The regular season of baseball is winding down, and with it comes the final push for determining this year's award winners. As the playoffs loom, votes for major awards must be cast, but the winners won't be announced until after the World Series. This year's contenders have showcased exceptional performances that warrant recognition.
Aaron Judge's Stellar Season
Aaron Judge has been in a league of his own this season. Leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, Judge's numbers are nothing short of spectacular. Sporting a .324/.460/.703 slash line and an eye-popping 224 OPS+, Judge has hit 57 home runs, driven in 142 runs, scored 120 times, and has a contributed a 10.6 WAR. Impressively, he’s also been perfect in his stolen base attempts, going 10 for 10, and has played out of position in center field for much of the season.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Performance
Not to be overshadowed, Shohei Ohtani has continued to be a transcendent force. Achieving the rare feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, Ohtani's statistics are similarly awe-inspiring. With a .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+) and 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs, and an 8.6 WAR, Ohtani has once again proven his dual-threat capability on the diamond.
The Pitcher's Race: Skubal, Sale, and Wheeler
On the mound, Tarik Skubal has emerged as a top contender. His 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings lead the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. As one observer 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.” Such is the dominance Skubal has displayed.
Chris Sale has also demonstrated vintage form, posting an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Interestingly, despite having stellar seasons in the past, Sale hasn’t received a Cy Young vote since 2018 and has finished in various positions from second to sixth in previous years.
Zack Wheeler, with his 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings, also remains in the hunt. His contributions to his team's success underscore the competitive nature of this year's award race.
Cleveland Guardians Defy Expectations
The Cleveland Guardians' season has been a tale of resilience and overachievement. Initially projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79 and positioned in third place in the AL Central, the Guardians' journey has been remarkable. Losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and enduring underperformance from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, their success seemed improbable. However, they are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. As one commentator mused, “And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League.”
Milwaukee Brewers' Unyielding Dominance
Similarly, the Milwaukee Brewers have demonstrated tenacity and depth. Not trailing in the NL Central since April 29 and on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team, they have managed to stay ahead despite significant setbacks. The departure of Craig Counsell to the Chicago Cubs last winter, Brandon Woodruff's season-ending injury, Corbin Burnes' trade to the Orioles, and injuries to key players like Devin Williams and Christian Yelich could have derailed their season. Still, their resilience has shone through. As highlighted, “Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season.”
Speculations and Predictions
As we move closer to the announcements of the award winners, it's crucial to remember that many predictions are speculative. One seasoned voter noted, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." Staying cautious, the same 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."
With exceptional performances from players and teams alike, this season's awards race promises to be one for the ages. The blend of statistical brilliance, unexpected team resilience, and the ever-present element of surprise makes for a compelling narrative as we await the final verdicts post-World Series.