The end of the regular season is approaching, and with it come the inevitable debates and discussions surrounding the major awards in Major League Baseball.
Aaron Judge’s Phenomenal Season
Aaron Judge has been nothing short of a powerhouse. He leads the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR. His stats are simply staggering: a batting average of .324, an on-base percentage of .460, and a slugging percentage of .703, which collectively translate to an OPS+ of 224. Adding to these numbers are 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and a remarkable 10.6 WAR. Not to be overlooked, Judge has also been perfect on the base paths, with 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts, and has admirably filled in at center field for most of the season, playing out of position.
Shohei Ohtani: A Dual-Threat Unlike Any Other
If there’s one player giving Judge a run for his money, it’s Shohei Ohtani. Not only has Ohtani achieved an impressive 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, but his overall statistics are equally stellar. With a .303 batting average, a .386 on-base percentage, and a .642 slugging percentage, Ohtani’s OPS+ stands at 187. He has hit 53 home runs, driven in 125 runs, scored 130 runs, and boasts an 8.6 WAR. His combination of power and speed is a rarity in today’s game.
Pitching Dominance In the AL
On the mound, Tarik Skubal stands out as a key contender for the Cy Young Award. Skubal has an impressive 18-4 record, an ERA of 2.39, a WHIP of 0.92, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings. He leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, a trifecta that underscores his dominance this season. Reflecting on Skubal’s performance, 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.”
Another pitcher deserving recognition is Chris Sale. His 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts over 177 2/3 innings are impressive. Despite his stellar resume, Sale hasn't received a Cy Young vote since 2018. He has finished second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in previous Cy Young voting years, making him a perennial contender who may finally have his breakthrough year.
Zack Wheeler also merits mention. Wheeler's 16-7 record, 2.56 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings solidify his place among the league's elite pitchers this season.
The Cleveland Guardians: Defying Expectations
Beyond individual performances, team achievements have also caught the spotlight. The Cleveland Guardians, for example, were initially projected to finish around .500, with a gambling win total set at 79, and were seen as a third-place team in the AL Central. They faced numerous setbacks, including the season-ending injury of Shane Bieber after just two starts and underperformance from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen. Yet, remarkably, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. As one observer aptly put it, “And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League.”
Milwaukee Brewers: Dominance Despite Adversity
In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29, and they are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. This dominance is even more impressive given the adversity they’ve faced: Craig Counsell departed for the Chicago Cubs last winter; Brandon Woodruff was lost for the 2024 season; Corbin Burnes was traded to the Orioles in spring training; and both Devin Williams and Christian Yelich ended their seasons early due to injuries.
Despite these challenges, the Brewers have shown remarkable resilience. Highlighting the team's internal strength, one analyst noted, “Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season.”
The Intrigue of Awards Voting
As the season winds down and anticipation for the awards builds, the opinions and predictions of voters themselves add to the intrigue. One pundit wisely remarked, “Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win.” Another voter shared their current sentiments about the voting process, “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 all this in mind, as we inch closer to the playoffs, the debates and discussions about who will win the major awards are only just beginning.