has put forth an incredible season, leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. His impressive statistics—.324/.460/.703 (224 OPS+), with 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and a 10.6 WAR—underscore his dominance. Additionally, Judge has demonstrated his versatility by notching 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts and playing out of position in center field for most of the season. Such a performance places him firmly in the conversation for MVP.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Season
Another standout is Shohei Ohtani, who achieved the remarkable feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. On top of that, Ohtani's stats—.303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and an 8.6 WAR—speak volumes about his dual threat as both a hitter and a baserunner. Ohtani's unique talents and his historical achievements are a testament to his exceptional season.
Pitching Performances: Skubal, Sale, and Wheeler
On the pitching front, Tarik Skubal leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts with an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings. His dominance on the mound has been so pronounced that some believe he deserves an award typically reserved for starters. "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," noted one observer.
Meanwhile, Chris Sale, with his 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings, is vying for recognition that has eluded him since 2018. Despite finishing second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in Cy Young voting in past years, Sale hasn’t received a Cy Young vote in recent memory.
Zack Wheeler also deserves mention, boasting a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings. His consistency and prowess on the mound solidify his status among the league’s elite pitchers.
The Guardians' Unexpected Success
The Cleveland Guardians have been a revelation this season. Initially projected to finish around .500, with a gambling win total set at 79 and a third-place preseason ranking in the AL Central, the Guardians have defied expectations. Despite losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and underperformances by Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, they find themselves 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," marvelled an analyst, capturing the improbability of their success.
Resilient Brewers Aim for Dominance
Over in the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers have maintained a dominant position, not trailing since April 29 and on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. This resilience is even more remarkable considering the challenges they've faced. Craig Counsell departed for the Chicago Cubs last winter, and the team lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season. Furthermore, Corbin Burnes was traded to the Orioles in spring training, and key players Devin Williams and Christian Yelich suffered season-ending injuries. Nonetheless, the Brewers have maintained their competitive edge, a testament to the team's depth and internal strength. "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," highlighting the team's resilience and adaptability.
Predictions and Voting Nuances
The excitement surrounding the awards is matched by the speculation regarding who will take home the honors. One seasoned sports journalist emphasized the speculative nature of the awards season, noting, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." The journalist, who is also an actual voter, added, "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 we near the conclusion of a thrilling regular season, the outstanding performances of players like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and the remarkable pitching talents across the league will soon be rightfully recognized. The anticipation for the announcement of the major awards adds another layer of excitement to what has been an unforgettable baseball season.