The regular season of Major League Baseball is winding down, and as the playoffs loom, focus turns to the major awards. Voters must cast their ballots before the postseason kicks off, with winners to be announced after the World Series. This year's races, particularly for the MVP and Cy Young awards, are proving to be some of the most compelling in recent memory.
MVP Contenders: Judge and Ohtani
Aaron Judge stands tall among the MVP candidates, leading the majors convincingly in several key statistical categories. He boasts a remarkable .324/.460/.703 slash line, an OPS+ of 224, and an exceptional 10.6 WAR. Judge's 57 home runs, 142 RBI, and 120 runs scored further underline his dominance this season. Showing versatility, he has also contributed 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts while frequently playing out of position in center field.
Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what a modern baseball player can be. This season, Ohtani achieved the rare feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. His impressive .303/.386/.642 slash line and a 187 OPS+ are complemented by 53 home runs, 56 stolen bases, 125 RBI, 130 runs scored, and an 8.6 WAR. His two-way prowess makes him a unique candidate in the MVP race.
Cy Young Race: Skubal, Sale, and Wheeler
In the American League, Tarik Skubal has emerged as a front-runner for the Cy Young award. With an 18-4 record, a 2.39 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 192 innings, Skubal leads the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. One commentator notably remarked, "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."
Conversely, Chris Sale is experiencing a resurgence. With an 18-3 record, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts in 177 2/3 innings, Sale is making his case known. Despite not receiving a Cy Young vote since 2018, Sale has previously finished second, third, fourth (twice), fifth (twice), and sixth in Cy Young voting.
Zack Wheeler’s performance also warrants attention. He holds a 16-7 record with a 2.56 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts in 193 2/3 innings. Wheeler's consistent excellence keeps him in the Cy Young conversation.
The Cleveland Guardians' Unexpected Success
The Cleveland Guardians have been one of the season's biggest surprises. Originally projected to finish around .500 with a gambling win total set at 79, they were positioned in third place in the AL Central at the start of the year. Despite losing Shane Bieber to a season-ending injury after just two starts and underwhelming performances from Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, the Guardians have exceeded all expectations.
Incredibly, the Guardians are now only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League. As one observer noted, "And yet, the Guardians are only half a game out of the best record in the entire American League."
Milwaukee Brewers: A Testament to Resilience
Over in the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have shown remarkable resilience. They have not trailed in the NL Central since April 29 and are on track to finish with the largest division lead of any first-place team. Despite several setbacks, including the departures of Craig Counsell to the Chicago Cubs, Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season, and Corbin Burnes to the Orioles in spring training, the Brewers have managed to stay on top.
Adding to their challenges, Devin Williams and Christian Yelich both suffered season-ending injuries. However, the team has managed to rally under internal leadership. "Murphy was promoted from within to take over a team that had already lost Brandon Woodruff for the 2024 season," a report highlighted, underscoring the internal resilience that characterizes Milwaukee's season.
Predictions and Reflections
As a seasoned voter thoughtfully remarked, "Remember, these aren't necessarily my picks. They are predictions as to who will win." It's a sentiment that encapsulates the speculative nature of awards season. The competition is close, and the choices are anything but straightforward. "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," they elaborated.
The final stretch of the season promises to be thrilling as fans, players, and analysts alike await the announcement of this year's top honors. Whether it's the remarkable individual performances or the unexpected team successes, 2023 will be remembered as a year of exceptional baseball.