The regular season is winding down, and the atmosphere in baseball couldn't be more electric as fans eagerly await the announcement of major awards. With voting for these prestigious accolades concluding before the playoffs, the spotlight falls on a handful of exceptional players who have delivered standout performances throughout the year.
Aaron Judge: A Season for the Ages
Aaron Judge has been nothing short of phenomenal. Leading the majors in home runs, RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR, Judge's statistics are staggering: .324/.460/.703 (224 OPS+), with 57 home runs, 142 RBI, 120 runs, and a staggering 10.6 WAR. His power at the plate is complemented by his speed on the bases, as evidenced by his perfect 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts. Additionally, Judge has showcased his versatility by playing out of position in center field for the bulk of the season.
Shohei Ohtani: Versatility Personified
While Judge has dominated the hitting charts, Shohei Ohtani has continued to awe fans with his dual-threat capability. Ohtani achieved a remarkable milestone this season, becoming the first player to register 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Posting a .303/.386/.642 (187 OPS+) stat line with 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, and 130 runs, and an impressive 8.6 WAR, Ohtani's achievements on both sides of the game place him firmly in the MVP conversation.
Unyielding Pitchers’ Duel
The race for the Cy Young Award is equally compelling. Tarik Skubal stands out with an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts over 192 innings. Leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts, Skubal's performance has been nothing short of dominant. 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, known for his previous near-misses in Cy Young voting, has re-emerged as a contender. With an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings, Sale has once again shown his elite capabilities on the mound. Remarkably, Sale hasn't received a Cy Young vote since 2018, yet his career has been defined by consistently strong finishes in the award voting—second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in past years.
Another contender, Zack Wheeler, boasts a 16-7 record, a 2.56 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings, adding complexity to the race for the coveted pitching award.
Guardians' Surprising Surge
Initially projected to finish around .500 with a 79-win total and positioned in third place in the AL Central, the Cleveland Guardians have defied expectations. Losing ace Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and witnessing underwhelming seasons from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen could have derailed any team. Yet, the Guardians have astonished the baseball world, currently sitting just half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. As one observer put it, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League."
Brewers' Steadfast Dominance
Equally impressive are the Milwaukee Brewers, who have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29. Despite significant setbacks—including the losses of Brandon Woodruff for the season, Corbin Burnes to a spring training trade, and injuries to Devin Williams and Christian Yelich—the team is on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. Highlighting the team's internal resilience, one commentator remarked, "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season."
The excitement surrounding the imminent awards announcements is palpable. With several players making compelling cases for MVP, Cy Young, and other accolades, the final outcomes promise to be as thrilling as the season itself. As one voter cautioned, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." Another 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."
As the dust settles on the regular season and anticipation builds for the playoffs, baseball fans can look forward to celebrating the extraordinary performances that have defined this unforgettable year.