Heading into the week of MLB awards, here are my predictions for who I think should (and hopefully will) win the Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Cy Young Awards:
AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladdy vs. Ohtani. That is the debate. On one hand, you have the modern-day Babe Ruth, on the other, you have the hottest hitter in baseball who pushed for the Triple Crown. In my opinion, Vladdy should win this year’s award for being the most dangerous hitter in baseball this year and leading the AL in runs, home runs, on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS. While what Ohtani does is impressive his team wasn’t close to the playoffs and he was slightly above average in both hitting and pitching categories. Vladdy is the true, total package that consistently dominated the MLB this year.
NL MVP: Juan Soto
Was anyone even close to Juan Soto in the NL this year? Despite not finding much success in the win column, Soto raked all year long. After a hot September that even further pushed his campaign, Soto finished with a .313 average, 95 RBIs, and a 7.1 WAR. Bryce Harper made a strong case to take his spot (.309/84/5.9) but Soto should prevail over him and the surprising nominee, Fernando Tatis Jr. Despite not finding the success he’s had in the past, Soto will look to build on this award in bringing the Nats up to par next year.
AL Rookie of the Year: Luis Garcia
Despite a tough postseason, Luis Garcia was solid all year long for Houston and looks to be their next big starter. In 30 games, Garcia posted a 3.48 ERA over 155.1 innings with 167 strikeouts and 1.178 WHIP producing him an 11-8 record on the year. Wander Franco is a close second for me but if he had started the season with the team and didn’t get hurt, his numbers would probably be too astronomical to ignore for ROY. I chose not to consider Randy Arozarena as well because he has the Ben Simmons effect for me where while he is a rookie yet shouldn’t be considered one. Randy has a solid chance of winning but basing it off what a true rookie is, Luis Garcia is my winner.
NL Rookie of the Year: Trevor Rogers
Don’t let the 7-8 record fool you, Trevor Rogers was an outstanding rookie. Not only was he an all-star in his first year, but he also posted a 2.64 ERA in 25 starts and 133 innings. Throw in 157 strikeouts, 1.15 WHIP and a 3.4 WAR and you’ve got an amazing rookie season. The future is bright in Miami with Rogers in their rotation and shows lots of potential for years to come. Kudos to Jonathan India and Dylan Carlson for solid years and some outstanding months of baseball but Trevor Rogers takes the cake for the most consistently strong rookie for the NL.
AL Cy Young: Robbie Ray
Robbie Ray put on a clinic this year on the mound, battling Gerrit Cole for this award all year whilst fighting to push the Jays into a playoff spot. He finished his season leading the AL in ERA (2.84), Starts (32), Innings (193.1), strikeouts (248), and WHIP (1.045). The only thing slighting his dominance on the mound was his Win total which Cole beat him in (16-13). However, many Jays fans know, if it wasn’t for some bullpen failures, Ray would be right there with Cole.
NL Cy Young: Max Scherzer
The ageless wonder was brilliant again this year winning (in my book) his fourth Cy Young Award. After a mid-season trade to LA, Scherzer finished with a 15-4 record and didn’t lose a game after said trade (7-0). He posted a 2.46 ERA (1.98 with LAD), 0.864 WHIP (led NL), and 236 Ks in 30 starts this year including a complete game. Corbin Burnes comes up just short this year after leading the NL in ERA and a ridiculously hot start, look for him to be a strong contender again next year.