The Major League Baseball regular season is winding down, which means the conversation surrounding major awards is heating up. With votes for these awards required before the playoffs begin, the debate over who should claim honors like MVP and Cy Young is intensifying.
Aaron Judge has positioned himself as a frontrunner in these discussions. Leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, Judge's statistics are undeniably impressive: a .324/.460/.703 slash line (224 OPS+), with 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and 10.6 WAR. Adding to his all-around prowess, Judge has stolen 10 bases in 10 attempts and has played out of position in center field for most of the season—a remarkable feat for someone typically stationed in right field.
But Judge isn't the only player turning heads this season. Shohei Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities have produced equally staggering numbers. Achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, Ohtani's stats of .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and 8.6 WAR make a compelling case for his MVP consideration.
Pitching Excellence
The Cy Young race is another heated contest. Tarik Skubal has captured attention with his 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings. Leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, he seems a strong candidate for the award. As one analyst noted, "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's impressive comeback also cannot go unnoticed. With an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings, Sale has bounced back after not receiving a Cy Young vote since 2018. Sale has finished second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in Cy Young voting in previous years, reflecting his consistent, elite performance over time.
Zack Wheeler’s 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings make him another strong contender in the Cy Young race. This wealth of pitching talent ensures a thrilling end to the season.
Team Surprises
Beyond individual performances, team narratives have surprised many this season. The Cleveland Guardians, initially projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79, were originally positioned in third place in the AL Central. Despite losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts, and with underwhelming seasons from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the Guardians are 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," an observer marveled, capturing the improbable nature of Cleveland’s success. This resilience reflects an exceptional team effort in the face of adversity.
The Milwaukee Brewers have also defied expectations, having not trailed in the NL Central since April 29. They are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team, despite significant setbacks. Offseason departures and injuries have plagued the team, including the loss of Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season, Corbin Burnes' trade to the Orioles, Devin Williams' injury, and Christian Yelich’s season-ending injury in July.
Yet, the Brewers’ internal resilience has shone through under new management. "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," another analyst remarked, highlighting how internal promotions have helped maintain the team’s competitive edge.
Award Season Predictions
As the season draws to a close, speculation intensifies. "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win," one voter explained, emphasizing the speculative nature of current award discussions. "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."
With the regular season's end on the horizon, the anticipation grows. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the announcements following the World Series, knowing the performances of players like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, and Chris Sale will be remembered as defining moments of the year. The resilience of teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers only adds to the narrative of an unforgettable season, full of unexpected twists and standout achievements.