The regular MLB season is inching towards its grand finale, setting the stage for the forthcoming playoffs and subsequent announcement of major awards winners. With the voting season upon us, there's a lively debate about who will capture this year's significant honors.
All Eyes on Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani
Aaron Judge has been nothing short of spectacular this season. He leads the majors in an array of categories, including home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Judge's remarkable statistics showcase a .324/.460/.703 line (224 OPS+), with 57 home runs, 142 RBI, and 10.6 WAR. Adding to his offensive prowess, he has gone a perfect 10-for-10 in stolen base attempts and has played out of position in center field for most of the season.
On the other side of the spectrum, Shohei Ohtani continues his incredible dual-threat role, achieving what many believed to be unattainable—50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani's numbers are equally impressive, hitting .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR.
Pitching Giants Duel for Cy Young
The race for the Cy Young Award is equally intense, featuring standout performances by Tarik Skubal, Chris Sale, and Zack Wheeler. Skubal boasts an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and has struck out 228 batters across 192 innings. He leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, marking him as a formidable candidate.
Chris Sale, who has not received a Cy Young vote since 2018 despite finishing in the top six several times, showcases an 18-3 record, with a 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Zack Wheeler also presents a solid case with a 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts over 193 2/3 innings.
Reflecting on Skubal's season, the sentiment within the baseball community captures the essence beautifully: "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."
The Cleveland Guardians' Improbable Run
Among the many narratives this season, the Cleveland Guardians' journey stands out. Initially projected to finish around .500, with a gambling win total set at 79, and positioned third in the AL Central pre-season, the Guardians have defied all expectations. Despite losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and witnessing underperformance from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the Guardians are merely 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," aptly encapsulates their unexpected success.
Milwaukee Brewers' Unrelenting Dominance
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers have maintained a stronghold in the NL Central since April 29 and are on track to finish with the largest division lead among first-place teams. Despite significant setbacks—including the departure of Craig Counsell to the Chicago Cubs, season-ending injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Christian Yelich, and the spring training trade of Corbin Burnes to the Orioles—the Brewers have shown remarkable resilience. "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," highlights the team's internal fortitude.
The Award Season Uncertainty
The build-up to the awards announcements is filled with excitement and speculation. The author, a voter, reminds us, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." Acknowledging the stakes in these predictions, they add, "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 draws to a close and the playoffs loom on the horizon, the baseball world waits with bated breath to see which players and teams will etch their names into the annals of history. The performances of individuals like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, and the collective achievements of teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers ensure that this season will be remembered for years to come.