The regular season is winding down, and with it, the race for major awards heats up. As votes must be cast before the playoffs begin, several standout performances have emerged, making the choice for top honors particularly challenging this year.
Aaron Judge: A Season for the Ages
Aaron Judge is making an unstoppable case for MVP, leading the majors in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. His statistics are nothing short of remarkable: a .324/.460/.703 slash line (224 OPS+), with 57 home runs, 142 RBIs, 120 runs, and a 10.6 WAR. Adding to his impressive resume, Judge has ten stolen bases in ten attempts and has commendably played out of position in center field for much of the season. It’s the kind of season that legends are made of, compelling voters to consider him for the top individual honor in baseball.
Shohei Ohtani: The Two-Way Sensation
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani continues to leave an indelible mark on the game, achieving the rare feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani’s statistics stand at .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+), with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBIs, 130 runs, and a 8.6 WAR. Balancing his incredible dual-role responsibilities and delivering dazzling performances at the plate and on the mound, Ohtani's unprecedented contributions make for a compelling MVP narrative.
Cy Young Competition: Pitchers Making Their Case
The Cy Young award race is equally intriguing this year. Tarik Skubal stands out with an 18-4 record, 2.39 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings. Leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, Skubal’s dominance is hard to ignore. 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.”
Chris Sale is also vying for the Cy Young with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings. Despite his stellar stats, Sale hasn’t received a Cy Young vote since 2018, but his past success—finishing second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth—demonstrates his consistent excellence. Sale’s performance this season could be his ticket back into the conversation.
Another name to watch is Zack Wheeler, boasting a 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings. Wheeler's consistency and command have placed him firmly in the mix for this prestigious award.
The Surprise Stories of 2024: Guardians and Brewers
The Cleveland Guardians have defied expectations this year. Initially projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79 and positioned in third place in the AL Central, they suffered early setbacks. Shane Bieber was lost to a season-ending injury after just two starts, and Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen underperformed. Even so, “the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League.” Their improbable success adds a fascinating storyline to the season.
Equally noteworthy are the Milwaukee Brewers, who have 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, a testament to their resilience. Despite losing key players like Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, Devin Williams, and Christian Yelich to trades and injuries, the Brewers have continued to dominate. As noted, “Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season,” showcasing the internal strength and leadership within the organization.
The Voting Process and Predictions
As award season approaches, it’s crucial to remember, “These aren’t necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win.” The task of choosing between such stellar candidates is no small feat, especially for an actual voter. “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.” This statement encapsulates the tight races and the pressure on voters to make informed decisions.
As the anticipation builds, the baseball community waits with bated breath to see who will take home the sport’s highest individual honors. The narratives woven throughout this season will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable awards season.